About this episode

The episode explores the complex portrayal of women in Greek myths and their reflection of ancient gender roles.

Why are women such a central obsession in Greek myths, often portrayed as obstacles or prizes? In Homer’s world—myth and history blend, creating a paradox. Women are both silenced and mythologized, seen as prizes or obstacles, and yet, they're essential to the story’s very fabric. For example, Helen’s obsession drives the Trojan War, while women like Penelope symbolize loyalty and silence. But beneath these stories lies a complex reflection of ancient gender roles—where women are both disempowered and core to a hero’s glory. It’s a disturbing but fascinating mirror of real ancient life, showing us how myth preserves and distorts societal norms through time. These stories reveal that women were often seen as objects of desire, but also as symbols of power, victimization, or even rebellion—depending on the lens. Chalke History Festival is on from the 22nd through to the 28th of June grab tickets from https://www.chalkefestival.com Grab a copy of Mythica https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14692/9781804992791 Keep up to date with Emily via: Her Website https://www.emilyhauser.com/ Her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emilyhauserauthor If you want to get in touch with History with Jackson…

People in this episode

Host: History with Jackson

Guest: Emily Hauser

Topics covered

• Greek myths
• gender roles
• Homer
• ancient history
• women in mythology

Keywords

• Greek myths
• gender roles
• Homer
• Trojan War
• ancient history
• women
• mythology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chalke History Festival

Books & works: Mythica

More episodes of History with Jackson

• The Crusade Storm with Nicholas Morton · July 18, 2026 · 45 min
• The Scramble for America with Clement Knox · July 11, 2026 · 43 min
• Regina with Kate Williams · July 4, 2026 · 44 min
• The American Revolution with Zack White · June 27, 2026 · 18 min
• The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s with Jason Burke - Chalke History Festival Special Series · June 23, 2026 · 48 min
• Operation Piemento with Adam Hart - Chalke History Festival Special Series · June 22, 2026 · 1h 2m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the History with Jackson podcast page.