If you've ever heard of or read the Iliad or the Odyssey, you may have thought 'ehh, what's all the hype about?'. Why is Achilles so mad, and why is Odysseus such an asshole!?
In this podcast I will be answering this, and many, many more such questions about the twin epics from the blind bard in audio format. So join me on this literary / historical / mythological adventure into the wine dark depths of Homers literary sea.
homericepicpodcast.substack.com (https://homericepicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
I finally got around to recording some of my thoughts on the Odyssey movie. I feel most of the criticism leveled against it relates to it being a film adaptation of one of the greatest stories of all time. This alone requires concessions to be made, and I am sympathetic to the medium enough to be able to enjoy the movie for what it is: a good movie in its own right.
That being said, there were some things that disappointed me about it, and that is what fills the majority of this rambling episode. All in all I like the film a lot, but knowing what I know about the Odyssey makes it difficult to love this movie.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit homericepicpodcast.substack.com (https://homericepicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
24 Aug 2026
H.E.P - Episode 17: Iliad Book 16
In this episode we cover book 16 of the Iliad and the entire character arc of Patroclus. I touch on the complexities of Achilles situation and how he expresses his inner turmoil, but eventually does relent and let Patroclus fight. I also go over the character of Sarpedon, and how the poet has been preparing him for this book. Lastly, the death of gentle Patroclus and the peculiar way that it occurs rounds out this episode. Does Achilles relinquish his wrath here? Who is Euphorbus and why is he afforded a piece of the glory? Listen and find out!
Sources used for the episode:
* Hofmeister, T. P. (1995). “Rest in Violence”: Composition and Characterization in “Iliad” 16.155-277. Classical Antiquity, 14(2), 289–316. https://doi.org/10.2307/25011024
* Allan, W. (2005). Arms and the Man: Euphorbus, Hector, and the Death of Patroclus. The Classical Quarterly, 55(1), 1–16. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3556236
* Scodel, R. (1989). The Word of Achilles. Classical Philology, 84(2), 91–99. http://www.jstor.org/stable/270264
* Gaca, K. L. (2008). Reinterpreting the Homeric Simile of “Iliad” 16.7-11: The Girl and Her Mother in Ancient Greek Warfare. The American Journal of Philology, 129(2), 145–171. http://www.jstor.org/stable/27566700
* Owen, E. T. (1946). Story of the Iliad. In University of Michigan Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.12946780
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit homericepicpodcast.substack.com (https://homericepicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
11 May 2026
Musing on Homer - Ep. 2
Hello Everyone!
Another episode where I answer some listener questions and ramble on about whatever else I’ve been reading on Homer! This time I discuss, in broad strokes, how Homer is foundational to our western notion of literature, the attitude of women in Homer to their (usually) unfortunate fates, and lastly about a book I’ve been reading that has changed the way I see the Homeric poems: The Singer of Tales by Albert Lord.
I’m definitely going to need more air time to talk about this book, it’s got a few things to say…
Here is an article that I discuss from Prof. Joel Christensen’s great blog about how the ancient Athenians may have used the authority of Homer to settle a land dispute with their neighbours.
* Sententiae antiquae, V. a. P. B. (2015, June 27). Messing More with Homer: Megara, Salamis, Athens and Solon. SENTENTIAE ANTIQUAE. https://sententiaeantiquae.com/2015/06/27/messing-more-with-homer-megara-salamis-athens-and-solon/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit homericepicpodcast.substack.com (https://homericepicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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257
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
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4.8 / 5
10 ratings
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5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
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Quality
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YouTube
64
Engagement
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