Myths & Monsters

Mythologist Joseph Campbell’s work was a key influence of modern culture such as the Star Wars saga and Harry Potter. Here his ‘Hero’s Journey’ is explained, showing how it applies to ancient heroes such as Odysseus, King Arthur, and Sigurd.

This episode shows the stories told about the wilderness and the monsters lurking within it. From the fears of the Ancient Greeks to the Norse and the Celts of pre-Christian Ireland.

In this episode, we show how the Romans explained their violent ways through the tale of Romulus and Remus, we explore the Valkyries in Norse myth, we show how Vlad the Impaler acquired his nickname and we examine The Iliad.

Here we tell the medieval romance of Tristan and Isolde. We explore the abandonment of Dido. We see how Norse attitudes to sex and marriage were expressed. And we meet Medea, guilty of the darkest crime of love and passion.

This episode will explore the devastating historical events that lay behind the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Here we tell the Greek myth of Antigone, meet the Norse god, Baldr, examine the apocalyptic flood narratives, and we explore our fascination with the undead.