Tag: mythology

Medea

It’s finally time, Deviants! This fortnight, we journeyed way, way back to visit the figure who started it all, the original Deviant Woman – the witch, the slayer, the mean mother you don’t want to cross – Medea! From her mythological beginnings as Jason’s right-hand-woman to her titular role at the centre of Euripides’ famous drama, Medea remains one of Greek mythology’s most infamous and intriguing figures. After supporting Jason through his conquests with the Argonauts (and saving his life on multiple occasions!) Medea was betrayed in the most awful way, and her method of revenge is one that has seen her labelled a madwoman, a fiend, and a wicked and monstrous mother. But is it really that simple?

We’re joined by Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby’s fabulous host Liv to dive into all things monsters, betrayal, rage and revenge. So grab your poisons, your favourite coronet and climb aboard your dragon chariot, and join us as we break down one of our all time favourite Deviant Women, Medea!

Pamela Colman Smith

Famous today as the overlooked illustrator of the influential Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck, in her own time Pamela Colman Smith was something of an enigma. Known for her lively and enchanting Jamaican folklore performances, her publishing press and literary magazine, and for her extraordinary miniature theatre, Pamela – Pixie to her friends – wove magical worlds where women had agency and gender was fluid. But she was also a woman cloaked in mystery, and who was often Othered by her contemporaries. Join us, together with PCS scholar Elizabeth Foley O’Connor, as we travel from England to Jamaica, New York and Cornwall, tracing this elusive and enigmatic woman. 

Christmas Special

It’s the holidays and whatever you celebrate – Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule or the Solstice – we hope you have a most excellent break and enjoy some festive cheer! In our end of year special, we talk about some of our favourites from the season and then get deep into the figure of Frau Pertcha, the Alpine Goddess whose naughty list you *don’t* want to end up on! We then trace her connection to Holda, the protectress of women’s crafts and children’s souls. So grab some eggnog, charge your yule glasses, and join us for some myth and merriment!

The Ukok Princess and the Scythians

In 1993, in the freezing Siberian Steppes, archeologists unearthed a remarkable grave. In it they found the tattoed and mummifed remains of a 2500 year old female shaman. This discovery would contribute to a complete re-imagining of the lives of women in antiquity, and allow historians to see the connection between the mythical Amazons and their real-life counterparts, the Scythians. Join us as we untangle myth from reality, unlocking the Ukok Princess’ secrets, and those of her warrior sisters, to understand more about the powerful archetype of the Amazon, and how she continues to inspire us today!

Artemisia I of Caria

In the 5th century BCE the Persian Empire stretched from Asia and the Middle East, as far as Africa and Europe. But the Persian King, Xerxes, sought to expand the empire, launching his armies into Greece by land and by sea. Among the commanders of the Persian fleet was Artemisia: Queen of Caria and ruthless naval strategist. Her courage at the Battle of Artemisium set her apart, and her wily recklessness at the Battle of Salamis cemented her place in history, as well as in Xerxes’ esteem. But the historicity of her life is elusive, leading some to fill in the gaps with clichéd tropes. Take your place to witness an epic clash of civilisations, as we consider Artemisia’s place in the fray alongside Hollywood’s representation of this fascinating figure.

Christmas Special

Merry Christmas, Deviants! In our special Christmas episode, we close the year by revisiting a few of our favourite deviant women of season one, and introducing our first ever live show. We also take a quick trip to the snowy north to meet the Yule Lad’s terrifying mother, and discover the mythological woman at the heart of kissing under the mistletoe! So grab a glass of gluhwein, sit beneath some fairy lights, and join us as we wrap up (ey?) 2017!

Juleidah

A disguised princess forced into domestic drudgery who meets a prince at an extravagant ball might sound familiar, but there’s more to Juleidah’s version of the tale. After escaping the illicit desires of her father, this Egyptian princess dons a suit of leather and travels to a nearby kingdom, hiding out as the scullery maid and Queen’s jester. Come with us to a mythical land as we explore Cinderella’s lesser known cousin, ‘The Princess in the Suit of Leather’.

Guðrún Gjúkadóttir

In the epic time of Norse mythology, the Völsunga Saga tells of love, betrayal, tragedy and blood feuds. At the heart of one family’s legend sits Guðrún Gjúkadóttir, wife to three kings, and a woman to whom vengeance necessitates a devastating sacrifice. Join us as we venture into a land of Valkyries and dragons, where a sorceress’s prophecy might foretell your doom, and you must always be wary of accepting ale!