Episode 7: Back-to-School

With summer at an end, the Muses have asked me to do an episode focusing on going back to school! As you might imagine, the Muses are all big fans of education. So many of the artistic things they inspire get studied in schools – books and poems and movies and paintings – but they also know that learning can inspire creativity. In this episode, we'll explore some stories about famous mythological teachers -- the figures who helped heroes become heroes -- and about some other gods of wisdom, knowledge, and learning.

This episode's interview features Jordana Elias, daughter of Aphrodite and National Program Director for Plato Learning. In her mortal guise, Jordana has also worked as a classroom teacher! She shares insights on how teachers prepare to go back-to-school and assures us that they do not, in fact, hibernate in their classrooms.

If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!).

[Transcript for Episode 7]

Stuff to Read:

• More about Chiron from Mythopedia and the World History Encyclopedia
• More on Scáthach and Cu Chulainn
  • A short audio version of Scáthach’s training of Cu Chulainn (8:15)
  • The full Táin Bó Cúalnge, the Irish legend featuring Cu Chulainn and Scáthach.
• More on Thoth and Seshat: 
  • An overview of Seshat at the World History Encyclopedia.
  • Also, a prayer to Thoth and Seshat for skill in writing!
• Odin at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia
  • More on Yggdrasil and Odin's sacrifice upon the tree

Stuff to Watch: 

• Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 7: Featuring more on Chiron, Cu Chulainn, Athena, Thoth, and Orunmila!

Cool Images: 

Possible location of Scáthach's school (from Undiscovered Scotland)

Reproductions of images of Seshat and Thoth from temple walls: 

Seshat by Yliade on DeviantArt

Orunmila by Noire 3000 / James C. Lewis

Orunmila by Christopher Pompey on ArtStation

Oden som vandringsman, or Odin as Wanderer by Georg von Rosen (1886)