Greek Mythology 3500 BC to AD 2014

www.birmingham.ac.uk/classics
Professor Ken Dowden delivers the Birmingham and Midlands Classical Association's New Year lecture.
Where do Greek myths come from?
How, and when, are they created?
What is the point of them?
Why haven't they passed away like the Ancient Greeks themselves?
Are there modern 'mythologies' in the same sense as Greek mythology?
Professor Dowden's script for this lecture can be downloaded at www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents...
#mythology #lecture

[@nategilbert7397]

Good lord this guy is enthusiastic about classical mythology. I could listen to him talk for hours. Why the BBC hasn't given him a series is beyond me. Many thanks to U of Birmingham for uploading this fascinating lecture. Cheers from the USA. :)

[@DuncanRhodes]

Was lucky enough to study at Birmingham between 1996-99, and very much enjoyed Ken's lectures, and his charismatic delivery and sense of humour.

[@1970coconut]

Oh, such fortunate people you are over there! You may be very proud of him and your Professor to his students as well. No place to sit remained in the room! This lecture is what I will see more and more times. Thanks for this upload!

[@jamesdewane1642]

I second your reaction. A professor perpetually pressed for time and worried about his limited ability to pass on the things he knows is pure beauty, and the antithesis of the people who just fill time.

[@PingPing104]

He's a white, middle-aged male and most-likely married. That's why the BBC won't go near him.

[@bluedragon7925]

@@PingPing104 And highly intelligent, knowledgeable, eloquent, humorous, and, most tellingly for the Beeb, is guilty of the cardinal sin of freethinking!

[@coltonstephens2399]

his jokes where hilarious, everyone there were so uptight

[@Suite_annamite]

Well, at least there were quiet nervous giggles that were audible amongst them.

[@eurosensazion]

It's cause they are British lol.

[@roynormannlee]

Glad im not u

[@Bogey1022]

I was thinking the laughs weren't audible because there's no mic in the audience. There had to be some laughs through that

[@dunruden9720]

everyone was...

[@kylechurch6296]

I pray for UoB to put more lectures by this man online.

[@olbillthecook5547]

I sincerely doubt anyone will be as enthusiastic about lectures concerning us in 2000 years. Bravo sir. Well done.

[@mickj9203]

If there's truth to how our point in history is taught then the amount of propaganda alone would make an historians mind whizz left and right

[@shaunkrueger2399]

His demeanor and enthusiasm is addicting, why can't I find more of his lectures?

[@lifetreck3407]

I always be remembered of my grandfathers and grandmothers, when in summertime going to my root villages and specially in the night time, sitting all around the table outside under the big yard tree, listening to all those great stories and myths the elder of the family and relatives come to join ,speak, share with joy , laugh even sadness giving the best of them to be more trustful and amusing that could be...!!! Unforgettable...!!!

[@emilymaguire3163]

Even I want renaissance works in my house, especially depicting Greek mythology! So beautiful! Also I'm learning the beautiful language Demotic Greek. Amazing music from the Greeks! In terms of architecture and symmetry the Greeks made amazing temples and housing, I can't get enough of it.

[@cliffdariff74]

the Greek sculpture is also amazing, look up the bronze Posiden they found at bottom of the sea.

[@bluedragon7925]

Gosh a free-thinking, eloquent, highly intelligent, hugely knowledgeable academic with a brilliant sense of humour! Has he still got a job?

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

Demetrio , - He is not incorrect. You are incorrect in saying he is incorrect.

[@kathamritaray9538]

One of the best lecture I've ever had. Hats off for his curiosities regarding ancient Greek mythology

[@jennybahtimy2701]

Fascinating! Want it or not we live in the times of globalization, I am 70 years old and I am ever so grateful to the professor for such lovely presentation. knowledge at my finger tips at 6 in the morning in my own house on my Motorola somewhere in the USA. Love mythology, I come from the island of Aphrodite the beautiful Cyprus.

[@robertpoen5383]

"Mythology scrapes at the fundamentals of our psychology." That's what you call a hook. I'm all in.

[@discoveringthegardenofeden7882]

Well, do I have a surprise for you. Come and see, said the Siren.

[@mickj9203]

@@discoveringthegardenofeden7882 is this another video? Can you link it please?

[@81atanas]

@@discoveringthegardenofeden7882 women today.. the sirens' parallel.. Come to see! To see what??

[@ramakrishnansubbiyan1764]

Simply present invention mandra is Tamil language purely one second you all surendr..to me..I am chef cruise ship I know mythology excellent my strength we not show you we hiding behind the world.. because I say I am the best rest of world is nothing with you all happy new achive to learn God language purely one..called Hindu religion Tamil language... science format PDF high resolution images available until you get power of attorney general...

[@A_Simple_Neurose]

This is one of those rare people that is a born teacher. That childlike enthusiasm he shows when talking with such fun about something he must've been studying for decades is the hallmark of a true master.

[@rocioaguilera3555]

Dr. Dowen is a bright scholar with a great sense of humor. Delightful. Hector the Troyan was my first love. I cried when the Iliad describes his funeral. Excellent conference. Thanks

[@darleystar]

Fascinating, illuminating, informative and entertaining. The epitome of everything my teachers weren't.

[@dariusfatherofxerxes7701]

This was the most insightful and invigorating lecture that I have ever heard. To be captivated by both topic and speaker is an absolute joy. Prof Ken Dowden brightened my day beyond belief ... and yet my day was not that bad to begin with! This is wonderful and should be heard by all who have any interest in history and myth. The intersection and dissection of such is truly remarkable. It is amazing that is reframes the more recent books or Myths; the holy books of the newer religions of the last couple thousand years. Just brilliant!

[@mirjamansikkamaki]

Amazingly captivating style this person has to presentate, love it! Many thanks for uploading, and greetings from Finland.

[@ricardobardales8137]

I am utterly admirable and out breathing for ancient Greek culture and I cannot deny that the professor is truly captivating with his explanation of this maravellous topic. Greetings from Perú.

[@elizabethlyons8539]

It's good to see someone so excited about what he teaches. Love it!

[@elmersbalm5219]

This is easily the best lecture I watched on YT about Greek mythology!

[@guritarasi8732]

Haden't "Greek" mythology but only Pelasgian-Illyrian. "Greeks" was just the priest whose grab the myths. The word "Greek" came from Illyrians: "Graii" Aristotle"Meteorologica" XIV

[@alexandroslazaridis9318]

@@guritarasi8732 But the greeks called themselves hellenes not greeks. The romans called them greeks.Also stop believing what Hoxha told you

[@ellinmakedon1216]

@@guritarasi8732 μαϊντανε πάλι εδώ; Σταμάτα γιατί γελοιοποίησε.

[@ilgrandearthas6429]

@@alexandroslazaridis9318 So what you are saying is, Hoxha wrote Aristo's Meteorologica?

[@koteswar009]

@@guritarasi8732 And Indians called them Yavanas

[@johnjustice8478]

1:00 "The future is unknowable." I knew you were going to say that.

[@user-sc5iv2rp2t]

"I pity the century, that will not have Greeks." Nero, Roman Emperor.

[@thismoment7881]

That is an extraordinary sentence by Nero...

[@koteswar009]

Yeah sadly for the Europeans. The only surviving ancient civilisation exists in India now, that still follows polytheism like Greeks, Egyptians who later converted to Abrahamic religions

[@Jumpoable]

@@koteswar009 Don't forget the Chinese & also the Japanese/ Koreans influenced by Chinese culture, & Southeast Asia which still believes in the spirits of nature of their primordial jungles if not national pantheons.

[@MendTheWorld]

In the USA we worship Jesus and the Almighty Dollar, but there is also a host of lesser deities worshipped by local barbarian tribes, including St. Donald of Mar-a-Lago.

[@hasanturkovic9049]

@MendTheWorld your bigotry is showing

[@Orlafis]

What a delightful fellow, I would love to watch his lectures live

[@UVtec]

I had a teacher on art history. He could talk for HOURS non stop, describing funny details we although didn't need to know, but it was extremely enjoyable.

[@jeffersonparis7767]

This is so precious! Please upload more - and thank you for sharing it.

[@the.amazing.spatterman]

This man is in love with history! I love it!

[@carlodefalco7930]

Mythology 😬😁

[@delphinidin]

i love his manic chaotic energy

[@Cat_Woods]

I hope someone gave him the Lego scriptorium at some point. He's earned it, and I can't think that many other people would feel more delight in it.

[@wendykleeb2071]

I majored in Liberal Studies. Every day was such a pleasure. We can learn soo much by the writings of the past.

[@bouncepsycho]

What a great lecture! Ken Dowden is passionate about his subject and it shows! Thank you for sharing

[@J10044]

Glorious presentation! More of this man please

[@ne5566]

I loved this. So enthusiastic and informative. With the reconfiguration of the OU and the lack of intellectual courses for people who want to continue learning but can't afford to because they already have a degree, more universities should post such material. Take down some of the promotional videos about Birmingham student life and put some real content - such as this video. This lecture is a far greater advert than loads of pap on the uni bar and playing about on campus. Thanks.

[@jonkjolstad]

A pure delight. A great many thanks.

[@Amadeu.Macedo]

Fabulous, outstanding lecture! Bravo!

[@Beautiful_Sacred_Land]

Professor Ken Dowden is wonderful. Really enjoying his lecture. Thanks for sharing.

[@claudiascott6654]

Loved his presentation- quirky and very informative and interesting!

[@santiagoreynoso3223]

this might be the best lecture I ever heard, either personally or online. Bravo!

[@toddmyers1586]

Well done mate! "He says they've already got one!". Love his sense of humor.

[@la_sarito]

What a joy to listen to this man, omg, such passion, what a delight to listen and learn..... Thank you so much. :)

[@deadinteresting8905]

Brilliant lecture, Dr Dowen`s enthusiasm for the subject is infectious!! :)

[@shaula7191]

I'm so excited for university, I hope my lecturers are this passionate :)

[@whoops8412]

36:45 someone get this man legos!!! His joy over a miniature quill is adorable!

[@rajbhandari9605]

As a father of lego fanatic son who likes to correct me it its 'lego' not 'legos' I am compelled to do the same :)

[@lindapeacock5664]

Refreshing and delightful. Thank you so much.

[@pelimies1818]

Good show. Never knew a presentation with such amount of numerals can be so light and delightful. I was ÄIMÄNKÄKENÄ, which is an old finnish word that means a sort of flabberghastedish..

[@MrClawrax]

Absolutely fascinating (:

[@alexraphael6534]

Brilliant lecture. The enthusiasm is much appreciated!

[@PeruBird]

this lecture is wonderful!!!

[@arnoldnathanael4670]

Wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable - thank you Prof

[@korbindallas8224]

What a great professor

[@xverxverxverga]

what a marvelous guy

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

amazing with a light touch

[@Fernandoenf2]

Thank you for sharing this awesome lecture

[@berendharmsen]

Is Stephen Fry-esque a word to describe this man? I love it

[@davyroger3773]

Its Perfect. Stephen's book on the myths is excellent

[@aniruddhbhatkal1834]

Yeah I had the same thought.

[@Auriflamme]

I'd say he's more like Terry Jones who sadly passed away not too long ago.

[@petemullaney109]

Yes! I keep expecting him to say something ridiculous about balloons or something.

[@jonathanlewell]

Loved it! Thank you for sharing

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

What a superb lecture - and what a more superb lecturer!

[@RViviers1990]

You are such a brilliant lecturer. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@jonathanpoole5316]

Loved all of the etymology and your comparative technique very informative thanks.

[@luciddreamer4672]

Most enjoyable. Love the speaker. Great stuff!😎

[@kumarmangalampatravali660]

Excellent! I could learn so many things from this video. Thank you so much, Uni Birmingham for uploading!

[@thaliart]

One of best lecture on line I've ever seen. May Greek gods take care of him

[@user-be9ey4jb3c]

Ancient Greeks believed in Holy Trinity.Chaos Gaia Eros.

[@ikeike2]

Excellent.

[@dathunder8208]

Fascinating! Professor Dowden blends the history of ancient Greece with that of ancient India, like an artist. How much of it is history, and how much is imagination is another story. He's a powerful storyteller.

[@crieff1sand2s]

This man is excellent

[@rdjb9650]

Not even three minutes in and I love him 🙏🏼🥰🙏🏼💜🙏🏼🤩🙏🏼💜

[@eurosensazion]

Best myth to understand a bit of the connection of ancient cultures and the Indo-European is Jason & the Argonauts with the Golden Fleece. They visit even settled in the Black Sea area.

[@wiolettawach8723]

What a brilliant lecture!

[@786humaira1]

This is an intellectual of our days , one of the rare ones. S pleasure to hear him .

[@gergelybakos2159]

Thanks, professor!

[@greekspartan6662]

Amazing presentation lovely

[@janewrin1830]

I need to watch this many times. Fantastic. He reminds me of my Classic teacher at school, she was and still is, a brilliant teacher even in her 80s.

[@ionescucristian3672]

Love the enthusiasm

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

Thank you 🙏 University of Birmingham I take it you heard my son is into this geeky stuff.

[@strato5135]

Enjoyed this one

[@cleof1503]

This was so interesting, i enjoyed this presentation very much.

[@patod4]

I was fascinated by him and his lecture. Will check out his books.

[@idgeofreason8630]

I wish he had taught me greek mythology. Really. Love this lecture.

[@indybear54]

Love his presentation and his personality exuberant way to present this topic of mythology, intelegent very instructional. What a love for history and enthusiastic way to explain it.

[@dijonstreak]

..tally ho ol' chap !!...BEST presentation EVER on this SO fascinating and relevant subject....many thanx ol' boy. !!

[@Aurora2097]

A very good lecturer! I enjoyed listening and watching a lot.

[@anne-marienordin7636]

Whar a wonderful teacher!

[@anselmdanker9519]

Great fun listening to him!😆thanks for posting.

[@foff4446]

insightful.

[@andresrice7314]

Thank you so much, Uni Birmingham for uploading!😃

[@danielleboyd3070]

Thank you.

[@Ceorolus]

The Dr Who of historical rationale made his mark here with a wonderful lecture on just about everything.

[@Hammer332]

This is wonderful.

[@BaldingClamydia]

I really enjoyed this lecture and presenter! His passion is evident and entralling! "...and then it moved on to quantum mechanics and I don't understand anything anymore." Relatable 3:21 A Monty Python reference! Love it

[@RadoslawKurczewski]

Absolutely spectacular storyteller and man of great knowledge. Thank you, professor, it was a pleasure to listen to you.

[@nuggetoftruth-ericking7489]

This was very interesting.

[@SunchildeTarot]

I don't care what he is teaching (ish), I want to go on a course ran by this guy. That was such fun!

[@annalieff-saxby568]

As an amateur of Mythology, I'd pay in gold for a chance to pick this man's brains for a couple of hours.

[@anne-marienordin7636]

Very interesting! 👏👏👏👏

[@ow2750]

still love to listen to u! ure a real geniouse!

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

24:24- “The warriors of epic are extremely troubled people...” - Professor, if you think they were “extremely troubled”, you ought to meet my Greek family: loads of material for epic composition there...

[@casparcoaster1936]

Video of a wonderful lecture at a university in Birmingham; a city, a university, a professor who without youtube, I would never have achieved my (self granted) classics degree!! Many thanks to the U of B for posting these things, for old(er) Americans who only went to USA state colleges.

[@TheRealFeechLaManna]

Great lecture, informative and entertaining. Cheers from Copenhagen.

[@ChrisCSunshine]

Wonderful Lecture.

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@ESmith-ik8vu]

He's bloody good!

[@lametafisicaconariyana2185]

I love seeing the corelations here.

[@Iphigenia-hl5uc]

I've always loved mythology. In these disturbing pandemic times, there's nothing more soothing than a few doses of mythology. Such an electrifying lecture. Please upload more. Many thanks 🙏I am from Sri Lanka.

[@koteswar009]

Sri Lanka is part of Ramayana, Mahabharatha. I wonder why he didnt speak of the much older epic Ramayana. These epics mentioned geographical details of middle east to Lanka, parts beyond current India.