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!

[@kylechurch6296]

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

[@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...!!!

[@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?

[@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...

[@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.

[@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...

[@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!

[@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.

[@kathamritaray9538]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mirjamansikkamaki]

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

[@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

[@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

[@elizabethlyons8539]

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

[@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

[@toddmyers1586]

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

[@darleystar]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Orlafis]

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

[@santiagoreynoso3223]

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

[@jeffersonparis7767]

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

[@Beautiful_Sacred_Land]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@J10044]

Glorious presentation! More of this man please

[@jonkjolstad]

A pure delight. A great many thanks.

[@claudiascott6654]

Loved his presentation- quirky and very informative and interesting!

[@la_sarito]

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

[@shaula7191]

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

[@Amadeu.Macedo]

Fabulous, outstanding lecture! Bravo!

[@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.

[@lindapeacock5664]

Refreshing and delightful. Thank you so much.

[@the.amazing.spatterman]

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

[@carlodefalco7930]

Mythology 😬😁

[@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.

[@PeruBird]

this lecture is wonderful!!!

[@deadinteresting8905]

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

[@johnjustice8478]

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

[@arnoldnathanael4670]

Wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable - thank you Prof

[@kumarmangalampatravali660]

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

[@MrClawrax]

Absolutely fascinating (:

[@xverxverxverga]

what a marvelous guy

[@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.

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

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

[@korbindallas8224]

What a great professor

[@luciddreamer4672]

Most enjoyable. Love the speaker. Great stuff!😎

[@RViviers1990]

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

[@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.

[@dijonstreak]

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

[@alexraphael6534]

Brilliant lecture. The enthusiasm is much appreciated!

[@wendykleeb2071]

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

[@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.

[@786humaira1]

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

[@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.

[@ernestolombardo5811]

While on the one hand this gentleman has the gift of the spoken word, on the other his enthusiasm is contagious, I could listen to him for hours. That said, and aware that one hour will just barely scratch the surface, it is my understanding that mythology served as an efficient mnemonic device. Take Hercules and the Hydra, where one head is cut off and two grow in its' place. This may be a cautionary tale for farmers in a delta preparing for flood season - if you dam a river, when the waters come the water will flow from both sides of the new dam, rendering it useless. Hydra = water, doesn't get any more obvious than that. Take the Muses, daughters of Chronos god of time and Mnemosyne goddess of memory. Time + memory = the inspirations/arts of man. Three muses of poetry, two of theater, one of dance, one of history, one of music, then Urania - Muse of astronomy and mother of all sciences. Looking up at the night sky triggered the methodical observation of all of nature. This is abstract stuff, sophisticated concepts presented in an easy to remember manner, in a society where most people did not yet know how to read and write.

[@timothylovecock4332]

That's a fascinating idea.

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

@@mmmoendo well we’re talking tens of thousands of years of oral history before the written word…those stories did not appear overnight just like we as the human species didn’t just pop up with built cities and kingdoms…so stretching it is the right word to use and a good way to think about mythology…

[@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!

[@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

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

amazing with a light touch

[@Aurora2097]

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

[@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.

[@Fernandoenf2]

Thank you for sharing this awesome lecture

[@jonathanlewell]

Loved it! Thank you for sharing

[@rdjb9650]

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

[@bouncepsycho]

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

[@jonathanpoole5316]

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

[@cleof1503]

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

[@andresrice7314]

Thank you so much, Uni Birmingham for uploading!😃

[@patod4]

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

[@ikeike2]

Excellent.

[@crieff1sand2s]

This man is excellent

[@greekspartan6662]

Amazing presentation lovely

[@ruthcarter8895]

I could listen to this guy lecture about pluckin’ chickens!

[@RadoslawKurczewski]

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

[@ionescucristian3672]

Love the enthusiasm

[@strato5135]

Enjoyed this one

[@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...

[@jacobzaranyika9334]

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

[@wiolettawach8723]

What a brilliant lecture!

[@anne-marienordin7636]

Whar a wonderful teacher!

[@idgeofreason8630]

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

[@Ogniii]

This is such a brilliant lecture !!

[@koteswar009]

Yogini?

[@TheRealFeechLaManna]

Great lecture, informative and entertaining. Cheers from Copenhagen.

[@delphinidin]

i love his manic chaotic energy

[@Ceorolus]

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

[@anselmdanker9519]

Great fun listening to him!😆thanks for posting.

[@Hammer332]

This is wonderful.

[@gergelybakos2159]

Thanks, professor!

[@ChrisCSunshine]

Wonderful Lecture.

[@anne-marienordin7636]

Very interesting! 👏👏👏👏

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@chusamusic1409]

I wish I had Teachers and Professors like him!!!!!!

[@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.

[@anuradhabose1668]

Amazing lecture! I would love to be in the audience

[@danielleboyd3070]

Thank you.

[@georgianakopoulou6339]

Absolutely splendid! This professor is a master! As a Greek I love mythology and regret that it actually went "out of fashion." I think that it opens the doors of our perception and broadens our imagination.