Greek Mythology 3500 BC to AD 2014

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  • čas přidán 20. 06. 2024
  • 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

Komentáře • 679

  • @nategilbert7397
    @nategilbert7397 Před 7 lety +598

    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
      @DuncanRhodes Před 5 lety +25

      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
      @1970coconut Před 3 lety +4

      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
      @jamesdewane1642 Před 2 lety +8

      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
      @PingPing104 Před 2 lety +12

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

    • @bluedragon7925
      @bluedragon7925 Před 2 lety +11

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

  • @kylechurch6296
    @kylechurch6296 Před 6 lety +119

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

  • @olbillthecook5547
    @olbillthecook5547 Před 3 lety +9

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

    • @mickj9203
      @mickj9203 Před 2 lety +1

      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

  • @lifetreck3407
    @lifetreck3407 Před 2 lety +17

    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...!!!

  • @shaunkrueger2399
    @shaunkrueger2399 Před 3 lety +94

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

  • @coltonstephens2399
    @coltonstephens2399 Před 7 lety +376

    his jokes where hilarious, everyone there were so uptight

    • @Suite_annamite
      @Suite_annamite Před 7 lety +15

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

    • @eurosensazion
      @eurosensazion Před 7 lety +26

      It's cause they are British lol.

    • @roynormannlee
      @roynormannlee Před 3 lety +1

      Glad im not u

    • @Bogey1022
      @Bogey1022 Před 3 lety +19

      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
      @dunruden9720 Před 2 lety

      everyone was...

  • @dariusfatherofxerxes7701
    @dariusfatherofxerxes7701 Před rokem +20

    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!

  • @kathamritaray9538
    @kathamritaray9538 Před rokem +5

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

  • @A_Simple_Neurose
    @A_Simple_Neurose Před 2 lety +10

    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
    @robertpoen5383 Před 4 lety +143

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

    • @discoveringthegardenofeden7882
      @discoveringthegardenofeden7882 Před 2 lety +5

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

    • @mickj9203
      @mickj9203 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @81atanas
      @81atanas Před 2 lety

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

    • @ramakrishnansubbiyan1764
      @ramakrishnansubbiyan1764 Před 2 lety

      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...

  • @bluedragon7925
    @bluedragon7925 Před 2 lety +74

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

    • @dorianphilotheates3769
      @dorianphilotheates3769 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @elmersbalm5219
    @elmersbalm5219 Před 3 lety +34

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

    • @guritarasi8732
      @guritarasi8732 Před 2 lety +1

      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
      @alexandroslazaridis9318 Před 2 lety +16

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

    • @ellinmakedon1216
      @ellinmakedon1216 Před 2 lety +6

      @@guritarasi8732 μαϊντανε πάλι εδώ; Σταμάτα γιατί γελοιοποίησε.

    • @ilgrandearthas6429
      @ilgrandearthas6429 Před 2 lety

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

    • @koteswar009
      @koteswar009 Před 2 lety

      @@guritarasi8732 And Indians called them Yavanas

  • @elizabethlyons8539
    @elizabethlyons8539 Před 2 lety +11

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

  • @emilymaguire3163
    @emilymaguire3163 Před 2 lety +29

    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
      @cliffdariff74 Před 2 lety +3

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

  • @user-sc5iv2rp2t
    @user-sc5iv2rp2t Před 2 lety +108

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

    • @thismoment7881
      @thismoment7881 Před 2 lety +5

      That is an extraordinary sentence by Nero...

    • @koteswar009
      @koteswar009 Před 2 lety +7

      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
      @Jumpoable Před 2 lety +2

      @@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
      @MendTheWorld Před 2 lety +2

      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
      @hasanturkovic9049 Před 2 lety +3

      @MendTheWorld your bigotry is showing

  • @mirjamansikkamaki
    @mirjamansikkamaki Před 2 lety +17

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

  • @darleystar
    @darleystar Před 2 lety +4

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

  • @jennybahtimy2701
    @jennybahtimy2701 Před 2 lety +6

    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.

  • @Cat_Woods
    @Cat_Woods Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @Amadeu.Macedo
    @Amadeu.Macedo Před 2 lety +14

    Fabulous, outstanding lecture! Bravo!

  • @toddmyers1586
    @toddmyers1586 Před 3 lety +12

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

  • @Orlafis
    @Orlafis Před 3 lety +8

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

  • @Beautiful_Sacred_Land
    @Beautiful_Sacred_Land Před 6 lety +25

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

  • @santiagoreynoso3223
    @santiagoreynoso3223 Před 4 lety +23

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

  • @ne5566
    @ne5566 Před 7 lety +102

    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.

  • @the.amazing.spatterman
    @the.amazing.spatterman Před 7 lety +53

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

  • @rocioaguilera3555
    @rocioaguilera3555 Před 2 lety +4

    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

  • @UVtec
    @UVtec Před 3 lety +12

    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.

  • @J10044
    @J10044 Před 2 lety +7

    Glorious presentation! More of this man please

  • @whoops8412
    @whoops8412 Před 3 lety +8

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

    • @rajbhandari9605
      @rajbhandari9605 Před 2 lety

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

  • @jonkjolstad
    @jonkjolstad Před 3 lety +6

    A pure delight. A great many thanks.

  • @shaula7191
    @shaula7191 Před 3 lety +8

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

  • @wendykleeb2071
    @wendykleeb2071 Před rokem +1

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

  • @jeffersonparis7767
    @jeffersonparis7767 Před 2 lety +7

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

  • @deadinteresting8905
    @deadinteresting8905 Před 7 lety +41

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

  • @dathunder8208
    @dathunder8208 Před rokem +4

    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.

  • @claudiascott6654
    @claudiascott6654 Před 3 lety +10

    Loved his presentation- quirky and very informative and interesting!

  • @pelimies1818
    @pelimies1818 Před 2 lety +9

    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..

  • @korbindallas8224
    @korbindallas8224 Před 3 lety +6

    What a great professor

  • @delphinidin
    @delphinidin Před 2 lety +6

    i love his manic chaotic energy

  • @la_sarito
    @la_sarito Před 2 lety +7

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

  • @PeruBird
    @PeruBird Před 5 lety +9

    this lecture is wonderful!!!

  • @annalieff-saxby568
    @annalieff-saxby568 Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @lindapeacock5664
    @lindapeacock5664 Před 2 lety +2

    Refreshing and delightful. Thank you so much.

  • @johnjustice8478
    @johnjustice8478 Před rokem +1

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

  • @arnoldnathanael4670
    @arnoldnathanael4670 Před 2 lety +2

    Wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable - thank you Prof

  • @thaliart
    @thaliart Před 4 lety +6

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

    • @user-be9ey4jb3c
      @user-be9ey4jb3c Před 2 lety

      Ancient Greeks believed in Holy Trinity.Chaos Gaia Eros.

  • @SunchildeTarot
    @SunchildeTarot Před rokem +2

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

  • @xverxverxverga
    @xverxverxverga Před 5 lety +5

    what a marvelous guy

  • @MrClawrax
    @MrClawrax Před 10 lety +10

    Absolutely fascinating (:

  • @berendharmsen
    @berendharmsen Před 2 lety +30

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

    • @davyroger3773
      @davyroger3773 Před 2 lety +3

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

    • @aniruddhbhatkal1834
      @aniruddhbhatkal1834 Před 2 lety

      Yeah I had the same thought.

    • @Auriflamme
      @Auriflamme Před 2 lety

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

    • @petemullaney109
      @petemullaney109 Před 2 lety

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

  • @alexraphael6534
    @alexraphael6534 Před 5 lety +15

    Brilliant lecture. The enthusiasm is much appreciated!

  • @luciddreamer4672
    @luciddreamer4672 Před 4 lety +6

    Most enjoyable. Love the speaker. Great stuff!😎

  • @dorianphilotheates3769
    @dorianphilotheates3769 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @786humaira1
    @786humaira1 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @greekspartan6662
    @greekspartan6662 Před 3 lety +2

    Amazing presentation lovely

  • @RViviers1990
    @RViviers1990 Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @MediumDSpeaks
    @MediumDSpeaks Před 2 lety +2

    If you play it at 1.75 speed he becomes even _more_ enthusiastic and passionate about mythology

  • @jacobzaranyika9334
    @jacobzaranyika9334 Před 2 lety +4

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

  • @dijonstreak
    @dijonstreak Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @crieff1sand2s
    @crieff1sand2s Před 3 lety +4

    This man is excellent

  • @kumarmangalampatravali660

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

  • @jonathanlewell
    @jonathanlewell Před 2 lety +1

    Loved it! Thank you for sharing

  • @ikeike2
    @ikeike2 Před 6 lety +5

    Excellent.

  • @Fernandoenf2
    @Fernandoenf2 Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing this awesome lecture

  • @cleof1503
    @cleof1503 Před 2 lety +2

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

  • @patod4
    @patod4 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @idgeofreason8630
    @idgeofreason8630 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @rdjb9650
    @rdjb9650 Před 2 lety +3

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

  • @jonathanpoole5316
    @jonathanpoole5316 Před 2 lety

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

  • @bouncepsycho
    @bouncepsycho Před 5 měsíci

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

  • @theitineranthistorian2024

    amazing with a light touch

  • @anne-marienordin7636
    @anne-marienordin7636 Před 3 lety +4

    Whar a wonderful teacher!

  • @Aurora2097
    @Aurora2097 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @eurosensazion
    @eurosensazion Před 7 lety +13

    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.

  • @ChrisCSunshine
    @ChrisCSunshine Před 8 lety +12

    Wonderful Lecture.

  • @ricardobardales8137
    @ricardobardales8137 Před 8 měsíci

    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.

  • @wiolettawach8723
    @wiolettawach8723 Před 2 lety

    What a brilliant lecture!

  • @strato5135
    @strato5135 Před 3 lety +1

    Enjoyed this one

  • @janewrin1830
    @janewrin1830 Před rokem

    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.

  • @Ceorolus
    @Ceorolus Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @BaldingClamydia
    @BaldingClamydia Před rokem +2

    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

  • @gergelybakos2159
    @gergelybakos2159 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks, professor!

  • @ruthcarter8895
    @ruthcarter8895 Před 2 lety +5

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

  • @andresrice7314
    @andresrice7314 Před rokem

    Thank you so much, Uni Birmingham for uploading!😃

  • @chusamusic1409
    @chusamusic1409 Před 2 lety

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

  • @Hammer332
    @Hammer332 Před 2 lety +1

    This is wonderful.

  • @anuradhabose1668
    @anuradhabose1668 Před 2 lety +2

    Amazing lecture! I would love to be in the audience

  • @TheRealFeechLaManna
    @TheRealFeechLaManna Před 2 lety +1

    Great lecture, informative and entertaining. Cheers from Copenhagen.

  • @ernestolombardo5811
    @ernestolombardo5811 Před 5 lety +14

    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
      @timothylovecock4332 Před 4 lety +1

      That's a fascinating idea.

    • @The_Rude_French_Canadian
      @The_Rude_French_Canadian Před 2 lety

      @@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…

  • @anselmdanker9519
    @anselmdanker9519 Před rokem

    Great fun listening to him!😆thanks for posting.

  • @anne-marienordin7636
    @anne-marienordin7636 Před 3 lety +3

    Very interesting! 👏👏👏👏

  • @Iphigenia-hl5uc
    @Iphigenia-hl5uc Před 2 lety +10

    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
      @koteswar009 Před 2 lety

      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.

  • @Ogniii
    @Ogniii Před 2 lety +1

    This is such a brilliant lecture !!

  • @nuggetoftruth-ericking7489

    This was very interesting.

  • @indybear54
    @indybear54 Před 2 lety +12

    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.

  • @dorianphilotheates3769
    @dorianphilotheates3769 Před 2 lety +3

    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...

  • @ionescucristian3672
    @ionescucristian3672 Před 2 lety

    Love the enthusiasm

  • @danielleboyd3070
    @danielleboyd3070 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you.

  • @RadoslawKurczewski
    @RadoslawKurczewski Před 2 lety +6

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