Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This week participants began with a discussion of Agamemnon. In particular, discussion focused on the character's treatment of Achilles, and of his wife. Neither seemed to receive a very positive–or just—treatment at the hands of Agamemnon, with Professor Nagy describing his attitude towards his wife particularly "callous." Participants also explored the role of tragedy as a vehicle of instruction, the endlessness of retribution, and the importance—or lack thereof—of characters' backstory. For Hour 17 participants turned to the complex depiction of Furies who almost seem like the embodiment and personification of 'unfinished business.' Participants also wondered if the changing nature of Furies pointed to a more just Athens, and discussion turned to the emerging role and status of trial by jury.
Recorded in Fall 2021 during v16 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 16 and 17, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
This week participants began with a discussion of Agamemnon. In particular, discussion focused on the character's treatment of Achilles, and of his wife. Neither seemed to receive a very positive–or just—treatment at the hands of Agamemnon, with Professor Nagy describing his attitude towards his wife particularly "callous." Participants also explored the role of tragedy as a vehicle of instruction, the endlessness of retribution, and the importance—or lack thereof—of characters' backstory. For Hour 17 participants turned to the complex depiction of Furies who almost seem like the embodiment and personification of 'unfinished business.' Participants also wondered if the changing nature of Furies pointed to a more just Athens, and discussion turned to the emerging role and status of trial by jury.
Recorded in Fall 2021 during v16 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 16 and 17, and responses to the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
