Podcast Summary: The Ancients – "Cassandra: Priestess of Troy"
Release Date: April 13, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Cassandra: Priestess of Troy," hosted by Tristan Hughes on the History Hit podcast "The Ancients," the focus is on exploring the enigmatic figure of Cassandra from Greek mythology. Tristan delves into the multifaceted portrayal of Cassandra, examining her role in the Trojan War, her prophetic abilities, and the historical and archaeological insights that may underpin her mythical narrative. Joining him in this exploration is Dr. Emily Hauser from the University of Exeter, author of the forthcoming book "Mythica," which investigates the real women behind Greek myths.
Cassandra in Homeric Epics
Tristan begins by situating Cassandra within the broader context of Homer's epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, highlighting the significant yet often underappreciated roles of female characters.
Dr. Emily Hauser [04:14]: "They absolutely are. I think this is what is one of the most fascinating things about Homer... they can speak to an ancient world... but at the same time, it's talking about things that we've all experienced."
Dr. Hauser emphasizes the complexity and relatability of female characters in Homeric literature, arguing that their flawed, multidimensional portrayals make them enduring figures.
Dr. Emily Hauser [05:24]: "Helen... in Homer, she speaks Greek. The later Greek tragedians are writing about her in Greek, but she is Trojan in the myth."
She points out that while the Iliad centers around the male heroes and the battlefields of Troy, the Odyssey foregrounds women through characters like Penelope and encounters with feminine deities and monsters, adding depth to their roles in the narrative.
Historical Basis for Cassandra
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the possibility that Cassandra may have been inspired by real historical figures from the Bronze Age civilizations, particularly the Hittites of Anatolia.
Dr. Emily Hauser [16:41]: "And we have evidence from them, from tablets that were discovered in their capital city, Hattusa, of real princesses, real female prophets, dream oracles, female interpreters."
Dr. Hauser connects Cassandra's role as a priestess and prophetess to the Hittite tradition, where Anatolian women held significant religious and prophetic roles. This suggests that Cassandra's portrayal in Greek mythology could be a cultural assimilation of these historical figures.
She further discusses the archaeological findings at Troy and their alignment with Homeric accounts, lending credence to the theory that the Trojan War has a historical foundation.
Cassandra in Greek Tragedy
Moving beyond Homer, the conversation shifts to Greek tragedy, where Cassandra's character is expanded and deepened. Dr. Hauser highlights how tragedians like Euripides and Aeschylus portrayed Cassandra's curse—foretelling truths that others refuse to believe—as a pivotal element of her character.
Dr. Emily Hauser [27:16]: "We're talking about this group of Trojan women who in the myth get carted off to Greece... Essentially, Cassandra, she stands out because she is defined by her desire for virginity and her desire to stand alone outside the mechanisms of war through her connection to prophecy and priesthood."
In plays such as "Agamemnon," Cassandra's role in witnessing and predicting the fall of Troy and her subsequent enslavement are dramatized, emphasizing her tragic destiny and the inevitability of fate in Greek mythology.
Cassandra's Fate and Role in the Fall of Troy
Dr. Hauser meticulously outlines Cassandra's journey during the fall of Troy, detailing her prophecies, curses, and eventual enslavement.
Dr. Emily Hauser [29:19]: "In the myth, Cassandra has such a big name... the tragedians are really interested in this idea of her as a prophet who was essentially cursed by Apollo because Apollo wanted to have sex with her, she refused him."
Cassandra's attempts to warn the Trojans against the Trojan Horse and the inevitable destruction of her city are central to her narrative, showcasing her as a voice of reason and a victim of fate.
Legacy of Cassandra
The episode concludes by exploring Cassandra's enduring legacy in both ancient art and modern culture. Dr. Hauser points to frescoes, vase paintings, and literary adaptations that have preserved and reinterpreted Cassandra's story over centuries.
Dr. Emily Hauser [46:56]: "Women are really interested in how Cassandra's voice speaks out against misogyny and a kind of warning against attempts to take away women's agency."
In contemporary times, Cassandra has been appropriated by women writers and artists as a symbol of resistance against misogyny and suppression of female voices, underscoring her relevance in discussions about gender and power.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Throughout the episode, Dr. Hauser and Tristan Hughes emphasize the significance of Cassandra as a complex historical and mythical figure. They advocate for a deeper understanding of her character beyond traditional narratives, encouraging listeners to explore the historical contexts and cultural exchanges that shaped her story.
Dr. Emily Hauser [48:26]: "Don't underestimate Cassandra and the women of Homer. It is so easy to see them all as these kinds of either a two-dimensional tragic figure... but you can dive so much deeper."
Listeners are invited to further explore these themes through Dr. Hauser's upcoming book "Mythica," set to be released on April 17, 2025, which promises to shed more light on the historical women behind enduring mythological narratives.
Additional Resources:
- Subscribe to "The Ancients" on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.
- Pre-order Dr. Emily Hauser's book "Mythica" to delve deeper into the real women behind Greek myths.