Talks & Lectures

Imagining the Olympians

A series of three illustrated talks exploring how the gods of Ancient Greece and Rome have been envisaged in art through the centuries.

The great dynasty of gods who were worshipped throughout the worlds of Ancient Greece and (via their Latin equivalents) Rome may have lost their power to inspire belief, but have hardly faded from our culture. Part of their attraction comes from the fact that they acted (often badly) like humans, displaying traits of character we can all recognise with lives featuring plots, adventures and relationships. Just as important is the fact that they, and the narratives that embodied them, were represented, not just in grand temple sculptures but in paintings and mosaics, on vases and domestic items. So we know how they were envisaged – and we go on knowing as their representation has continued throu - the Christian period, with different styles, functions and meanings, and still flourishes in contemporary popular culture.

These talks are organised by the Lit & Phil (you don't need to be a member in order to attend any of their public events), and tickets cost £5 per talk, from the Lit & Phil Library, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, in person or over the phone (0191) 232 0192. It is advisable to book seats in advance; if you reserve a ticket and are subsequently unable to attend, please let us know as we often have a waiting list.

Children of the Titans: The first generation of Olympians

Thursday 26th February | 6.00 pm

Zeus and Hera, Poseidon, Hades and Hestia
(Jupiter and Juno, Neptune, Pluto and Vesta)

These are the core gods, ruling over sky, sea, the underworld and the domestic hearth - the royalty of Olympus, but also driven by rivalry, lust and jealousy.

A LIVE Lit & Phil Event  |  £5: online booking

 

Gods of our World

Thursday 5th March | 6.00 pm

Apollo and Artemis (sun and moon), Demeter, Athena and Pan
(Apollo and Diana [sun and moon], Ceres, Minerva and Faunus)

These are the gods of visible territory - the sum and moon, the cycle of the seasons, the wild woodlands and Greece itself.

A LIVE Lit & Phil Event  |  £5: online booking

 

Deceptively Human Behaviour

Thursday 12th March | 6.00 pm

Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus.
(Venus, Vulcan, Mars, Mercury, Bacchus)

The power of these gods directly reflects human activities, roles and emotions - war and love, the working of metal, the rule-breaking potency of wine and the significance of the messenger whose interactions can link the realms of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld.

A LIVE Lit & Phil Event  |  £5: online booking