This summer’s release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has spurred renewed interest in the Homeric epics and the ancient world in general. UW Classics Prof. Ruby Blondell, author of two books on Helen of Troy (see below), has recently been interviewed on the internationally acclaimed podcast Betwixt the Sheets about Helen’s role in the original Greek versions of the myth, as well as Helen’s continuing appeal to contemporary audiences. To find out what, according to Prof. Blondell, actually makes Helen the most beautiful woman—and how that can play into casting decisions—check out the podcast!
Want to learn more? See Prof. Blondell’s recent books: Helen of Troy in Hollywood (Princeton University Press 2023) and Helen of Troy: Beauty, Myth, Devastation (Oxford University Press 2013). You might also be interested in Prof. Olga Levaniouk’s interview about Penelope for Ancient Greece Declassified!