Live from Mount Olympus
Kids & Family
About
A dramatic adventure for tweens and listeners of all ages, Live from Mount Olympus weaves timeless Greek myths with the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers and the imaginative power of audio. Hermes, god of storytellers, travelers, and thieves (Tony Award-winner André De Shields) is our host. Season Six: Theseus and Ariadne: When King Minos of Crete demands fourteen young Athenians to feed to the monstrous Minotaur, Prince Theseus and a lively group of teenagers set sail. Minos expects his daughter Ariadne to watch quietly as the Athenian tributes meet their gruesome deaths. But Eros, mischievous god of love, takes aim w...
Episodes
- Dragon Slayer
In this episode, Apollo tells the story of his first dramatic adventure through his song, "Dragon Slayer." The song was composed by Magda Giannikou, with lyrics and vocal production by Malena Marcase.
- Apollo & Artemis: Trailer
This is a trailer for the musical season of Live from Mount Olympus. It features Apollo, the god of music, and discusses his triumphs and challenges, including an act against his sister Artemis. Hermes interviews Apollo on his "Godspod" po…
- Theseus & Ariadne 8: “I never imagined such beautiful strangeness…”
Ariadne and Theseus set sail for Athens with the tributes, dreaming of their future. However, a stop on the island of Naxos demonstrates how swiftly fate can alter the destinies of both humans and gods.
- Theseus & Ariadne 7: “You must be my breakfast.”
This episode of Live from Mount Olympus recounts the tale of Theseus and Ariadne, with Theseus entering the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur. The episode is part of a series produced by the Onassis Foundation and features a large ensembl…
- Theseus & Ariadne 6: “You're giving me Labrys? The sacred weapon of Knossos?”
In episode 6 of Live from Mount Olympus, Ariadne plans to help Theseus by confronting her mother, Queen Pasiphae, and seeking assistance from Daedalus and Icarus.
- Theseus & Ariadne 5: ““Let’s see you try to play games with the Minotaur!”
This episode covers the story of Theseus and Ariadne, focusing on the Athenian tributes' performance and King Minos's reaction. Ariadne must make a choice that will impact Theseus's fate in facing the Minotaur.
- Theseus & Ariadne 4: “Who puts a surprise for a kid under a huge heavy rock?!”
Theseus recounts discovering his true origins to Ariadne, highlighting the commonalities between the young heroes despite their differences. The episode is from the podcast "Live from Mount Olympus," produced by the Onassis Foundation.
- Theseus & Ariadne 3: “Snakes are slimy and sneaky and ewwww, I just don’t like them!”
Princess Ariadne guides Theseus to her dream chamber in the labyrinth. Despite his fear of snakes, the couple discuss their lives and share secrets.
- Theseus & Ariadne 2: “Are you ready for the death-defying spectacle of the decade?”
In Knossos, the city watches Athenian tributes dance with a bull, with cheers erupting during dangerous moments. The episode is part of Live from Mount Olympus, produced by the Onassis Foundation.
- Theseus & Ariadne 1: "No tributes have ever returned to Athens..."
This episode follows Prince Theseus and Athenian tributes on their journey to Crete to face the Minotaur. The god of love, Eros, intervenes with unexpected plans for the hero and his crew.
- Theseus & Ariadne: Live from Mount Olympus Season Six Trailer
This trailer for Live from Mount Olympus Season Six introduces the myth of Theseus and Ariadne. When Prince Theseus sails to Crete to stop King Minos from sacrificing Athenian youths to the Minotaur, he meets Princess Ariadne. Their destin…
- "Everything is part warp and part weft."
This episode discusses the goddess Athena
- Pandora 3: “No one else gets to tell the story that defines you.”
In episode 3, Pandora and Epimetheus' granddaughters ask if she is to blame for the world's misfortunes. Pandora herself recounts the true story.
- Pandora 2: “I knew you’d be wise! You’re Pandora - she who gives all!”
This episode of Live from Mount Olympus features Athena recounting the creation of Pandora, sharing lesser-known details and surprising turns of events. The podcast is produced by the Onassis Foundation.
- Pandora 1: "Zeus said it must stay closed - it must!"
This episode of Live from Mount Olympus details the myth of Pandora, created by Hephaestus at Zeus's command as a gift to humanity after Prometheus stole fire.
- Pandora: Live from Mount Olympus Season Five Trailer
This is the trailer for Season 5 of Live From Mount Olympus, which premieres on October 15. The season will explore the story of Pandora, the first woman, and her uncontrollable curiosity.
- Prometheus 5: “We’re gonna stick it to Zeus!”
This episode, Prometheus 5: “We’re gonna stick it to Zeus!”, focuses on the fallout of a dispute between Zeus and Prometheus. Prometheus and Epimetheus are planning to give Zeus a gift, the consequences of which are explored. The episode i…
- Prometheus 4: “Fire stays on Olympus! I’m not sharing!”
After the Olympians win control of the world, Zeus creates primitive humans from mud. Prometheus wants to teach them, but Zeus and Prometheus disagree on the humans' capabilities, with Prometheus refusing to share fire.
- Prometheus 3: “Grasp it in the middle – just where the zig meets the zag!”
In "Prometheus 3," Zeus and Prometheus venture into Tartarus to rescue monstrous allies. These allies craft a potent new weapon for Zeus, presenting him with the challenge of learning to control it.
- Prometheus 2: “What’s that glow at the top of the mountain?”
Following their liberation from Cronus’s belly by Zeus, the young Olympians encounter the world and almost destroy their new home. The episode is part of the Live from Mount Olympus series.
- Prometheus 1: “Was that the party where Uncle Kronos threw up all his kids?”
The episode details a disastrous party hosted by the god-king Kronos, where Prometheus
- Prometheus: Live from Mount Olympus Season Four Trailer
Prometheus, who can see the future, glimpses a coming war. He allies with Zeus, but their differing ideas on restoring the world test their friendship.
- Atalanta 8: “A hero’s reward!”
In episode 8, a poet attempts to win a race against princes for a chance to marry Atalanta. Failure means death. Live from Mount Olympus adapts Greek myths for a young audience.
- Atalanta 7: "With all that has happened, do you think she could ever learn to love us?"
This episode of Live from Mount Olympus, titled "Atalanta 7: With all that has happened, do you think she could ever learn to love us?", features Atalanta returning to meet her human parents. She must navigate the complexities of royal lif…
- Atalanta 6: "No one can defy The Fates, not even the gods."
Meleager and Atalanta flee into the forest seeking safety. This episode of Live from Mount Olympus, a podcast for tweens and grownups, combines contemporary theater with Greek myths. It is a production of the Onassis Foundation.
- Atalanta 5: “I am here to hunt, so I dress as a hunter. Why are you here?"
In this episode of Live from Mount Olympus, Atalanta and Meleager are met with ridicule upon arriving in Calydon. Atalanta proves her skill by hunting a massive wild boar that has been ravaging the kingdom.
- Atalanta 4: “I love that you call these human girls ‘little bears!”
Artemis and Athena deem Atalanta ready to meet the Arktoi, whom she calls “little bears.” Atalanta teaches the girls to hunt and fish, finding unexpected enjoyment in their company. After they return home, Atalanta decides to explore the h…
- Atalanta 3: "A place to escape from princely concerns?"
In "Atalanta 3," young Meleager celebrates his birthday, but a festival celebration leads to a grave mistake that endangers his kingdom. The podcast blends contemporary theater with Greek mythology.
- Atalanta 2: “Once an outcast always an outcast”
In this episode, Atalanta leads her bear cub siblings out of their forest home. While eating grapes, they overhear birds discussing Atalanta's life, and Mama Bear warns them of impending danger. The podcast blends contemporary theater with…
- Atalanta 1: “Who would leave a baby in the forest???”
The episode details the abandonment of a baby girl named Atalanta who is nursed by a bear, and the prediction of a terrible fate for a newborn prince. The podcast combines Greek myth with contemporary theater for tweens and adults.
- Get ready for an unexpected hero! Live from Mount Olympus: Atalanta Trailer
This is a trailer for Season 3 of Live from Mount Olympus, focusing on the story of Atalanta, a wild child abandoned in Arcadia and raised by bears. The season explores her journey as she navigates the human world and decides her own ident…
- Mythlet: How to Become a Mythical Monster
In this episode of Live from Mount Olympus, Ian Lassiter explains his preparation for portraying mythological monsters Cetus and Cerberus. The podcast encourages listeners to call in and share their own monster impressions.
- Persephone 10: When You Return, Everything Will Bloom Again
In this episode of Live from Mount Olympus, Persephone and Demeter face the challenge of a world without harvest, forcing them to work together to save humanity. The podcast features contemporary theater artists and Greek myths, created an…
- Persephone 9: Six Pomegranate Seeds
Persephone 9: Six Pomegranate Seeds features Demeter
- Cassandra predicted we'd have technical difficulties this week -- but no one believed her
The gods of Mount Olympus faced a COVID-19 outbreak, leading to production delays for the podcast. Despite the setbacks, the next episode, featuring a story about Persephone, is promised for next week.
- Persephone 8: Are You Ready to Live in Both Worlds?
In episode 8, Zeus enlists Hermes to persuade Hades after Iris delivers unwelcome news. This audio drama combines contemporary theater with Greek myths, produced by the Onassis Foundation.
- Persephone 7: All Our Fates Are Tied Together
In episode 7, "All Our Fates Are Tied Together," Persephone ventures into the underworld, helps a lost soul, confronts her fears, and encounters monsters. This audio drama is part of Live from Mount Olympus.
- Persephone 6: We Are All Hungry
Zeus dispatches Iris to appease Demeter and resume the growing season following the unannounced marriage of Persephone and Hades, which has triggered an earthly catastrophe.
- Persephone 5: Lean Into the Darkness!
Persephone is frightened by a large being from the River Styx. The episode explores whether this entity can provide needed wisdom, within the context of an audio drama adaptation of Greek myths for families.
- Persephone 4: We Thought You Were Just Some Regular Old Lady!
In "Persephone 4: We Thought You Were Just Some Regular Old Lady!", Demeter, angered by Zeus, disguises herself as an elderly woman to live among mortals. While seeking to fit in and help a family, she finds it challenging to hide her true…
- Persephone 3: Are You Kidnapping Me?
In this episode, Persephone is taken from a meadow to the underworld, where she confronts Hades and his dog Cerberus. She attempts to escape but finds there is no way home. This audio drama is presented by the Onassis Foundation.
- Persephone 2: Where is My Daughter?
Demeter searches for her missing daughter Persephone, with Hecate and Helios involved. As Demeter mourns, the earth withers.
- Persephone 1: You Don’t Trust Me to Strike Out on My Own!
Persephone, tired of her mother's control, ventures out and falls, beginning a perilous journey. This audio drama combines theater and Greek mythology for tweens and families.
- Live From Mount Olympus: Persephone: Trailer
This trailer introduces the Live from Mount Olympus episode "Persephone," about a young goddess's perilous journey and her mother's efforts to rescue her, which impacts humanity. The podcast combines contemporary theater with Greek myths f…
- Mythlet: "The God of Middle Children"
This episode explores the various powers of the god Hermes, favorites of Dr. Kate Birney. Dr. Birney connects with Hermes, the trickster god, and explains why, drawing a parallel to her own experience as a middle child.
- Mythlet: "I Belong to No Man!"
Dr. Kate Birney discusses Athena's warrior aspect, her armor and helmet, and her civilized attributes as the patron goddess of Athens. Images of Athena from the city named in her honor are featured.
- Mythlet: A Mouth Like Flame and Breathing Death
This episode delves into the origins of the Greek monster Medusa, tracing her terrifying power and protective uses back to Middle Eastern influences like Humbaba, with insights from Dr. Kate Birney.
- Mythlet: "Don't Drop Your Shield!"
In this episode, Dr. Kate Birney discusses Perseus's feat of juggling Hermes' sword and a magical bag while holding Athena's shield in the Gorgons' cave. She relates the shield's probable design to those used by ancient Greek warriors.
- Mythlet: "I Bestow Upon Thee My Adamantine Sword"
This mythlet explores the special qualities and distinctive curve of the Adamantine Sword Hermes gifted Perseus, as explained by ancient weapons expert Dr. Kate Birney. The episode delves into the mythical roots of this powerful weapon.
- Perseus 10: No One Can Evade a Prophecy
Perseus, Andromeda, and Danae are blown off course and discover local games. Perseus enters a discus competition despite no prior experience, an action that determines his and his loved ones' futures.