34 Circe Salon -- The Parallax

The Trojan Horse.  One of the most iconic figures, images and stories in the history of the world. It is neither in The Iliad nor The Odyssey that we learn its story.  We learn it in Book II of The Aeneid.  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they take us on a journey through one of the greatest tales the world has ever known. 

Is there a secret number system hidden in The Iliad and The Odyssey? Did Homer convey secret ancient mystery teachings in his great epics? Join this encore presentation as Dr. Gary Stickel regales us with his theory of "Code 12" the secret number system hidden in Homer's works.  This concept is key to a lot of our discussions of classical works.  Sean Marlon Newcombe hosts.

And so we begin the greatest epic of the greatest empire the world has ever known.  Virgil's Aeneid, the epic tale of the founding of the Roman Empire. The Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who escaped the fall of Troy and traveled to Italy, where he became the ancestor of the Romans.  The poem consists of twelve books and covers Aeneas's adventures from his departure from Troy to his final quest to found the Roman people.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel lead the journey.

Still haunting millennia later, Sophocles' "Ajax" is one of the extraordinary works of world Drama.  Join us as we discuss the tragic story of a the Trojan War hero Ajax and the psychological rupture that the bloodshed caused him.  Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss.

One of the great works of world drama, Euripides "The Bacchae" has mesmerized audiences for over 2000 years.  In the play, the god Dionysus returns to Thebes, his mortal mother's city, to introduce his cult and punish his relatives who have denied his divinity as the son of Zeus.What is the play really about and why is it still relevant today?Join Dr. Gary Stickel and Sean Marlon Newcombe as they discuss this masterpiece. 

The end... or an anti-climax? Some scholars think this may have been a later add-on after Homer was long gone. Listen in as Dr. Gary Stickel and Sean Marlon Newcombe discuss. 

"Warriors, come out and play!" So goes the iconic line from this legendary violent retelling of an Ancient Greek tale.  Based on "The Anabasis" by Xenophon which tells the story of a band of Greek mercenaries trying to make their way home through enemy territories, "The Warriors" (1979) transposes this tale to the tough worlds of New York City in the 1970s.  Instead of a band of Greek mercenaries, it's a street gang making their way home through enemy neighborhoods. Civic leaders feared the film would cause violence.  Is it still dangerous after all these years?Find out as Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel roam with The Warriors.

A reboot of the 1947 film "Down To Earth" and starring the incandescent Olivia Newton-John and the inimitable Gene Kelly, "Xanadu" (1980) seemed destined to be a hit.  Instead, it's renown as one of the great flops in Hollywood history.  But was this story of a Greek Muse come to earth really as bad as all that?  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss this legendary film.

Featuring a goddess of the silver screen, 1947's "Down To Earth" tells the story of a goddess who comes down to earth to act as a muse for a struggling playwright.  Cinema deity Rita Hayworth stars as Terpsichore, one of the Nine Muses of Greek mythology and she decides to come down from the heavens to instruct a young writer/director on how to properly produce his musical on the Muses. Comedy and romance ensue. Is it a good film? How true is it to mythology?Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss this tale from Hollywood's Golden Era. 

Penelope and Odysseus reunite.  Nothing more need be said.Join the discussion with Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel

Revenge is now!  Achilles, Telemachus and their loyal servants launch their attack upon the suitors.  The palace hall is drenched in blood.  When all is done, those who betrayed and assaulted the House of Odysseus will drink from his cup of vengeance.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss. 

Penelope gets Odysseus's bow out of the storeroom and announces that she will marry the suitor who can string it and then shoot an arrow through a line of twelve axes.It's the beginning of the end of our tale.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss.

An absolutely classic, iconic movie, Jason and the Argonauts (1963) has captured the imagination of young people for 60 years.  Notable for the wonderful stop-motion animation effects of Ray Harryhausen, the film also stars Honor Blackman who went on to her own iconic work as "Cathy Gale" in "The Avengers" British tv series and "Pussy Galore" in "Goldfinger."Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss this legendary film. 

Morning at the palace.  The day of reckoning is at hand.  Penelope awakes in despair.  Odysseus and Telemachus gather to take action. The suitors, unaware of the danger, plan an attack of their own.  Visions of walls covered with blood fill the air.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel continue the journey.

As night falls on the palace, Odysseus begins to put his strategy into motion when the suitors leave for the night. With help of his son Telemachus and his matron Athena, Odysseus secures the weapons. Later, Odysseus finally encounters Penelope-- but while still disguised as a beggar.  The tender moment is punctuated by a dream the Penelope shares with her husband for whom she has long waited, but does not yet recognize. Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss. 

The lion has returned to his den-- Odysseus is in his palace! But he's in disguise and keeping at the ready until the time is ripe for his attack.  However, there are obstacles to avoid as he finds himself in a bloody fight for the amusement of the suitors.  Meanwhile, with the help of Athena, Penelope uses more strategies to keep the suitors at bay.The tension rises...Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss.

The face that launched a thousand ships!  The most beautiful woman in the world! Queen of Sparta!  That is what we know of the legend of Helen of Troy.  In this week's episode we look at one of the times Hollywood told her tale, the 1956 movie eponymously titled "Helen of Troy." Starring Rosanna Podesta and Jacques Serna and featuring a very young Bridget Bardot, the film is very much in the style of the "Sword and Sandal" epics of its era.  Does it do Helen justice?  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss. 

Telemachus arrives at the palace but keeps his knowledge of Odysseus' return secret.  Meanwhile, Odysseus enters the palace as well-- but disguised as a beggar.  He is greeted, however, by insults and violence from the suitors.Tensions start to boil...Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss. 

After twenty long years, Odysseus and Telemachus, father and son, finally see each other again.  The son is no longer a baby and the father is still glorious after these many years. However, the tenderness of the reunion will have to wait for there is work to be done-- the suitors are aware that Telemachus has returned and are planning a deadly welcome.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss.

The end is near.  Athena bids Telemachus to return to Ithaca and defend the palace against the suitors.  Meanwhile, Odysseus, already home in Ithaca, hides out until he can make his move.  Dr. Gary Stickel guides us through the chapter.Sean Marlon Newcombe hosts.

It's Classical World at the Movies again and in this episode we discuss "Hercules In New York," the 1970 movie that marked Arnold Schwarzenegger's screen debut.Filmed on a shoestring budget, the film centers around the demigod Hercules and his desire to have a good time on earth-- and what better place to do that than "Fun City," New York, New York? Though released in 1970, the film still has a very '60s sensibility.  But what of its Classical references? Are they accurate?  Join us and find out!Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss. 

In Chapter 14 of The Odyssey, Odysseus finally returns home, but he has been disguised by Athena.  He looks to stay in the hut of his loyal swineherd Eumaeus while he plans his attempt to overtake the suitors, save his wife, Queen Penelope, and recapture his palace. Sean Marlon Newcombe hosts Dr. Gary Stickel, our guide for this epic journey.

On one momentous day in rock history, three groundbreaking albums were released: Nevermind by Nirvana, The Low End Theory by Tribe Called Quest and Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each album represented both a paradigm shift musically as well as clarion call for the sensibilities of Generation X. Join us as we discuss this incredible day in music. 

We continue our encore presentation, with our second part of our inquiry into whether there is a secret number system hidden in The Iliad and The Odyssey. Dr. Gary Stickel continues the discussion of his theory of the secret number system hidden in Homer's works. Sean Marlon Newcombe hosts.

In an encore presentation, we revisit one of the seminal topics of this podcast: Is there a secret number system hidden in The Iliad and The Odyssey? Did Homer convey secret ancient mystery teachings in his great epics? Join us as Dr. Gary Stickel shares with us his theory of "Code 12," the secret number system hidden in Homer's works! Sean Marlon Newcombe hosts.

Chapter 13, whereupon Odysseus finally reaches the shores of his beloved home, Ithaca, but not without his Phaeacian helpers incurring the wrath of Poseidon. 

One of the most colorful passages in the entire work, in chapter 12, Odysseus recounts his encounters with the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis and the cattle of Helios! 

Odysseus journeys to Hades, the underworld, where he learns his fate and the fate of those he loves. 

It's a podcast crossover! Join in as we share an episode from our sister podcast, "Make Matriarchy Great Again." (If you haven't subscribed, please do.  You'll love it.)Madeline Miller's beautiful and lyrical novel, "Circe," Is one part mythology, one part biography and one part half-remembered dream.  It is a work that explores Greek myth from the perspective of a female character-- and does so with insight and poetry.  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden as they discuss this marvelous book. 

Odysseus.  Circe.  She's our Matron (34 Circe, right?).  Whose side do you think we're on? ;-)

Odysseus relays the story of the cyclops.  Need we say more?

Let the games begin! Join us as we discuss chapter 8 of the Odyssey wherein King Alcinous present athletic games in honor of their royal guest, Odysseus.  Dr. Gary Stickel believes this could represent the origin of the Olympics.  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe as he discusses this fun and potentially groundbreaking chapter with Dr. Stickel. 

Looks like we skipped a chapter in our odyssey with The Odyssey! Join us as we discuss chapter 5 of The Odyssey wherein the Gods gather in council to discuss the fate of Odysseus.  Don't miss this one!

By day, Odysseus enters the Palace of King Alcinous under the protective mist of Athena. By nightfall, he is offered that hand of the princess in marriage. Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss the journey of Odysseus. 

It's Hollywood Time again!  Join us as we review the 1997 TV miniseries, "The Odyssey."  Produced by Hallmark Entertainment and Francis Ford Coppola, the series was highly anticipated.  Was it worth the wait?  Tune in and find out...

Odysseus has washed up on shore after a violent storm caused by Poseidon.  He lays safe in a wooded field.  After a long night of deep, much-needed sleep, he awakens to find beautiful maidens playing in the clearing in front of him.  His clothes in tatters, he emerges naked to ask their help.  All but one flees in fear.  Only Princess Nausicaa stays.  She offers the stranger help and guides him to her palace so that he may bathe and dine. Finally, a friendly hand is extended Odysseus' way. 

Telemachus learns information that gives him hope that his father Odysseus may still be alive.  Meanwhile, back at the palace, his mother's suitors plan his demise. 

With the hoards of suitors overrunning the ancestral palace, Telemachus sets off in search of his father Odysseys as the goddess Athena, in disguise, guides his way.  At the city-state of Pylos, they join the sacrifice to Poseidon and seek the next step in the journey to finding Odysseus.

And so begins the journey-- Chapter One of The Odyssey.  Odysseus has been gone for the ten long years of the Trojan War and now must lead his comrades home to Ithaca.  Meanwhile his beloved wife Penelope is besieged by unruly suitors who have overrun her palace as they boorishly seek her hand in marriage. It is there where our story begins...

We return to the world of cinema to review the 1954 film "Ulysses."  Starring Golden Age icons Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn, "Ulysses" is a product of 1950s Italian cinema.  Does the film do the epic justice?  Does it hold up to today's film standards?  Tune in and find out.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel discuss. 

Join us for the story that gave birth to the adventure tale! It is a story of a man of many twists and turns who braved mountain and sea, gods and monsters all to find his way to home and those he loved.  It is "The Odyssey"!  A tale whose very name has come to describe a journey of wonder, struggle and adventure. Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel set sail alongside Homer to share this epic masterpiece!

The return and rebirth of an exciting series on the 34 Circe Salon Parallax Channel-- Parallax Sports!  In this series we'll drill down deep in the world of sports to examine the trends and changes that are affecting the athletic landscape.  In our current episode we ask the question: Are Sports Irrelevant Now?  Has the advent of video games, social media and even Covid caused sports to take a backseat in cultural importance?  Join us our sports analysts as we debate whether sports have lost their way in the modern world. 

Join us as Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel review the masterwork that we've explored for the last few weeks: The lliad. The Foundational work of Western European literature, The Iliad has influenced writers and artists for three millennia and its reach can be found in everything from Virgil's Aeneid to Hollywood blockbusters. 

A legendary queen renown for a brilliance, charisma and seductiveness that affected the course of three ancient empires . A legendary movie renown for an opulence, financial excess and smoldering romance that altered Hollywood.  An irresistible combination? A majestic masterpiece?Not so much.Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss the cinematic conflagration "Cleopatra" (1963). 

We may gaze across 3000 years of glory and glamour, across endless waves of fallen warriors crashing, endless tangles of lovers' bodies twisting, visions of cities lost, empires of dust-- yet still through the vast and sundry visions of the millennia, our eyes cannot help but be drawn to the tragedy of Troy's end. So here we are, gentle listener.  It has come to this: the fall of Troy.  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they take the last steps to the gates of Troy to bear witness. It all ends. 

With Hector slain, Achilles now mourns the death of Patroclus with a series of athletic competitions-- the funeral games.  Shortly, the attack on Troy will take place in earnest.  Till then, eat, drink and be merry...

The final confrontation.  Achilles.  Hector.  Fate decreed the outcome.  The will of the Gods be done.  With Hector's death would die the hopes of all Troy.  The end is near...

The goddesses and gods choose sides and come to blows!  It's chapter 21 and the end is near!  Achilles is unleashed and takes on the Trojans while above in Olympus, the divine beings seek to influence the action with a conflict of their own.  Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss the Iliad's furious sprint to its conclusion.

Chapter 20-- when all will start to come to its fruition as decreed by Goddesses and Gods. In this chapter, the Olympians choose sides and Achilles and Hector finally square off.  It's the beginning of the end...

Join Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dr. Gary Stickel as they discuss the 2014 film "Hercules" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. One of the most famous Ancient heroes of all time, Hercules has captivated the world for generations.  Does the 2014 film capture the essence of the excitement, mystery and adventure of the myth? Listen in and find out!

Achilles is armed and ready.  The Greeks huddle up and plan.  The blood is about to flow.Arrayed in battle armor, Achilles returns to the stage as Agamemnon and Odysseus plan strategy and prepare for the final clash with the Trojans!