Homer’s Odyssey has become a foundational text of the Western literary canon. At first, its focus on the heroic journey of Odysseus appears to fit the mold of other ancient Greek epics—a deeply masculine story of a hero overcoming a host of obstacles to reach his goal. But unlike many other works of this era, The Odyssey is also populated by a large cast of strikingly modern, complex, and remarkable women who are integral to the story at every turn.

In Wives, Witches, and Whirlpools: The Powerful Women of Homer’s Odyssey, Professor Jessica Blum-Sorensen helps you explore this classic work with fresh eyes, focusing not on the eponymous hero, but on the many women whose voices and motivations invite us to rethink traditional ideas of heroism. Across seven lectures, you’ll reexamine some of the foundational themes of the literary canon from a new perspective and discover why the deities, wives, maidens, witches, and monsters who populate Homer’s Odyssey are more than a match for its hero.

In examining these women, you’ll see how each one, however monstrous or alluring she might be, has the power and the will to help—or hinder—Odysseus on his arduous trek homeward. From cunning Circe to brave Nausicaa to faithful Penelope, you’ll meet women who reject traditional limitations, defy gendered expectations, and reshape our idea of the hero’s journey.