cover of episode 113. Exploring the Scientific Truths in Ancient Myths: Dr. Adrienne Mayor (Renowned Historian and Folklorist)

113. Exploring the Scientific Truths in Ancient Myths: Dr. Adrienne Mayor (Renowned Historian and Folklorist)

2023/8/2
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Have you ever wondered if the ancient tales of legendary creatures might have a hint of scientific truth? Dr. Adrienne Mayor, a renowned historian and folklorist,** takes us on a riveting journey to uncover the possible inspirations for these mythical beasts**. But the adventure doesn't stop there. We venture further down the rabbit hole, examining how the tales we tell today predict the future we create tomorrow. Topics:

  • The scientific basis of legendary creatures
  • Repeating motifs in folklore beasts
  • How** fiction influences future technologies**
  • "What books have had an impact on you?"
  • "What advice do you have for teenagers?"

Adrienne Mayor’s books include The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates, Rome’s Deadliest Enemy, which was a finalist for the National Book Award, Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology, and *The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women across the Ancient World, Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws: And Other Classical Myths, Historical Oddities, and Scientific Curiosities *(all Princeton). She is a research scholar in classics and the history of science at Stanford University.

**Socials! -*****Lessons from Interesting People ***substack: https://taylorbledsoe.substack.com/)Website: https://www.aimingforthemoon.com/)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiming4moon/)Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aiming4Moon)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiming4moon)Taylor's Blog: https://www.taylorgbledsoe.com/)YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6