Conversations: What Makes a Serial Killer, Mythological or Otherwise? w/ Debbie Felton
Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Greek & Roman Mythology Retold
Deep Dive
What makes the story of Procrustes a potential example of an ancient serial killer?
Procrustes invited weary travelers to his house, then killed them by stretching or sawing off their limbs to fit his bed. He had a consistent method and victim type (lone travelers, usually men), and his story shows similarities to modern serial killers, such as having a 'murder kit'.
How does the story of Theseus and the six criminals reflect the concept of serial killing in antiquity?
Theseus encountered six highway robbers, each with a distinct method of killing travelers. While not a serial killer himself, his journey mirrors the idea of a methodical and consistent pattern of killings over a period of time, which aligns with modern serial killer characteristics.
Why is the term 'serial killer' not directly applicable to figures like Nero in ancient history?
Nero was a public figure with political power, and his actions were often part of larger abuses of power. However, ancient sources like Tacitus and Suetonius describe him with characteristics similar to those of modern serial killers, such as a troubled upbringing and violent tendencies.
What rationalization did Palifatus provide for the myth of Medusa?
Palifatus suggested that Medusa was not a monster but a wealthy Greek woman who applied a cosmetic made of earth to her face. This rationalization tries to make the myth more realistic but does not address the gender dynamics and deeper issues of the original story.
How does Pliny's haunted house story in Athens mirror modern ghost stories?
The story describes a house haunted by a specter that rattles chains, causing terror and death. Philosopher Athenodorus rents the house, encounters the ghost, and discovers a chained skeleton, which is buried, ending the haunting. The narrative is eerily similar to later Victorian ghost stories and modern haunted house tales.
What modern interpretations of Polyphemus highlight the adaptability of ancient myths?
Modern interpretations of Polyphemus include disability studies and post-colonial perspectives. Hannah Silverblank and Jill Ward discuss how Polyphemus' environment was disadvantageous to Odysseus, and Justine McConnell explores how Polyphemus is seen as a childlike figure, dehumanizing Odysseus' men as toys, which changes the power dynamics in the story.
What is the connection between ancient myths and modern scientific concepts, such as AI?
Ancient myths have influenced modern scientific concepts, with examples like the Trojan horse in malware and the Basilisk in AI thought experiments. The chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Monsters and Classical Myths explores how classical mythology is adopted in various scientific fields, including computer science.
Why does the Theseus myth involve elements that can be interpreted as serial killings?
Theseus' journey to Athens includes encounters with six criminals who are methodical and consistent in their killings, often targeting lone travelers. Theseus kills them using their own methods, which can be seen as a form of vigilante justice, but also reflects a pattern similar to modern serial killers.
What does the story of Scylla reveal about ancient and modern interpretations of monsters?
Scylla is described in various ways, either as a woman with dog heads or a giant pig. Modern interpretations, such as those in the Oxford Handbook, explore her from different perspectives, including disability studies and post-colonial theories, showing how ancient myths can be reinterpreted to fit modern contexts.
How does the myth of the Sphinx relate to the concept of serial killers?
The Sphinx had a specific victim type (travelers who couldn't solve her riddle) and a consistent method of killing (throwing them off a cliff). Some scholars suggest that this myth may have originated from real serial killers, as the story fits the pattern of methodical and targeted killings.
Shownotes Transcript