Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 8)

Liv reads Book 8 of Statius' Thebaid, translated by JH Mozley. When the prophet-hero Amphiareus dies, even the king of the Underworld is a little thrown off. Plus, the war of brothers begins in earnest... Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions http://mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby http://patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they generally refer to in the Greek, visit:mythsbaby.com/names http://mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here:mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions http://mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Learn more about Liv's next group trips https://travelbugxlivalbert.my.canva.site/ to GREECE! Application deadline is November 30 (Subject to change due to demand). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:00Liv Albert?

  Hey nerds, really quick note from me. I want to tell you that we now have the applications open for the next set of listener group trips. This is us going back to the original, the trips that we have held in the past that have been so much fun, so successful and pretty affordable in terms of wandering around Greece with a bunch of nerds. So check out the details and get your applications in at mythsbaby.com/groups.

• 0:43Speaker 01

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• 1:13Speaker 02

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• 2:10Liv Albert?

  Hello, this is Let's Talk About Myths, baby, and I am your host, Liv, here with another episode of Statius's The Byed, because, well, normally these would be coming out on a Tuesday, but, but here we are, but here we are. That's where we're at. That's where we're at, because there aren't enough hours in the day, let alone among the horrors. Like,

• 2:41Liv Albert?

  it's like, how do you keep up with all the, with all the terrible things? It's like, like, and then my city is blanketed with smoke. You know, I, I, eight years ago, I left Toronto and I went back home. I moved back home, or rather, close enough to home to the west coast, where I grew up. And not once in my 28 years at that point, do I remember a smoke-filled summer, where, where you just had a smoky sky and, and the smell in the air for like half the summer. I don't remember that at all. I moved back very first summer, and then every single one after that. And then I lived there for eight years, and I moved back to Toronto. Toronto.

• 3:25Liv Albert?

  And anyway, the smoke is everywhere. Um,

• 3:32Liv Albert?

  I am here to read from The The Byed, because I want to, and because it is a good, I don't know, it's like a cleanse, you know, let's go back. I mean, it's, we're about to get into the war, but still, it's a mythical war. That was written about 2,000 years ago, so we're doing it. Now, just a reminder, um, this is, you know, uh, unfortunately, an old clunky translation. That's how it works when I want to be reading these things out loud. And this is an epic that I think is best read out loud rather than me kind of digging it all out, primarily because it is like, a lot of it is, is this war, um, this, this war against Thebes.

• 4:16Liv Albert?

  But also it is just filled with so many really interesting moments from mythology and like connections to other moments from Greek mythology. But remember, this was written during the Roman period. The author is Roman, but he is working with Greek stories that are lost to us. So again, it's one of these cases where almost all of this could be based in very well-known at the time Greek myths that, you know, were only lost over the 2,000 years that followed. Or this Roman could have been inventing a lot of stuff like Ovid did. We really don't know. It doesn't change how interesting it is.

• 4:59Liv Albert?

  It's just this added context that we can use to kind of pick apart what's going on. It's also a reminder that there are a lot of Roman names, um, for the gods in this, even though we are working with Greek myth, we are still being written by a Roman and so have these Roman names. There is a link in the episode's description to like a very old, very tertiary list of Greek to Roman names, so that in case you're confused. Now, I imagine anyone who's listening to this has been listening to the rest of this reading series, so I won't recap too much, but just a reminder, we've been getting these kind of on and off moments leading to this war between the Argives from Argos and the Thebans from Thebes.

• 5:43Liv Albert?

  It's kind of a civil war. It's kind of not. It's going to be brother against brother along with all of these other famous heroes and characters of this world. And where we left off, Jocasta, who in this version of the story is still alive, it's badass. She goes and she tries to be a mediator, which was one of my favorite things to read. I mean, I love to see women in stories, surprise, surprise, but also specifically in this role and somebody like Jocasta, who is otherwise like. Quite maligned in the overall mythology, but here she is this strong character who tries to broker peace, to mediate this turmoil between the brothers,

• 6:28Liv Albert?

  and therefore between Thebes and Argos. And it fails because toxic masculinity is here. And they just kind of send her back and start this war. And the prince Amphiarus of the Argives had taken out so many men with the help of Apollo, that the underworld just opened up below him and sucked him underneath. And so next, we're gonna get a little, a little bit of the underworld, which is so rare and epic, we will even have a speech from Hades. So let's get right into it.

• 7:33Liv Albert?

  This is The Thebaid by Statius, translated by J. H. Mosley, Book Eight.

• 7:43Liv Albert?

  "When on a sudden the prophet fell among the pallid shades, and burst into the homes of death and the mysteries of the deep sunken realm, and affrighted the ghosts with his armed corpse, all were filled with horror and marvelled at the weapons and horses and the body still undecayed upon the stygian shores. For no fires had whelmed his limbs, nor came he charred from the gloomy urn, but hot with the sweat of war and gory drops, and the dust of the rent plain befleck his shield. Not yet had the fury met and purified him with branch of yew, not had proserpine marked him on the dusky door-post as admitted to the company

• 8:27Liv Albert?

  of the dead, no, his presence surprised the very distaff of the fates. And not till in terror they beheld the augur, did the parquet break the thread." At the noise of his coming, the carefree Elysian folk gazed around about them, and they whom far in the remoter gulf a deeper night and a blind region of denser shades overwhelms, then sluggish mirrors and scorched lakes resound with groaning, and the pale furrower of the ghost-bearing stream cries out that a new chasm has cloven Tartarus to its depths, and spirits have been let in across a river not his own.

• 9:09Liv Albert?

  By chance the lord of Erebus enthroned in the midst of the fortress of his dolorous realm was demanding of his subjects the misdoing of their lives, pitying not human but wrath against all the shades. Around him stand the furies and various deaths in order due, and savage vengeance thrusts forth her coils on jangling chains. The fates bring the souls, and with one gesture damn them. Too heavy grows the work, hard by Minos, with his dread brother in kindly mood counsels milder justice, and restrains the bloodthirsty king. Coctus and Phlephlegon, swollen with tears and fire, aid in the judgment,

• 9:54Liv Albert?

  and Styx accuses the gods of perjury. But he, when the frame of the world above was loosened and filled him with unwanted fears, quaked at the appearing stars, and thus did he speak, offended by the gladsome light. What ruin of the upper world has thrust the hateful light of day into Avernus? Who has burst our gloom and told the silent folks of life? Whence comes this threat? Which of my brothers thus makes war on me? Well, I will meet him, confusion wellm all natural bonds, for whom would that please more? The third hazard hurled me, defeated from my mighty heaven, and I guard the world of guilt; nor is even that mine,

• 10:38Liv Albert?

  but lo, the dread stars search it from end to end and gaze upon me. Does the proud ruler of Olympus spy out my strength? Mine is the prison-house, now broken of the giants and of the titans, eager to force their way to the world above, and his own unhappy father. Why thus cruelly does he forbid me to enjoy my mournful leisure and this untranquil peace, and to hate the light I lost? I will open all my kingdoms, if such be my pleasure, and veil Hyperion with a stygian sky; I will not send the Arcadian up to the gods. Why does he come and go on errands between realm and realm? And I will keep both the sons of Tyndareus.

• 11:22Liv Albert?

  And why do I break Ixion on the greedy whirling of the wheel? Why do the waters not wait for Tantalus? Must I so often endure the profanation of chaos by living strangers? The rash ardor of Pyritus provoked me, and Theseus, swarm comrade of his daring friend, and fierce Alcides, Hercules, when the iron threshold of Cerberus's gate fell silent, its guardian removed. It shames me too, alas, how Tartarus opened a way to the Odrician plaint! With my own eyes I saw the humanities shed base tears at those persuasive strains, and the sisters repeat their allotted task.

• 12:04Liv Albert?

  Me too, but the violence of my cruel law is stronger. Yet I have scarce ventured on stolen journey, nor was that to the stars on high, when I carried off my bride from the Sicilian mead, unlawfully, so they say, and forthwith comes an unjust decree from Jove, and her mother cheats me of half a year. But why do I tell all this? Go, Tisypony, avenge the abode of Tartarus! If ever you have wrought monsters fierce and strange, bring forth some ghastly horror, huge and unwanted, such as the sky has never yet beheld, such as I may marvel at and your sisters envy. Yes, and the brothers, let this be the first sign of my hatred;

• 12:48Liv Albert?

  let the brothers rush to slay each other in exultant combat; let there be one who, in hideous bestial savagery, shall gnaw his foeman's head; and one who shall bar the dead from the funeral fire and pollute the air with naked corpses; let the fierce thunderer feast his eyes on that. Moreover, lest their fury harm my realms alone, Seek one who shall make war against the gods, And with smoking shield repel the fiery brand And Jove's own wrath. I will have all men fear to disturb Black Tartarus, No less than to set Pelion on top of leafy ossa. He finished, and long since was the gloomy palace Quaking at Hades's words,

• 13:32Liv Albert?

  And his own land and that which presses on it From above were rocking. No more mightily does Jupiter sway the heaven With this nod and bow the starry poles. But what shall be your doom, he cries, Who rushes headlong through the empty realm On a path forbidden? As he threatens, the other draws nigh, On foot and now and shadowy to view, His armor growing faint, Yet in his lifeless face abides the dignity Of augur-ship inviolate, And on his brow remains the fillet dim to behold, And in his hand is a branch of drying olive. If it be lawful and right for the holy shades To make utterance here, oh, you, To all men the great finisher,

• 14:16Liv Albert?

  But to me, who once knew the causes and beginnings, Creator also, Remit, I pray, threatenings and your fevered heart, Nor deem worthy of your wrath One who is but a man and fears your laws. It is for no Herculean plunder; Such wars are not for me, nor for a forbidden bride. Believe these emblems that I dare to enter lethi. Let not Cerberus flee into his cave Nor Proserpine shudder at my chariot. I, once the best beloved of augurs At Apollo's shrines, call empty chaos to bear witness. For what power to receive an oath has Apollo here? For no crime do I suffer this unwanted fate, Nor have I deserved to be thus torn

• 15:00Liv Albert?

  From the kindly light of day. The urn of the dictian judge does know it, And Minos can discern the truth. Sold by the treachery of my wife for wicked gold, I joined the argive host, not unwitting. Hence this crowd of new slain ghosts you see, And the victims also of this right hand, In a sudden convulsion of the earth, My mind still shrinks in horror. Your darkness swallowed me up From the midst of thousands. What were my feelings while I made my way on and on through the hollow womb of earth, and while I was whirled along, suspended in shrouding mist? Ah, woe is me, not of me is left to my country or my friends, nor in the power of Thebes,

• 15:43Liv Albert?

  no more shall I behold the roofs of Lerna, nor shall I return in ashes to my stricken father. With no pomp of tomb or pyre of kinsman tears, to you am I come with all my funeral train, nor likely to venture aught with yonder steeds, content am I to receive my shade, nor remember my tripods any more. For what avails you the use of prescient augury, when the parkeif spin your commands? No, be you softened, and prove more merciful than the gods, if ever my accursed wife comes here, reserve for her your deadly torments, she is more worthy of your wrath, oh righteous lord! He accepts his prayer, and is indignant that he yields, just as a lion,

• 16:28Liv Albert?

  when the glittering Mesalian steel confronts him, then most summons up his anger and his might, but if the foemen fall, to pass over him is enough, and to leave to the vanquished his life.

• 16:42Liv Albert?

  Meanwhile, his chariot, garlanded with sacred wool and victorious bay, and feared but of late for noble feats of arms, is sought in the clear light of day in vain, though by none vanquished and by none put to flight, the troops fall back and the ground is suspected by all, and the soldiers avoid the traces of the dangerous field. That ill-omened spot of ravenous destruction lies idle, shunned from awe of the hellish abyss. While Adrastus, in a different quarter, is encouraging his men, Pelaimon flies to him with tidings, scarce trusting what he has seen, and cries in terror, for it chanced that he stood nigh the falling seer and paled, poor wretch, to see the chasm open!

• 17:28Liv Albert?

  Turn, prince, and flee, if at least the Dorian land yet remains in its place, and our native towers where we left them. No need of arms or bloodshed, why draw we against Thebes, the unavailing sword? The impious earth sucks in our chariots and our weapons and men of war, lo, even the field where we stand seems to flee away. With my own eyes I saw the road to deepest night, and the firm soil rent and hymn, alas! Ikalides, falling, than whom none was dearer to the prescient stars, and in vain I stretched out my arms and cried aloud, "It's a miracle that I tell!" Only now has my charioteer left the furrowed ground and the smoking, foam-bespattered fields;

• 18:13Liv Albert?

  nor is the ruin shared by all, the earth knows its own children, the Thebaid host remains.

• 18:21Liv Albert?

  Adrastus, horror-struck, is slow to believe, but Mopsus, and a frightened actor, were bringing the same tidings. Already rumor, bold to ply new terrors, reports that more than one have perished. Unbidden, not awaiting the wonted bugle-call that sounds retreat, the troops take to headlong flight, but their movement is sluggish, their knees fail their eager haste, the horn-footed steeds themselves, one would think they knew, resist them, and stubbornly defy every command, whether to hasten pace or lift their eyes from earth. More valiantly the Tyrians press on, but dark vespere is already leading forth the horses of the moon.

• 19:05Liv Albert?

  A scant truce brings the warriors sad reprose, and night that will but increase their fears. How looks it now, do you think, when groans are granted their fill? How fell the tears from the loosened helms? Not customary delights the weary warriors, they cast down their dripping shields just as they were. None wiped his spear, or praised his charger, or dressed and decked the plume of his polished helm. Scarc'd they care to wash their grievous wounds, and stitch up the wide gaping blows, so great the despair of every heart? Nor could the fear of battle persuade them to take food and do sustenance for war.

• 19:49Liv Albert?

  All sing of your praises, Amphiarius, and of your mind, unfailing oracle of truth. One speech is heard throughout the tents, that the gods have left them, and their protection is departed from the camp. Where, alas, the laureled chariot and the sacred arms are fill it bearing crest? Is this the faith of Castalian lake and grotto and holy tripod? Is this Apollo's gratitude? Who now shall explain to me the falling stars, or the purpose of the lightning on the left, or the will divine that leaps in slain entrails? Or when to march or tarry, what hour is profitable for battle, or rather calls for peace?

• 20:31Liv Albert?

  Who now shall lay bare all the future, or with whom shall birds hold converse of my destiny? The chances of this war you knew also, both for yourself and us, and yet, how great the courage in that inspired beast! You came and did join our ill-fated arms, and when the earth and your fatal hour called you, you had time to lay low the Tyrian lines and hostile standards. Then, even in the midst of death, we saw you a terror to the foe, and your spear still threatening, as you did depart. And now what fate befalls you? Will you be able to return from the abodes of Styx and break forth from the depths of earth?

• 21:14Liv Albert?

  Or do you sit beside the glad Parke, your own deities, and by harmonious interchange do learn and teach the future? Or has the lord of Avernus in pity granted you to watch Elysian birds in the groves of the blast? Whatever your art, an eternal grief to Phoebus shall you be, and a loss that is ever new, and long shall you be mourned by Adelphi that is dumb. This day shall silence Tenidos and Chrissy and Delos made fast for the bringing forth and unshorn Brancus's shrine. Nor on this day shall any suppliant draw nigh to the Clarion temple gates, nor to the threshold of Dindymus, nor consult the Lycaean god.

• 22:01Liv Albert?

  Know the precinct also of the horned prophet and the painting, the panting oak of Molossian Jove, and Trojan thimbra shall be mute. The very streams and laurels shall of their own will fail and wither; the air itself shall utter no certain presage in prophetic cries, and no wing of bird shall beat the clouds. And soon shall come the day when you too shall be worshipped by truth-inspiring shrines, and your own priest impart your oracles.

• 22:35Liv Albert?

  Such solemn chant do they make in honour of the prophet-prince, as though they were paying the due of flame and gifts and mournful service to the pyre, and laying the soul to rest in the soft earth. Then, broken were the spirits of all with loathing for the war; even so when sudden death snatch Tiffus from the brave Minnai, no longer seems the tackling to obey, no longer the oars to endure the water, and even the breezes drew the vessel with less power. And now they were wearied of weeping, and having mourned their fill in converse, their hearts were lightened, little by little, till Sora was drowning in the approach of night and sleep that gently steals over tearful eyes.

• 23:22Liv Albert?

  But elsewhere throughout the Sidonian city, far different, was that night. In various sport before their houses and within they spend the hours of darkness, and even the sentinels on the walls are tipsy. Symbols and the idean drums resound, and the pipe that makes its music by varied breathing. Then, in honour of their darling gods and every native deity in order sacred pines, everywhere swell high, everywhere are garlands seen and wreathed bowls of wine. Now mock they the witless augur's death, and again they vie in praising their own Tyresius. Now they tell the history of their fathers and sing from its beginnings the ancient tale of Thebes.

• 24:08Liv Albert?

  Some tell of the Sidonian sea and the hands that grasped the thunderer's horns, and the mighty bull that plowed the deep; Others of Cadmus and the weary heifer and fields pregnant with bloody war; Others again of the boulders that moved to the music of the Tyrian lute, and Amphion stirring rocks to life. These celebrate the labor of Semelie, those the Catherian nuptials and the train of brothers' torches that led Harmonia to her home; Every table has its story. It is as though Libere of late had ravaged Hydaspis, rich in gems and the kingdoms of the east, and were displaying to the folk the banners of his swarthy captive train

• 24:52Liv Albert?

  and Indians yet unknown. Then for the first time Oedipus, whoever lurked unseen in his dread abode, came forth, they say, to the friendly gatherings of the social banquet, and, serene in countenance, freed his gray hairs from their black filth, and his face from unkempt straying locks, and enjoyed the kindly converse of his fellows and the solace denied before. No, partook of the feast and wiped the undried blood from his eyes. To all he listens and to all he makes reply, who was wont but to assail with sad complaint Dis and the Furies and his guide Antigone.

• 25:34Liv Albert?

  They know not the cause; it is not the prosperous issue of the Tyrian war, but war alone delights him. He encourages and approves his son, yet would not have him win; but he searches for the first clash of swords, the seeds of guilt, with prayers unspoken. Thence his pleasure in the feast and the strange joy upon his face. Even so old Phineus, after the long fast that was his punishment, when he knew the birds were driven away, nor screamed any more about his house, yet believed he not wholly, recline hilarious at the board and handle the cups that no fierce wings upset.

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• 28:18Liv Albert?

  The rest of the Grecian host lay fordone with care and battle from a high mound in the camp of Adrastus. Frail now and old, but forced by the curse of power to be watchful against disaster, heard with sinking heart the shouts of the merry makers. From all sides the clamor of bronze and Thebaid uproar gaul him, and the pipe grates harshly on his ears, he is vexed by the insolent shouts of the drunken, and the flickering torches and the fires already scarce lasting out the night. So when upon the waves a ship is whelmed in the silence of universal sleep, and the crew in careless trust commend their lives to the peace of ocean,

• 29:02Liv Albert?

  alone upon the poop stands the vigilant helmsman, and the god who sails in the bark that bears his name. It was the time when Phoebus's fiery sister, hearing the sound of his yoked steeds and the roar of ocean's cavernous abode beneath the gathering dawn, collects her straying beams and with light flick of whip chases the stars away. The king calls the doleful counsel, and in dismay they ask who shall take up the duty of the tripod, to whom shall pass the prescient laurel and the widowed glory of the philip. Straightway all demand holy Melampus's son, Theodamas, of high renown with whom alone Amphiarius's self

• 29:46Liv Albert?

  was wont to share the mysteries of the gods and view the flying birds, nor grudge him so much skill, but rejoice to hear him called his like and nearest rival. Overwhelmed by the high honour and confounded by the unlooked-for glory, he humbly reverences the proffered leaves and pleads that he is unequal to the task and must needs for his merit be constrained, even as when perchance a young Achaemenian prince has succeeded to the throne in all his father's realms, though safer were it for him that his father still lived. His delight he balances with uncertain fear whether his chiefs be loyal, whether the folk will fight against his reins,

• 30:31Liv Albert?

  to whom he shall entrust the frontier of Euphrates or the Caspian Gate. Then does he feel awe to wield the bow and to mount his father's own steed, nor can he see himself upholding the scepter with large grasp, nor as yet filling the diadem.

• 30:49Liv Albert?

  He therefore, having set upon his locks the emblem of the twisted wool and held intercourse with the gods, proceeds in triumph through the camp amid shouts of joy, and first evidence of his priestly office prepares to appease the earth, nor seemed it vain to the sorrowing Danians. Therefore he straightway bids two altars that he wreathed with living trees and well-grown turf, and on them, in honour of the goddess, he flings countless flowers, her own bounty, and heaps of fruit, and the new produce of the tireless year, and pouring untouched milk upon the altars, he thus begins:

• 31:28Liv Albert?

  "O eternal creatress of gods and men, who brings into being rivers and forests and seeds of life throughout the world, the handiwork of Prometheus and the stones of Pyrrha, you who first did give nourishment and varied food to famished men, who does encompass and bear upon the sea, in your power is the gentle race of cattle, and the anger of wild beasts, and the repose of birds, around you firm steadfast strength of the unfailing universe, as you hang in the empty air the rapid frame of heaven, and either chariot does wheel, o middle of the world, unshared by the mighty brethren.

• 32:12Liv Albert?

  Therefore are you bountiful to many races, so many lofty cities and peoples, while from above and from beneath you are all sufficient, and with no effort carries yourself star-bearing atlas, who staggers under the weight of the celestial realm. Us alone, o goddess, do you refuse to bear? Does our weight vex you? What crime, I pray, do we unwittingly atone, that we come here a stranger folk from Inachian shores? All soil is human birthright; nor does it beseech you, worthiest one, to distinguish by a test so cruel and so mean peoples, who are everywhere and in every land your own."

• 32:58Liv Albert?

  Abide you, common, to all alike, and bear alike the arms of all. Grant us, I pray, in wars due course, to breathe out our warrior souls and restore them to the sky.

• 33:11Liv Albert?

  Whelm not in burial so sudden, our still-breathing bodies, haste not, for we shall come by the path all tread, by the permitted way. Harken but to our prayer, and keep firm for the Pelasgians the fickle plain, and forestall not the swift fates. But you, dear to the gods, whom no violence nor Sidonian sword did slay, but mighty nature opened her bosom to unfold in union with herself, as though for your merits she were entoming you in Kyra's chasm. Gladly vouchsafe, I pray, that I may learn your supplications, conciliate me to the gods and the prophetic altars, and teach me what you did design to tell the peoples.

• 33:57Liv Albert?

  I will perform your rites of divination, and in Thebes' absence be the prophet of your godhead, and call upon your name. That place where you speed is mightier, I ween than any Delos or Kyra, or more august than any shrine. Having thus spoken, he casts into the ground black sheep and dark-hued herds, and piles up heaps of billowy sand on their living bodies, duly paying to the seer the emblems of death.

• 34:28Liv Albert?

  Such things were happening among the Greeks, when already yonder the martial horns were heard, and the blare of bronze drew fierce swords from their sheaths. From Tumesis' height to Siphonie sends her shrill cry and shakes her locks, and with their hissing adds a sharpness to the trumpet's note. Drunken Kytheron and the towers that follow to far different music listen in amazement to the unwanted din. Already Bologna is beating at the trembling gates and the armed portals, already by many a doorway, Thebes is emptying fast.

• 35:06Liv Albert?

  Horsemen set infantry in disarray, chariots delay the hurrying troops as though the Danians urge their rear. Thus at the issues of all seven gates the crowded columns are stuck fast. Creon goes out by lot from the Ogai-gian, the Nestai send forth Eteocles. Hymon guards the lofty Homolian and Pretian, and Electrin pour forth the men Hypsius and Taldrus. The troops of Eurimidon make the Hypistai shake, great-hearted Menneki as crowds the Durkian battlements. Even so, when Nile in his secret region has drunk with mighty mouth the nurture of a distant

• 35:49Liv Albert?

  sky and the cold snows of the east, he breaks up all his wealth of waters and carried his tempests to the sea in seven wide channels over the fields, the routed Nereids take refuge in the depths and fear to meet the saltless main. But sad and slow move yonder thee Inachian warriors, especially cohorts of Ellis and Lakadaimon and you of Pelos robbed of your augur, you follow the late-appointed Theodamas, not yet assenting to his command. Nor is it only your own ranks that miss you, lord of the tripods, all the host feels its

• 36:29Liv Albert?

  loss, lest gloriously along the line rises that seventh crest. It is as though a jealous cloud were to snatch from the sky one of the Parassian cluster, spoiled as the glory of the wain, the axel wavers shorn of one fire, and the seamen count their stars in doubt. But already, battle calls me from a fresh source, Calliope, supply new vigor and may a mightier Apollo attune my lyre.

• 36:59Liv Albert?

  The day of doom brings nigh to the peoples the fatal hour of their own asking, and death, let loose from stygian darkness, exalts in the air of heaven and hovers in flight over the field of battle, and with black jaws gaping wide invites the heroes. Not vulgar does he choose, but with bloody nail marks as victims, those most worthy of life. In the prime of years or valor, and now all the sister's strands are broken for the wretched men, and the furies have snatched the threads from the fates. In the midst of the plain stands the war god, with spear yet dry, and turns his shield now against these.

• 37:39Liv Albert?

  Now against those stirring up the fray and blotting out home and wife and child. Love of country is driven out, and love of the light that lingers latest in the heart. Rage holds their hands all ready on the sword-hilt and on the lance, the panting spirit strives beyond its corset, and the helmets tremble beneath the quivering plumes. What wonder that the heroes are hot for battle! Horn-footed steeds are inflamed against the foe, and bedew the crumbling earth with a snow-white shower, as though they were made one in body with their masters, and had put on the riders' rage. So champ they the bits, and nay to join the fight, and rearing toss the horsemen backwards.

• 38:23Liv Albert?

  And now they charge, and the first dust clouds of the heroes begin to meet it in the onset. Both sides dash forward at equal pace, and seeing the intervening plain diminish. Then shield thrusts against shield, boss upon boss, threatening sword on sword, foot against foot, and lance on lance. In such close struggle they meet, together their groans reek, close-packed crests gleam over helmets not their own. The face of battle is still fair, plumes stand erect, horsemen bestride their steeds, no chariot is without its chief. Weapons are in their place, shields glitter, quivers and belts are comely, and gold as

• 39:08Liv Albert?

  yet unsightly with blood.

• 39:11Liv Albert?

  But when fury and valor prodigal of life give rein to passion, Arctos lashes not airy Rhodopis so fiercely with hardened snow, when the kids are falling, nor does Osonia hear so loud an uproar, when Jupiter thunders from end to end, nor are the Syrtes beaten with such hail, when dark Boreus hurls Italian tempests upon Libya. Their darts shut out the day, a steely cloud hangs athwart the sky, and the crowded air has no room for all the javelins. Some perish by flung spears, others by spears returning; stakes meet in the void and rob each other of the wounds they carry;

• 39:53Liv Albert?

  spears meet and dread arrows winged with a double death rival the lightning-stroke. No place for weapons earthward, every dart falls on a body, often they slay and are slain unwitting. Chance does the work of valor, now the press retires and now advances, loses ground in turn and wins it. Even so, when threatening jove has loosed the rains of winds and tempests, and sends alternate hurricanes to afflict the world, opposing forces meet in heaven, now osters storm prevail, now aquillos, till in the conflict of the winds one conquers it, be it osters overwhelming rains, or aquillos clean air.

• 40:37Liv Albert?

  At the outset of the fight, Aesopian Hypsius repulsed the Balian squadrons; for these, in fierce pride of race, were thrusting their stout bucklers through the Evian lines, and slew Monoculus, the leader of the phalanx. He, a true-soled Spartan, child of the mountain torrent, shamed not his ancestry, but pulled back through bones and bowels the spear that would pass beyond his breast, let his back should show dishonor, and with failing hand hurled it back, all bloody, at the foe. His love Tigetis swims before his dying eyes, and his combats, and the strong breast his mother praised.

• 41:19Liv Albert?

  Durcayan Amentes marks out Phidamas, son of Iasus, with his bow, ah! The swift fates already Phidamas lies gasping on the field, and not yet the bow of Shur Amentes ceased to twang. Caledonian Agrius cut the right arm of Phigius from off its shoulder, and on the ground it holds the sword in unyielding grip and shakes it. Aketes, advancing, feared it as it lay amid the scattered weapons, and struck at it, severed though it was. Stern Akamas pierced Iphis, fierce Hypsius Argus, Furies laid Abyss low, and groaning from their different wounds they lay.

• 42:01Liv Albert?

  Horsemen Iphis, foot-soldier Argus, chariot-drive Abyss, Inachian twins, had smitten with the sword twin brothers of Cadmus's blood, hidden by their helms war's cruel ignorance. But stripping the dead of all their spoils, they saw the horror of their deed, and in each dismay looked on his brother, and cried that they were both at fault.

• 42:25Liv Albert?

  Ion worshipper at Pisae overthrew Daphneus worshipper at Kira. In the confusion of his steeds, this one Jupiter praises from on high, that one Apollo vainly pities, too late to aid.

• 42:40Liv Albert?

  Fortune on either side of the bloody fray sheds lustre on mighty warriors. Cadmian Hymon slays and routs the Danians, Tydeus madly pursues the ranks of tier. The one has Pallas's present aid, the other the Turinthean inspires, just as when two torrents break forth from mountain heights, and fall upon the plain in twofold ruin. One would think they strove which could wellm crops and trees, or bury their bridges in a deeper flood. Lo! At last one vale receives mingles their water, but proudly each would fain go by himself, and they refuse to flow down to ocean with united streams.

• 43:22Liv Albert?

  Idaus of Onkestus strode through the midst, shaking a smoky brand, and disarrayed the Grecian ranks, forcing his way with fire. But a great lunge of savage Tydeus's spear, from nigh at hand, smote through his helm and pierced him. In huge length he falls upon his back. The lance stays upright in his forehead, the flaming torch sinks upon his temples. Tydeus pursues him with a taunt: "Call not Argos cruel, burn Thebaid in your own flames. See, we grant you a pyre." Then, like a tigress, exulting in her first blood, and eager to go through all the herd, he slays Ion with the stone, Pholus and Chromus with the sword,

• 44:07Liv Albert?

  with thrust of lance two Helacchions, whom Myra, priestess of Iggy and Venus, bore against the goddess's pleasure. Victims are you of blood-stained Tydeus, but even now your mother visits the pitiless altars. No less on the other side is Hymon, ward of Hercules, led on by restless vigor. With unsated sword he speeds through thousands. Now laying low the pride of Caledon, now Pylini's grim array, now sad Pluron's sons, until, with wearied seer, he happens on Olenian beauties. Him he attacks, as he turns toward his men, and forbids them to retreat.

• 44:49Liv Albert?

  A lad was he, with cheeks yet smooth and hair unshorn, and the Thebaid battle-axe, aimed against his helm, takes him unaware. His temples are cleft asunder, and his locks divided, fall upon his shoulders, and he, not fearing such a fate, passed from life unwitting on its threshold. Then he slays fair-haired Hypanis and Politis. This one was keeping his beard for Phoebus, that one his hair for Iacchus. But cruel was either god. And joins Hyperinor to his victims, and Demases, who turned to flee. But the hero's lance sped through his shoulders and passed out by his heart, and, tearing his buckler from his grasp, carried it on the lance-point as it flew.

• 45:37Liv Albert?

  Even yet would Ismene and Hyman be laying low his Inachian adversaries, for Amphitryon's son directs his darts and gives him strength. But against him, Pallas urged fierce Tydeus, and now they met in rivalry of favor. And first, the Turinthean thus calmly spoke: "Good sister, what chance has thus brought about our meeting in the fog of war? Has royal Juno devised this evil? Sooner may she see me, unutterable thought, assault the thunderbolt and make war against the mighty father. This man's race, but I disown him, since you do aid his foes. Yes, were it even Hylas or Amphitryon sent back from the world of Styx

• 46:20Liv Albert?

  that the spear of Tydeus sought in close combat? I remember and shall remember everlasting how much that godlike hand, how often that aegis of yours has labored for me, while athral to hardship I roamed through every land. Yes, you would have gone yourself to Pathless Tartarus with me, did not Asheron exclude the gods? You gave me my home, yes, heaven, who could name a service so great, all Thebes is yours if you have a mind to destroy it. I yield and crave pardon." So he spoke and departed. Pallas is soothed by the praise, her countenance is calm again, the anger spent, and the snakes erect upon her bosom sank to rest.

• 47:08Liv Albert?

  Cadme and Hyman felt that the god had left him. More weakly he hurles his darts, nor recognizes his skill in any stroke. Then more and more his powers and courage fail him, nor is he ashamed to retreat, as he gives ground, the Echolian hero assails him, and, poising a spear that he alone could wield, aims the blow, where the rim of the helmet rests on the topmost margin of the shield, and the vulnerable throat gleams white. Nor erred his hand, and the spear had found a deadly spot, but Tritonia forbade, and suffered it to touch the left shoulder, sparing her brother for his merit's sake.

• 47:49Liv Albert?

  But the warrior dares no longer hold its ground, or engage, or bear the sight of murderous Tideus. His courage grows faint, and his confidence has departed. As when the bristly visage of a boar has been grazed by a Lucanian javelin point, and the blow has not sunk deep into his brain, nor has the aim been true. He lets the anger of his side-stroke weaken, nor attacks the spear he knows too well.

• 48:17Liv Albert?

  Lo, now indignant that Prothos, the leader of a squadron, is hurling sure darts with happy aim against the foe, Eunides is furiously strikes two bodies with one shaft of pine, horsemen and horse-footed steed. Prothos falls, and the horse upon him, and as he gropes for the lost reins, the horse tramples the helm upon his face, and the shield upon his breast. Until, as the last drops ebb from his wounds, he casts off the bridle, and sinks with his head upon his master's body.

• 48:53Liv Albert?

  Even so, from Mount Geronas fall an elm-tree and a vine together, a twofold loss to the husbandsmen; but the elm more sorrowfully seeks also for its comrade-tree, and falling grieves less for its own boughs than for the familiar grapes it crushes against its well. Corimbus of Helicon had taken arms against the Danians, formerly the Muses' friend, to whom Uranie herself, knowing full well his stygian destiny, had long foretold his death by the position of the stars. Yet seeks he battles and warriors perchance to find theme for song.

• 49:34Liv Albert?

  Now lies he low, worthy himself to be sung with lasting praise, but the sisters wept his loss in silence.

• 49:45Liv Albert?

  Attis, betrothed from childhood to his many, offspring of Agonore, went his way, a youth no stranger to the wars of Thebes, though Kira was his home, nor had he shunned his bride's kinsmen for their evil deeds, nay, her misery undeserved and chaste humility commend her to her lover's favor. He too was noble, nor was the maiden's heart turned from him, and they were pleasing in each other's sight, had only fortune suffered it. But war forbids his marriage, and hence the youth's fiercer wrath against the foe, among the foremost he rushes on, and now afoot with errant sword, now grasping the reins aloft, as though at some spectacle, he drives before him the ranks of Lerna.

• 50:30Liv Albert?

  With three-fold robe of purple had his mother clothed his yet growing shoulders and smooth breast, and now lest he should go in meaner raiment than his spouse, she had plated with gold his harness, and with gold his arrows, and his belt and armlets, and had encrusted his helm with inlay of gold. Trusting, alas, in such things as these, he challenges the Greeks to combat, and first assailing a weak company with his spear, he brings back spoil of arms to his comrades, and the slaughter accomplished returns to the friendly lines. So, a Caspian lion beneath Hircanian shade, still smooth, nor terrible yet in the yellow

• 51:13Liv Albert?

  glory of his mane, and guiltless of great carnage, raids the slow-moving flock, nor far from their fold while the shepherd is away, and sates his hunger on a tender lamb. Soon he feared not to attack Tydeus, knowing not his prowess, but judging only by his stature, and dared to vex him with his frail weapon, as of the shouted taunts at some and pursued others.

• 51:41Liv Albert?

  At length Theotolian turned his gaze by chance upon his feeble efforts and with a terrible laugh, "Long since," he cries, "I have seen insatiate one, 'tis famous a death that you desire." And forthwith, deeming the bold youth worthy of neither sword nor spear, with careless fingers lightly flung an unwarlike shaft. Yet the missile drained deep the recesses of the groin, as though hurled with all his might. His death assured, Eunides passed him by, and is too proud to plunder. "For not such spoils as these," says he, "will I hang up to Mars or to you warlike palace;

• 52:22Liv Albert?

  shame keep me far from taking them for my own pleasure." Scarcely had Dipele left her bower and come with me to war, would I have borne her spoils that might mock at?

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• 54:40Liv Albert?

  So saying, he is led on to dream of nobler prizes of the fight. As when a lion by chance has slaughter innumerable in his power, he passes by the unwarlike calves and heifers, he is mad to drench himself in some mighty victim's blood, nor to crouch save on the neck of a chieftain bull. But Mennechius fails not to hear the dying wail of fallen Attis. There he turns his horses and leaps down from his swift chariot. "The Tegayan warriors were drawing nigh him where he lay, nor did the Tyrians hold them off." "For shame, Cadmian youth, he cries, that belie your earth-born fathers!

• 55:23Liv Albert?

  Where do you fly, degenerate ones? Have you not fallen more nobly for our folk, the stranger Attis? Yes, still but a stranger, nor yet hapless one has he avenged his spouse. Shall we betray a pledge so great?" Heartened by righteous shame, they rally and each bethinks himself of those he loves.

• 55:46Liv Albert?

  Meanwhile in the seclusion of their chamber the sisters, innocent pair, guiltless offspring of unhappy Oedipus and Jocasta, mingle their converse with varying complaint. Now grieve they for their present ills, but starting from the far origins of their fate, one laments their mother's marriage, the other their father's eyes. This one the brother that reigns, that one him that is in exile, and both lament the war.

• 56:15Liv Albert?

  Long do they hesitate in their unhappy prayers, fear sways them either way, in doubt whom they wish defeated in the fight and whom victorious? But in their silent hearts the exile wins the day. So when pandeons' birds seek once more trusty welcome and the homes they left when winter drove them forth, and they stand over the nest and tell to the house the old story of their woe, a broken, dolorous sound goes forth. They deem it words, nor in truth does their voice sound other than words. Then after tears and a long silence, Ismini begins again.

• 56:56Liv Albert?

  What delusion is this of mortals? What means this trust deceive? Is it true that then our cares are awake in time of rest and our fancies return in sleep so clearly? Lo, I who could not bear the athoth of wedlock, not even ensure abiding peace, this very night my sister, ah, for shame, I beheld myself a bride. Whence did my fevered slumber bring my husband before my vision whom I scarce know by sight? Once in this palace I caught sight of him, my sister, not of my own will, while pledges in some wise were exchanged for my betrothal. One the instant all was confusion to my view, and sudden fire fell between us, and his mother followed me, demanding at his back with loud clamor.

• 57:43Liv Albert?

  What presage of disaster to whom I know not is this? And yet I have no fear so, but our home be safe and the Dorian host depart, and we can reconcile our haughty brothers.

• 57:56Liv Albert?

  Such was their converse when the quiet house started at a sudden tumult, and Attis, rescued at great labor's cost, bloodless but still living, is borne in. His hand is on his heart, outside the shield the neck droops languid, and the tresses hang backward from his forehead. Jocasta saw him first, and trembling called his beloved is many; for that prayer alone did the dying accents of her son-in-law utter. That name alone hovers on his parched mouth. The women shriek, and the maiden lifts her hands to her face; fierce shame restrains her, yet she must needs go to him. Jocasta grants the dying man this final boon, and shows her, and sets her before him.

• 58:41Liv Albert?

  Four times at the very point of death he bravely raised his eyes, and failing vision of her name, at her alone, neglecting the light of heaven he gazes, and cannot gaze enough on the face he loves. Then, because his mother is not near, and his father is laid in blissful death, they give to his betrothed the sad office of closing his eyes. There, at last, unwitnessed and alone, she gave utterance to wifely grief, and drowned her eyes in tears. While these things were happening in Thebes, Ennio, a fire with torch fresh-charged and other serpents, was restoring the fight.

• 59:22Liv Albert?

  They yearn for battle as though they had but lately borne the opening shock of combat, hand to hand, and every sword still shone bright and clear. Aeneidus is preeminent, though Prothenopaeus, drawing an unerring shaft, and Hippomedon trample the faces of the dying with furious steed, though the spear of Caponeus fly even from afar with a message to Aeonian troops. That day was the day of Tideus. From him, from him they flee, and tremble as he cries out: "Where do you turn your backs, lo? You can avenge your slain comrades, and atone for that sad night; I am he who took fifty lives in unsated carnage. Bring as many, yes, as many squadrons in swarms!

• 1:00:07Liv Albert?

  Are there no fathers, no loving brothers of the fallen? Why such forgetfulness of sorrow? Shame on me that I departed content to Anaki and Mycenae; are these all that stand for Thebes? Are these your monarch's strength? And where can I find that noble chieftain?"

• 1:00:25Liv Albert?

  Therewith he spies him on the left of the array, encouraging his columns and conspicuous by the flash of haughty helm. Not less swiftly does he rush to meet him all afire, than the bird that wields the flame swoops on the frightened snow-white swan and enfolds him in his mighty shadow. Then he first speaks: "Most righteous king of the Ionian people, meet we in open fight and show our swords at last? Or does it please you to await the night and your wonted darkness?" "Not," spoke he in reply, but the whizzing cornel shaft comes flying against his foe, bearing the chieftain's message. The prudent hero strikes it aside, just as it reached its mark, and himself eagerly hurled a mighty weapon with strength unknown before.

• 1:01:10Liv Albert?

  On was the angry lance flying to end the war. On it the gods Sidonian and Greek, who favored either side, turned their eyes. Cruel Orenways checked the course and preserves Eteocles for a brother's impious deed. The erring spear-point lighted on Phlegethus, the charioteer. Then a great fight arose of heroes, for the Eteolian, drawing his sword, charged more fiercely, while Thebaid warriors protected the retreating king. So in the murk of night a crowd of shepherds forces away a wolf from the bullock he has seized, but he relentlessly rises up against them, nor cares to attack those who bar his way.

• 1:01:52Liv Albert?

  Him, him only, whom he had once assailed, does he pursue. Just so does Tydeus ignore the lines arrayed against him and the lesser throng, and pass them by in the fight. Yet he wounds the face of Thoas, the breast of Dilocus, Clonius in the flank, stern Hippodates in the groin. Now he throws back their limbs to mutilated trunks, or whirls heads and helms together through the air. And now he had enclosed himself with the spoils and corpses of the fallen, the ring of foes spends itself on him alone. At him alone all darts aspire, some lodge within his limbs, some fall amiss, others Tritonia tears away, many stand stiffly in his shield.

• 1:02:37Liv Albert?

  Thick-planted already with spears, his buckler is a quivering grove of steel, and his native boar-skin is torn upon his back and shoulders. Gone is the towering glory of the crest, and the mares that held the peak of his grim helmet falls, a happy omen to its lord. The bare bronze is fixed and welded to his temples, stones strike his head and fall rattling about his armor. His helm now fills with blood, and now his wounded breast is drenched by a dark mingling torrent of blood and sweat. He looks round upon his applauding comrades and on faithful pallas,

• 1:03:19Liv Albert?

  who conceals from afar her face behind her shield, for she was on her way to soften with her tears, her mighty father.

• 1:03:28Liv Albert?

  Lo, an ashen spear charged with mighty wrath and fate cleaves the zephyrs, its author unperceived. Melanippus, it was, the son of Astachus, and he betrayed not his own work and would fain have been hidden, but the joy of his troop revealed him, all affrighted, for Tydeus bending over his groin had sunk upon his side and let go his round shield. Aionians and Pelasgians mingle their shouts and groans and form a barrier and protect the indignant hero. He, spying afar through the foe, the hated Astachides, summons for a stroke all the vital forces that remain, and hurls a dart that Hoplius, who stood by, had given him.

• 1:04:13Liv Albert?

  The effort makes the blood spout and flow, then his grieving comrades drag him away. Eager yet to fight, what fiery zeal! And calling for spears, and even in death's agony refusing to die, and set him on the farthest margin of the field, propped against shields on either side, and promise with tears a return to conflicts of fierce mares.

• 1:04:39Liv Albert?

  But he too now felt the light of heaven fail him, and his mighty spirit yields the final chill. And lying on the ground he cries, "Have pity, sons of Anakis! I pray not that my bones be taken to Argos or my Etonian home; I care not for funeral obsequies. I hate my limbs and my body so frail and useless, deserter of the soul within it. Your head, your head, oh, Melanippus, could one but bring me that? For you are grovelling on the plain, so indeed I trust; nor did my valor fail me at the last. Go, Hippomedon, I beg, if you have aught of Atreus's blood!

• 1:05:19Liv Albert?

  Go, you Arcadian, youth-renowned in your first wars, and you, oh, Capaeus, mightiest now of the Argive host!" All were moved, but Capaeus first darts away, and, finding the son of Astakis, lifts him still breathing from the dust, and returns with him on his left shoulder, staining his back with blood from the stricken wound. In such wise did the Turinthean return from the Arcadian lair, when he brought home to applauding Argos the captive boar. Tydeus raises himself and turns his gaze upon him; then, mad with joy and anger, when

• 1:06:02Liv Albert?

  he saw them drag the gasping visage and saw his handiwork therein, he bids them cut off and hand to him his foe's fierce head; and seizing it in his left hand he gazes at it, and glows to see it still warm in life and the wrathful eyes still flickering before they closed. Content was the wretched man, but avenging to Siphony demands yet more. And now, her father appeased, had Tritonia come and was bringing immortal lustre to the unhappy hero, when, lo, she sees him befouled with the shattered brains' corruption and his jaws polluted with living blood?

• 1:06:43Liv Albert?

  Nor can his comrades wrested from him, fierce stood the Gorgon with outstretched snakes and the horned serpents upreared before her face overshadowed the goddess. With averted face, she flees from him where he lies, nor enters heaven before that the mystic lamp and Alyssos with plenteous water has purged her vision.

• 1:07:22Liv Albert?

  Oh, nerds. Thank you all so much for listening. Oh, those are so fun and also so long. I always wish I could do like more than one and then I read for an hour straight and then my voice starts to go, oh, funny. This was really fun. The, I mean, the war is violent and horrible, but there are just such interesting moments in here. Firstly, we get like a whole speech from Hades, which you can tell this is really late epic because that never happens. Like, he otherwise like never says a word, basically, in any surviving anything. So it's really interesting. We have this like whole moment in the underworld, the expectations, like surprise that this guy Amphiarus is there and he's like a hero, but he's also

• 1:08:06Liv Albert?

  a prophet. And anyway, it's just, um, very interesting. I, I love this epic. It is odd and long and filled with so many different myths and yet ultimately still just about this brother on brother war. It's so interesting that Oedipus and Jocasta are still living in this version. I love this moment where is Meni, who's like, "I've never really seen this guy I'm supposed to marry." I kind of, um, flashed a glance at him once by accident when, uh, everyone was deciding we were gonna get married, but otherwise couldn't tell you what it looks like. And then he's dying and he's brought to her and she's like, "Well, I guess this is the time to be a wife." And suddenly they both love each other? Anyway, wacky times in the ancient world. Let's talk about Myth Baby is written and produced

• 1:08:51Liv Albert?

  by me, Liv Albert. Michaela Panguish is the Hermes. To my Olympians. Select music by Luke Chaos. The podcast is part of the Memory Collective Podcast Network, a very slowly growing thing where I try to pull together people for mutual support who are sharing history of the ancient world. In a way that is empathetic to everyone and not just the global west. Um, yeah, you know, um, Gaza is starving, the West Bank is being bulldozed. And our countries are letting this happen.

• 1:09:29Liv Albert?

  We're watching one of, we're watching the worst humanitarian, the worst, not even humanitarian crisis, because it is an intentionally inflicted genocide. We're, we are actively watching the worst mass murder of civilians. I mean, I, I, I'm sure there, I'm sure there are other horrors. And so I don't want to say this for sure, but like, we're basically, this is certainly going to be the most famous mass murder of civilians since the Holocaust. And if you look up the definition of a Holocaust, which is just a word used to describe that one horrific genocidal event in human history.

• 1:10:08Liv Albert?

  Just go ahead and look up the definition of a Holocaust, because people don't want you to use that word, but check the definition. Um, it's, it's horrifying and, uh, I don't even know what to do anymore. So call every representative you have. We just can't let these people starve while we watch on our phones and while people in Tel Aviv live like an hour away. Did you know that you could drive for like 20 minutes in Israel and hit the wall that separates Gaza from the rest of their ancestral land of Palestine? Now known as Israel? And you can like, like there's food, there's like beach resorts, like an hour drive from

• 1:10:51Liv Albert?

  Gaza where you can get like a buffet.

• 1:10:56Liv Albert?

  That, that's like an hour away by driving. And those people in Gaza are being intentionally starved. And even when they're being given aid, it comes at like a 50 50 chance of getting shot by the people who are ostensibly giving you the aid.

• 1:11:16Liv Albert?

  Our countries are morally bankrupt. This is like, oh, anyway, I clearly could go on forever. Um, thank you if you listened this far. I am Liv and I love this shit. And I love the ancient Mediterranean, particularly some of the most ancient parts of the Mediterranean, which are found in Palestine.

• 1:11:37Liv Albert?

  Like a stone's throw from Tir, where Cadmus comes from and where every time I said the word Tyrian or Sidonian, I want you all to know that that is all coming from Lebanon, basically on the border, like basically also Gaza and Palestine.

• 1:11:55Liv Albert?

  This is so connected and I think it's really important that we remember that and we don't just like pretend that this historical and mythical realm is like not Palestine. Um, I am Liv and I love this shit. I love the Palestinian people and I want so badly for them to live. So if you agree,

• 1:12:19Liv Albert?

  I don't know. Again, call everyone, email everyone, take to the streets.

• 1:12:26Liv Albert?

  Handle CEOs. Who's to know? What are we saying? I'm, bye. God, bye.

• 1:12:44Speaker 01

  This is the story of the one. As a shipping manager, he's running the dock, stocking supplies and making sure every order goes out on time. And Granger helps him stay prepared. From shipping supplies to PPE to hand tools, he counts on Granger to keep products moving and trucks rolling. So his operation runs smoothly, no matter the shift. Call 1-800-GRANGER, click Granger.com or just stop by. Granger, for the ones who get it done.

• 1:13:15Speaker 02

  Network freedom and flexibility. That's what you want in a healthcare plan. With a Humana Medicare Advantage PPO plan, you can see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare, including specialists. No referrals. No kidding. Learn more at gethumana.com. See any doctor who accepts Medicare and is willing to bill Humana. Humana PPOs may not be available in all areas. Benefits and costs share may vary. Humana is a Medicare Advantage PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

• 1:13:48Speaker 05

  Check engine, ABS, or maintenance light on? Take the guesswork out of your warning lights with O'Reilly VeriScan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE-certified master technicians. And if you need help, we could recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly VeriScan today.

• 1:14:57Speaker 06

  "Enemy of My Dreams" by Jenny Williamson is a historical romance novel set in the time of the late Roman Empire, where Alaric, a brutal Gothic warlord, and Julia, a Roman princess, with a love of good wine, team up to take down Rome.

• 1:15:15Speaker 07

  The much awaited sequel Game of Thieves comes out December 8th. In this sequel, Julia and Alaric must overcome centuries of conflict to work together, or the turbulent riptides of rebellion and the demons of their past will tear them apart.

• 1:15:29Speaker 06

  And now, for a limited time, when you preorder Game of Thieves through Burning Pages Bookstore, you'll get a signed book plate and a free art print of one of Jenny's favorite spicy scenes from across the series.

• 1:15:42Speaker 07

  Get this amazing artwork only from Burning Pages at burningpagesnc.com/game-of-thieves. Don't wait! Order your copy from Burning Pages today at burningpagesnc.com/game-of-thieves.