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Myths, Games & Meaning

Myths, Games & Meaning

Written by: Dr Danielle Shalet
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About this listen

What do Greek gods, video games, and popular culture have in common? More than you’d think.

I’m Dr Dani Shalet, and in Myths, Games & Meaning I sit down with scholars, performers, storytellers, and creatives to explore how ancient myth is constantly reimagined in popular culture for modern audiences.

From Medusa to Middle-earth, from the Hero’s Journey to Tomb Raider and Baldur’s Gate, we dig into the stories that shape our culture and how we express our hopes and fears through myth, storytelling, and play.
If you’re drawn to myth and the stories that shape popular culture, you’ll feel right at home here.

New episodes are released monthly.

For more information, visit: https://www.mythsgamesmeaning.com/

Join the conversation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythsgamesmeaning/


© 2026 Myths, Games & Meaning
Art Philosophy Science Fiction Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Karlach: The Making of a Modern Mythic Hero (with Samantha Béart)
    Apr 17 2026

    In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Béart for a lively conversation on performance, storytelling, and the myth of Karlach. This one is particularly special to me, as Sam was one of my very first interviews and has been incredibly supportive along the way.


    We talk about how characters like Karlach become mythic in their own right, and why some game characters feel so powerful to play.

    From Athena to Shakespeare to the ‘patron saints’ of sci-fi—Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor—we explore how these figures continue to shape how we understand myth today.

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    Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.

    www.mythsgamesmeaning.com

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • A Little Reflection and a Big Thank You
    Feb 14 2026

    This episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s been listening, supporting, and sharing this podcast. I’m endlessly grateful for every guest who has offered their time and stories, and for every listener who has stayed with me, even through the quieter moments.

    Life and work have been a little overwhelming lately, which led to an unplanned pause. But this space, and the people who fill it, mean so much to me. Taking a step back gave me a chance to breathe, reflect, and remember why I love making this show in the first place.

    And I’m genuinely excited for what’s coming next. The upcoming episode features someone who is incredibly busy, yet still took the time and opportunity to sit with me for a wonderfully myth‑filled conversation. Their warmth and passion shine through, and I can’t wait for you to hear it when it arrives in just a few weeks.

    In the meantime, I’d love to stay connected. Come say hi on Instagram at @mythsgamesmeaning. Share your ideas for future episodes, tell me what you’d love to hear more of, or simply drop a friendly hello; it all means more than you know.

    Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for being part of this little community. I’m looking forward to being back in your ears very soon.

    Find us at: https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths



    Send us Fan Mail

    Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.

    www.mythsgamesmeaning.com

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    4 mins
  • Frescoes and Minotaurs Into the Labyrinth: Greek Myth from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to Fenyx Rising
    Jan 3 2026

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Nanci Santos as we return to the complicated, and often affectionate, relationship between myth, archaeology, and video games.

    We revisit Apotheon, one of Nanci’s favourite titles, and talk about why its bold visual style and mythic approach work so well, even without strict historical realism.

    From there, the conversation turns to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, where Knossos, questionable frescoes, and a familiar love and hate relationship with the series all come into play. Nanci reflects on both her frustrations with the game and the places she wanted to explore in greater depth but could not. It is a reminder that video games can spark curiosity about the ancient world, even as they limit how long we are allowed to linger in it.

    Along the way, we also touch on Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, and what it means to enjoy games while keeping a critical edge.

    Find us at: https://mythsgamespod.wixsite.com/myths

    Send us Fan Mail

    Music: Intro and outro — Spirits of the Woods by Rotem Moav.

    www.mythsgamesmeaning.com

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    28 mins
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