Creepy Classics

The Story of the Friend at the Inn, from Cicero

In this episode, two friends on a long journey argue over whether or not they should spend the night at a rather grim and unpleasant taverna... This Greco-Roman folktale was 'very well known' according to Cicero, and features some familiar tropes, including dreams, vengeance and danger on the road; the story has been adapted from Cicero, On Divination, 1.57 and Valerius Maximus, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, 1.7.ext.10.

The Story of the Bathkeeper, from Gregory the Great

In this episode, a priest sent to the baths by his doctor finds more than he was expecting at a hot spring full of pagan icons. Uploaded a bit earlier than usual so it would be ready in good time for Christmas, this is a somewhat warmer and fuzzier early Christian ghost story adapted from Gregory the Great, Dialogues, 4.40 and 4.55.

The Story of Achilles and Patroclus, from Homer

In this episode, Achilles has avenged the death of his partner Patroclus, but still he struggles to let him go and his dreams are disturbed.... This story has been adapted from Homer, Iliad, various sections from Books 23 and 24. I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on Homer and my book (Dreams and Dreaming in the Roman Empire) on ancient dreams, so this is a story very close to my heart.

The Story of the Miller's Wife, from Apuleius

In this episode, a miller's wife decides to take revenge on her husband, but doesn't count on his daughter finding out... This story has been adapted from Apuleius, Metamorphoses, 9.29-31. Apuleius was a Roman citizen from North Africa, and is one of my very favourite ancient authors, which is why I had to kick start Creepy Classics with him!

Welcome to Creepy Classics!

Welcome to Creepy Classics, a new monthly podcast re-telling ancient, medieval and early modern ghost stories, followed by a short talk about their origins, meaning and relationship to historic folklore.