Medea: A Life

Explore the enduring myth of Medea, a figure often reduced to villainy, through the lens of acclaimed classicist Edith Hall. This compelling biography delves into the possibility that Medea, the archetypal murderous mother of Greek mythology, may have been a historical individual who journeyed to Greece during the late Bronze Age.

Medea's story has captivated audiences for centuries, inspiring countless plays, operas, films, poems, and artworks. Yet, until now, a comprehensive biography has been absent. Edith Hall meticulously reconstructs Medea's life, from her formative years by the Black Sea to her dramatic flight with Jason and the Argonauts, her vengeful acts in Corinth, and her eventual exile in Athens. By reframing this complex character, Hall reveals Medea not just as a mythical figure, but as a woman of extraordinary intellect and resilience, pushed to extreme measures by betrayal and displacement within the patriarchal societies of the ancient Mediterranean.

• A fresh perspective on the myth of Medea, exploring her potential historical roots.
• Written by award-winning classicist Edith Hall.
• Covers Medea's entire life journey, from childhood to exile.
• Restores humanity to a figure often solely defined by her tragic actions.

• Author: Edith Hall
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Page Count: 256 pages
• Dimensions: 14.43 x 2.41 x 21.82 cm
• Weight: 363 g
• Publication Date: September 8, 2026
• Edition: Standard Edition
• ISBN-10: 0300270720
• ISBN-13: 978-0300270723
• EAN: 9780300270723
• Releasedatum: 08.09.2026

This insightful biography offers a nuanced portrayal of Medea, illuminating the complexities of her character and her enduring significance in literature and art.