The Legacy of Hermaphroditus

Who decides what it means to be a man or a woman? And what happens when those definitions blur? In this episode, we explore the fascinating legacy of Hermaphroditus, the mythical child of Hermes and Aphrodite, whose story has challenged gender boundaries for millennia. From ancient Greek myths to Roman sculptures, from Renaissance intrigue to modern queer art, we trace how intersexuality and fluid identities have been represented, feared, and celebrated throughout history. With a visit to the Museo Palazzo Massimo in Rome, where the Sleeping Hermaphrodite lies in enigmatic repose, we unravel the deeper meanings behind this timeless figure—and what it reveals about our own world today.

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