Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

From Acotar to the Ancient World: The Greek Myths Behind Modern Fantasy

Various venues across London

Mon 26 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"From ACOTAR to the Ancient World: The Greek Myths Behind Modern Fantasy" With Erica Stevenson Summary: What if the world of Prythian is hiding some very ancient secrets? Join us as we journey from A Court of Thorns and Roses to the myths of Ancient Greece & Rome, exploring the legendary stories from the Mediterranean that echo through Sarah J. Maas’s iconic fantasy world. From Feyre and Tamlin's parallels with the characters of Psyche and Eros/Cupid, to Rhysand’s Hades-and-Persephone-infused story, discover the gods, monsters, heroes, romances, and transformations that helped inspire the bestselling series. Whether you're a lifelong mythology lover or an ACOTAR fan discovering the ancient world for the first time, prepare to see Prythian—and all its characters—in a whole new light. Bio: Erica Stevenson is a Classicist, author, and "head nerd" of the YouTube channel MoAn Inc. (MOdern ANcients), a platform dedicated to making the ancient world accessible to modern audiences. She holds a BA in Classical Civilisation from New York University and was named one of History Extra’s “30 Under 30” historians in 2024. Since then, Erica has lectured internationally at universities and cultural institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as well as the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Her debut nonfiction book, The Odyssey Effect: How Homer’s Epic Poem Shaped the World , was published in June 2026, complete with a foreword from Dr Paul Cartledge of the University of Cambridge. Through her engaging lectures and online content, Erica brings ancient mythology and history to life, revealing the surprising connections between antiquity and the stories we love today in the hopes of encouraging more people to study the distant past. Venue: Corner Corner Maritime St Canada Water SE16 7LL Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.