Leda and the Swan, When Myth Hides Violence
Can there be consent for a swan?
In Greek mythology, Leda is a queen who is approached by Zeus, the king of the gods, transformed into a swan. What follows is a story told in many different ways: sometimes as seduction, sometimes as violence, sometimes as consent. From this encounter are born figures who will change history, including Helen of Troy.
In this episode, we explore how the myth of Leda and the Swan has been represented in art for centuries, from ancient sculpture to Renaissance painting, and why it has always been both beautiful and disturbing. Artists used this myth to show the female body, desire, and power—often hiding violence behind grace and elegance.
We then move to the twentieth century, where artists like Francesca Woodman break this tradition and use the myth to talk about vulnerability, control, and reclaiming one’s own body.
A conversation about myth, art, and why Leda still speaks to us today.
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