Like many Greek mythology shows, Xena was also based in a world that mixes real historic events, people, and places with fantastic elements from ancient myths, legends, and fables.

In another text, circa 1250 BC, the Hittite king begs his “brother,” an unnamed Greek ruler, to rein in Piyamaradu, who is again making trouble in Anatolia.

Whatever the ferment of contemporary literary culture, the myths and legends of ancient Greece continue to be a rich source of story and reference. In our censorious era, there is something ...