On December 17, Caucasus University hosted a public lecture titled “Medea’s Journey — From Greek Myth to Georgian Taboo” at Libraria, the university’s bookshop, as part of the Conversations at Libraria lecture series.

The lecture was delivered by Tatia Mtvarelidze, Hellenist and translator, Assistant Professor at Caucasus University, who introduced the audience to the contrasting interpretations of Medea’s character within Greek and Georgian cultural traditions.

The discussion explored Medea’s role as one of the most significant figures in Greek mythology and world literature, highlighting the fundamentally different ways her image is perceived across the two cultural contexts. Particular attention was given to Medea’s archetypal representation in Greek mythology as a powerful yet dangerous female figure, and to her transformation in Georgian narratives, where she is often portrayed as an oppressed and deceived character, embodying historical trauma.

The lecture also addressed the reasons behind Medea’s transformation into a taboo figure within Georgian collective consciousness, as well as ongoing efforts to reinterpret and rehabilitate her image in Georgian literature and art.

The event was held in an interactive discussion format, during which students and attendees actively engaged in dialogue and asked questions about the various interpretations of the Medea myth.