Mythology

He’s faced his ghosts, and reckoned with his past. But after decades of relentless self-enrichment, how can Ebenezer Scrooge truly redeem himself? “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly two centuries ago, Charles Dickens wrote a tale of greed and redemption. It starts with a miserly old man, his long-dead business partner, and the sound of rattling chains… When Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to reckon with his past, he’s in for a frightful night of ghostly visitations — and a long overdue moral awakening. “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Theseus arrives on Crete as a prisoner, determined to prove his worth by saving his fellow Athenian captives from the Minotaur’s terror. But before he can venture into the Labyrinth to slay the beast, Theseus must first outwit a beautiful stranger who could be the key to his survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The long-lost heir to the throne of Athens reluctantly sets off to claim his birthright. But when Theseus discovers his father is ensnared by a sorceress, he might just get to be the hero he’s dreamt of being all along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Torn apart by the truth of their identities, Romulus and Remus wrestle to regain a united front. Romulus, determined to fulfill their father’s legacy, takes drastic measures in his pursuit of power. And a great city arises — though not without bloodshed and betrayal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twins. Demigods. Rulers. Rome’s mythological founders have an iconic story seeded in tragedy, and brimming with glory. But before Romulus and Remus discover their divine heritage and true destiny, they must first survive… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transformed into a charming, confident temptress, Lorelei returns from the Rhine to her village of Bacharach. But beneath her beauty lies a thirst for vengeance, and all those who hurt her in the past now face a terrifying future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the German village of Bacharach, a young woman lives a miserable life as an outcast. After she is lied to by her mother and betrayed by her beloved, Lorelei escapes into the Rhine River, where she discovers a terrible yet wonderful supernatural destiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Icarus learns the truth about his father’s past, the two men settle on a tentative truce. But if they’re ever to rebuild a bond, they must first make an escape — with no choice but to use an untested invention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After committing a terrible crime, a cocky young inventor flees to Crete and finds himself in the service of the mad king Minos. There, he becomes the world’s greatest creator… and the world’s worst father to his teenage son, Icarus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The journey continues into the Halls of Justice, where the hearts of the dead are weighed against the Feather of Truth. But can the Egyptian prince and his magical son make it home to the Land of the Living before the sun rises? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To the ancient Egyptians, it was a complex and terrifying netherworld filled with demons and gods. Only two living mortals have traveled to the Land of the Dead and returned to tell the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She’s the spirit of a woman, crying unceasingly for her lost children… whom she herself killed. But La Llorona isn’t simply a tragic figure who lost her mind with jealousy. She’s the ghost of Mexico’s bloody past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Native American parable features three girls who are not quite human, but not quite spirits either. They sustain life for the Haudenosaunee people, but only after they have had time to grow on their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Creating the world cost Izanami her life. Now, a rage-filled Izanagi defies the elder gods and vows to rescue his wife’s soul from the land of the dead. But as Izanagi risks it all, Izanami embarks on her own strange journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the Japanese Shinto tale of the god Izanagi and the goddess Izanami: two young deities tasked with marrying each other and creating the world. Their idyllic existence is threatened when Izanami rebels against the subservient role she’s expected to play—and Izanagi must choose between obeying the elder gods or supporting his wife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This African myth is both a hero story and a cautionary tale: On the verge of manhood, the young Murile wants to take on more responsibility in his family... but his overprotective mother has other ideas about what's best for the headstrong boy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After leaving his vengeful sister behind, Huitzilopochtli continues leading the Mexica to their new home. But with each new enemy he encounters along the way comes a new temptation: power. Huitzilopochtli must choose what kind of leader he will be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before they were the great Aztecs of Mesoamerica, they were a wandering tribe called Mexica. They enlist a warrior god named Huitzilopochtli to guide them to a new home, but along the way, his vengeful sister Malinalxochitl plagues them with insects… and plots total destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Yuma people of North America believe the earth was not created by one god, but two. These twins represent the fundamental forces of good and evil, and only one of them is destined to be victorious in their world-changing struggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the Mesopotamian creation myth of Atrahasis, a human king who was chosen to save creation from the disastrous impulses of the gods... and a great flood that threatened to cover the earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Born in darkness, deep within the earth, Ia’tik and Nao’tsiti were all each other had—until the voice of a spirit guided them into the barren world above. This creation tale comes from an American indigenous tribe of New Mexico, the Acoma Pueblo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From South Africa's Kingdom of the Sky comes the story of Kammapa: a shapeless, ravenous beast that nearly swallowed all of humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Motecuhzoma has found Aztlán, but he is farther from his goal than he hoped. His search for Coatlicue will force him to face more of his personal demons, and the impending doom that faces his people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a real historical figure, but Motecuhzoma’s story has become shrouded in myth. This particular legend tells the story of how the Aztec King went in search of their ancient homeland to save his kingdom from a deadly drought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An older, bolder Mwindo returns to his village to take down his father, but his temper causes unimaginable destruction and his father flees into the Underworld. As Mwindo ventures there to find him, he befriends a goddess, bargains with a god, and learns the hallmarks of a true leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this lively tale from the Nyanga people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a moody, magical toddler named Mwindo scrambles to escape his village chief father’s unhinged attempts to kill him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of this Mythology Father's Day special, the Titans are defeated, and the new gods rule from Olympus. But Zeus, new King of the Gods, is beset by doubts. How can he keep himself from following in his father's footsteps? And will his own children seek to overthrow him, the way he overthrew Cronus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The origin story of the Greek Gods is one of the most infamous father-son stories in all of mythology. Cronus, the King of the Titans was given a prophecy that he would be overthrown by his children. To prevent this from happening, he made a rather dramatic choice... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we conclude our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: The war between the Latins and the Trojans comes to a head, while Venus seeks to put a stop to Juno's cruelty once and for all. Meanwhile, Aeneas charges head-long toward his destiny: a final battle with the future glory of Rome hanging in the balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we continue our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid. Tune in this Thursday for the fourth and final part: Aeneas's adventure doesn't end when he reaches Italy. While he sets out to make allies of the people who live there, Juno conspires to throw the Trojans into a new war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the next two weeks, we’ll be bringing you episodes of Mythology on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as we continue our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: The Trojan refugees continue their search for the new home promised by the Fates, a journey that will lead Aeneas to the depths of the underworld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the next two weeks, we’ll be bringing you episodes of Mythology on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as we begin our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: After the fall of Troy, the Trojan hero Aeneas leads a band of refugees across the sea in search of a new home. Guided by his mother Venus, goddess of Love, and hounded by Juno, Queen of the gods, they will face brutal storms, terrifying monsters, and the wrath of a fiery queen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Hungarian story, a child born from an apple leaves home in search of adventure—and discovers a world full of danger and magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maui continues to look for ways to fix the problem he caused by raising the sky, which led to shortened days and ruined crops. To set things right and rescue his image, he will have to snare the sun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the story of the Polynesian demi-god and cultural hero Maui. A cavelier do-gooder who tends to lean on his brawn more than his brains, Maui's heroic deeds once had the tendency to cause more harm than good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 5,000 years ago, the legendary Yellow Emperor Huang Di united all the tribes of China under his rule. But while most of the land celebrated this new era of peace and prosperity, one figure refused to submit. His name was Chi You, and he was determined to take Huang Di's head before he kneeled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This horror myth focuses on the miraculous power of a young girl whose parents’ actions force her from a home she’s always known, and into the world beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Mythology today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. This adventure is more than just fulfilling a prophecy. Though Bulat the Brave’s heroics are the backbone of the story, this Russian folktale is really about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between two very different men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you enjoy the stories told in Mythology, check out this episode from our series Mythical Monsters: In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes was a giant with 100 eyes spread over his entire body. Unlike most of the giants, who rebelled against the gods, Argus was one of Queen Hera’s most loyal servants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He is a legendary figure revered as Korea's first ruler. But Dangun’s story begins with that of his father, the son of heavens Hwanung, who dreamt of bringing peace and enlightenment to mankind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a Ponca tribe tale about two sisters with an unusual second set of teeth. As the story goes, the Native American cultural hero and trickster, Coyote, happens upon these young women and finds himself drawn to their lethal sexual exploits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! Together they wished to lead the world to peace and prosperity, but their tyrannical grandfather stood in their way. Once Isis figured out how to gain power, a nefarious villain would enact a plot against them that would change the fate of Egypt forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hindu Goddess Durga was created to stop the bull-headed Demon God Mahishasura from destroying the world—and her zeal to see him punished led to one of the greatest battles in Indian mythology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long Arrow continues his journey to bring the Elk Dog to his people. It will take unwavering strength and perseverance—and even that may not be enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long Arrow is an orphan and an outcast—unable to hear, unable to speak, he follows after his tribe, surviving only on scraps. However, he is destined to become a hero and usher his people into a new age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Born from a dragon and a god, Lạc Long Quân’s heroics and kindness taught the ancient Vietnamese how to survive and created a new, united nation of people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Mythology that you might have missed! The half-god king, Gilgamesh, finds himself growing bored with his power, so the gods create a wild man who can challenge his strength. When these two fearsome men meet, they will live on in their stories for millennia to come. This Mesopotamian epic poem, composed in 2100 BCE, is considered to be one of the foundational texts in human history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sudika-mbambi’s quest for revenge against the monsters that had attacked his family ended in betrayal at the hands of his new friends, the Kipalendes. While Sudika-mbambi ventured through the Land of the Dead, Kabundungulu prepared himself for a journey to save his twin brother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They are two brothers known in Angola culture as the thunder Gods—with Sudika-mbambi being the thunder from the east, and his twin brother Kabundungulu the echo of thunder that answers from the west. They were known to destroy demons, defeat monsters, and take whatever they wanted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices