Mythology

Perhaps the story that exemplifies Robin Hood’s character more than any other was Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne. It’s possibly the oldest Robin Hood ballad, dating back to before the 15th Century. And it begins with the titular hero awakening from a dark and troubling dream... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Known as the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl has been worshipped in various forms by cultures throughout the region that is now Mexico. According to the Toltecs, he was initially a mortal priest-king named Ce Acatl who suffered a horrific fall from grace. He sacrificed himself to save humanity from a coming disaster and, in the process, was transformed into a god. 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 son of a Giant and a God, Loki shows an ambivalence towards their problems and relies heavily on shape-shifting tricks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Beowulf approaches his twilight years, he is left with little else to accomplish. He has slain monsters, ruled a peaceful kingdom for 50 years, and held invaders at bay. But that tranquility is soon disturbed when an underground thief steals a cup from a dragon—and a fiery fury is unleashed on the land of the Geats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After defeating the vicious monster Grendel, Beowulf and the Danes celebrate their first night of peace in many years. But little do they know, another vicious beast lurks in the darkness—Grendel's terrible mother, a creature who will stop at nothing for revenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s dismissed as little more than an old children’s story or a record of the moment when paganism gave way to Christianity, Beowulf has had a profound impact on the evolution of western storytelling and is one of the most important works of Old English literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In the wake of Queen Hippolyta’s death and Antiope’s abduction by Theseus, the Amazon Queens’ youngest sister, Penthesilea, was left to rule the nation of warrior women. Consumed with rage at the injustices done to her sisters, Penthesilea grew into a bitter leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: For years, the tribe of warrior women known as “the Amazons” lived in isolation on an island far from men, until Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts beached upon their shores. From that moment on, a friendship was forged that would ultimately lead to the Amazons’ destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Krampus is only one of a wide variety of Germanic Holiday Demons. In the 12 days surrounding Christmas, or Rauhnächte, demons, witches, werewolves, and spirits are believed to haunt the Alps, making the Christmas season a time of horror. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every year, in early December, a creature roams the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. While the nice children get gifts from St. Nicholas, those who are naughty find themselves at the mercy of Krampus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Southeast Asia, there persists a tale of a vampiric spirit more ghastly than almost any other. Legend has it: an affair discovered—a burning at the stake—and a protection spell cast too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For 14 years, The Monkey King protected Tripitaka from various demons seeking to destroy him. Alongside Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Yulong, the band of immortals finally reach India and are rewarded for their efforts by the Buddha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 500 years trapped underneath a mountain by Buddha, the Monkey King finally gets a chance at redemption by joining the Buddhist Monkey, Tripitaka, on a sacred journey to India. Tripitaka quickly learns that the Monkey King's mischievous ways will be difficult to adjust to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Born from a stone egg atop a mountain, the magical Monkey King stops at nothing to learn the secrets to immortality. As his strength grows, he proves a challenge for the heavens—forcing the Jade Emperor and Buddah himself to teach this irresponsible monkey a lesson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to old Algonquin legend, a terrifying beast stalks the winter wastes of Canada's northern tundra. It's heart is made of ice, and it feasts on human flesh. All who behold its terror know to fear the mighty Chenoo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Lakota deity said to bring good fortune. The White Buffalo Calf Woman was a central myth of the Plains tribes, serving as a beacon of inspiration, strength, and hope to those who needed it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A central myth of the Plains tribes—the White Buffalo Calf Woman was a Lakota deity, said to bring good fortune. After their encounter with her, two Lakota hunters—Akecheta and Enapay—bring her back to their tribe with the hopes of experiencing enlightenment and harmony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stepmoms can be so cruel. Just ask Fionnghuala, Aodh and twins Fiachra and Conn...condemned to live as swans for 900 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Irish Mythology—a tale of affection, jealousy and a curse spanning hundreds of years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orpheus descends into the underworld in search of his beautiful wife. But Hades, the God of the Underworld, does not let his own go easily, and Orpheus finds the challenge Hades sets before him extremely difficult... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orpheus, a great singer, and Eurydice, his beautiful bride, were deeply in love. But their union wasn't fated for happiness, and quickly devolved into tragedy. Orpheus must face man's darkest fear for his beloved: death itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Atop Rosstrappe hill in Germany’s Harz Mountains, there is a massive indentation resembling a horse’s hoof print. According to legend, it became imprinted in the rock when a beautiful princess named Brunhilde fled from an evil giant named Bodo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now a human, Anansi must navigate having a fragile body and living in a complex social structure. He struggles with looking outside of himself, frequently manipulating others without considering the consequences. As he ages and tires of his earthly responsibilities, he longs to return to the life of a god. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The West African Ashanti tribe have a rich oral tradition surrounding one central figure. Anansi is a spider, a man, a hero, a villain, a comedian, and a teller of serious truths. In our version, he begins as a god, the son of Nyame the sky god. He trades wits with his father, both demanding a series of favors from one another that escalate into madness. In the process, Anansi might just bring enlightenment to humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following his reunion with his son, Telemachus, Odysseus puts his plan in motion, goading the suitors into anger as his allies stole their weapons and sealed the palace doors. As Odysseus prepared to reveal himself, he knew one thing; he would show no mercy. Parcasters - We hope you enjoyed this special exploration of The Odyssey! Let us know which mythical stories you would like to hear on Mythology by reaching out to us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After twenty years away, Odysseus finally returns to his homeland of Ithaca, only to find that all was not well. A small army of suitors had taken up residence in his palace, hoping to coerce his wife, Penelope, into marrying one of them so that they could lay claim to Odysseus' kingdom. With help from the Goddess Athena, Odysseus sets about his plan to retake his throne. Parcasters - What would you do if you had the hiccups...for seven weeks? Find out today on our new podcast, Medical Mysteries, available on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a guest of the Phaeacians, Odysseus entertains his hosts with the tale of his misadventures. He tells the story of what happened after he and his fellow Ithacans left Troy with the spoils of war. Here, Odysseus relays his encounter with the dreaded Cyclops, the Witch Circe, and his own descent into the Underworld itself. Sponsors! Care/of - For 25% off your first Care of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter MYTH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly 10 years after the end of the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca and bravest of the Greeks, had yet to return home. His wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, had no idea if he was even alive, though they held out hope that he would one day come back to him. After a message from the Gods, Telemachus sets out to pick up his father's trail and learn the fate of Odysseus. Parcasters - Don’t miss the first episode of our new podcast MEDICAL MYSTERIES, available now on Spotify, or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of Queen Hippolyta’s death and Antiope’s abduction by Theseus, the Amazon Queens’ youngest sister, Penthesilea, was left to rule the nation of warrior women. Consumed with rage at the injustices done to her sisters, Penthesilea grew into a bitter leader and planned to launch an attack on Theseus’ Athens. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the music industry. Our first episode details the myth of the 27 Club, you won't want to miss it! Subscribe to The Dark Side Of on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, the tribe of warrior women known as the Amazons lived in isolation on an island far from the worlds of men, until Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts beached upon their shores. From that moment on, a friendship was forged between Hercules and the Amazon Queen Hippolyta. A friendship that would ultimately lead to the Amazons' destruction. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Inanna, Queen of Heaven, was killed by her sister Ereshkigal, Queen of the Underworld, the world began to suffer in a melancholy malaise of sexless apathy. Parcasters - This week on Extraterrestrial we delve into one of the most famous cases of all time, The Rendlesham Incident! Listen to Extraterrestrial today on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Ancient Sumer, Inanna was the goddess of sexuality and the Queen of Heaven, the most powerful goddess alive. Yet, even as she stood at the pinnacle of deific power, she longed to conquer more. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The honeymoon is cut short when the vile Queen Medb casts a curse upon the fighting men of Uliad. She marches her army towards the castle and Cú Chulainn is the only thing that can stand in her way. Parcasters - This Thursday on Haunted Places we explore the ghosts of the White House! You won’t want to miss this historical horror story, subscribe to Haunted Places today on Spotify or wherever you get your Parcast Originals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Cú Chulainn is denied the opportunity to marry the love of his life, he travels to the Isle of Skye to train under the warrior woman Scathach. Her training is legendary for its brutality, and Cú Chulainn realizes that he may not make it home alive. Parcasters - Was Leo Frank responsible for the death of little Mary Phagan? Find out today on Vanessa’s other podcast, Unsolved Murders! Available now on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the ancient Irish kingdom of Uliad, the God Lu and a beautiful woman had a child named Setante. He is gifted beyond all measure, but he's also cursed with a fiery temper that transforms him into a monster who cannot discern friend from foe. Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Hadding claimed the throne of ancient Denmark through war and blood, he found himself growing increasingly bored with the day to day aspects of ruling a kingdom. In his boredom, Hadding begins to seek out battle and conflict that leads to negative consequences for his kingdom, and even his own children. Sponsors! Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Norwegian King Swipdag invaded ancient Denmark, he slaughtered the Danish King Gram, sending Gram's infant son Hadding into exile. After being raised by giants, Hadding becomes a man and decides to seek revenge against the tyrant who murdered his father. Parcasters - This week on Extraterrestrial, we take on the mysterious Anunnaki, supposed ancient alien gods. What is their origin? What interactions have they had with our planet? Find out today at parcast.com/extraterrestrial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Titan Prometheus stole fire for humanity, Zeus sought vengeance against him and all he held dear. His most extreme act of retribution came in the form of Pandora, a magnificent woman who didn't realize she was simply a pawn in a squabble between the gods. Sponsors! Omax Health - Get 50% off a one-month supply of Omax3, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee at OMAXHEALTH.com and enter code MYTH. Pair of Thieves - Listeners get 20% off their first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ancient Egyptian prince, Setne, longed for the magical power the Book of Thoth could grant him. In order to acquire it, he breaks into Naneferkaptan's tomb, only to find the dead pharaoh's spirit guarding the book. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Ancient Egypt, one god's wisdom surpassed all the rest: Thoth, the baboon god of intelligence. Thoth took it upon himself to maintain the balance of Ma'at, the force that sustained all life and constantly fluctuates between order and chaos. Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get 3 cups FREE in your first box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Falsely accused of a horrific crime, Bellerophon is punished by King Lobates, who desperately wants to see him dead. The King sends Bellerophon on a suicide mission; to fight and kill the chimaera, a nightmarish beast with the heads of a lion, a goat, and a venomous serpent. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order when you go to PairOfThieves.com/MYTH. Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After discovering that he was the son of Poseidon, Bellerophon dreamed of flying on Pegasus, an immortal winged stallion. With the help of Athena, Bellerophon would achieve his dream, but jealousy would eventually tear his life apart. Parcasters - Did Poseidon play a role in the sinking of Atlantis? Find out this week on Unexplained Mysteries and Conspiracy Theories, where we cover different theories regarding the ancient sunken empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Acrisius, the King of Argos, feared that his offspring would rise up against him. He locked Danae, his only daughter, in a tower to keep her from bearing children. Yet no tower can stop Zeus, king of the gods. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ancient Japan was ruled by the gods who lived in heaven, and the kami who roamed the earth. The most important god of all was Amaterasu, goddess of the sun, who gave life. However, after fighting with her brother, Amaterasu hid herself from the world, leaving everything to die. Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Ancient Japan, practitioners of the Shinto religion worshiped Amaterasu, goddess of beauty and the sun. Amaterasu lives in the heavens shining her brilliance down upon the Earth. Yet, her brother, Susano-O, god of storms and seas, destroys her creations out of spite. Sponsors! Robinhood - Robinhood is giving listeners of Mythology a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at Mythology.Robinhood.com. Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is! Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seth, the god of chaos and violence, ruled over Ancient Egypt after murdering his brother, Osiris. Now Isis, Osiris's wife and goddess of magic and compassion, set out on a quest to bring Osiris back to life. However, Seth does not plan on giving up his power easily. Parcasters - Do you want a ton of gold? Maybe you'll be the one to find the mythical city of El Dorado. Check out our most recent episode of Gone now at parcast.com/gone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Together they wish to lead the world to peace and prosperity, but their tyrannical grandfather stands in their way. When Isis figures out how to gain power, a nefarious villain would soon enact a plot against them that would change the fate of Egypt forever. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart dot com slash MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After traveling most of the globe, Jason finds the fleece guarded by a tyrannical king, his army, and a dragon. Faced with such steep odds, Jason doubts his own talents. But the gods soon send him help... In the form of the King's daughter. Parcasters - Interested in the journey of a real life hero? Check out our recent episodes of Hostage covering the captivity of John McCain at parcast.com/hostage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason crafts the finest ship ever built and crews it with the greatest men from Greek legend. This group of warriors then travels far across the sea facing beast, giants, and obstacles the likes of which have never been seen before. The fleece soon proves to be more difficult to acquire than Jason could have possibly imagined. Sponsors! BetterHelp - Mythology listeners get 10% off your first month with discount code MYTH. Go to BetterHelp.com/Myth. Robinhood - Robinhood is giving listeners of Mythology a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at Mythology.Robinhood.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After driving a man to suicide, Narcissus's self-obsessed worldview only grows. He soon finds himself stalked by Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance, and his story ends when he rejects a Nymph named Echo. This rejection was just one too many. Parcasters - To learn about an iconic event in American history, check out our our new episode on John McCain on HOSTAGE, wherever you get your shows. Listen now at parcast.com/hostage Sponsors! BetterHelp - Go to BetterHelp dot com slash Myth to get 10% off your first month with discount code MYTH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices