The Faerie Tavern

Listen to this episode for an extended version of our conversation and dining experience!

Due to an unfortunate and explosive emergency, the Faerie Tavern was closed today! But do not worry, we have something special in store for you. The Faerie Tavern may have been closed, but we have somewhere very similar to meet. This restaurant is a mystical and enchanting icon of American culture! You may meet many strange travelers with tales of their own. Join us as we take a short break from our series on the Odyssey to explore a brand new fictional world you will surely never forget!

You've landed on a mysterious island. You climb the nearest hill. Peering across this strange land, you see only an endless multitude of trees. But then something far away just catches your eye. A plume of smoke rises way off in the distance. Should you go see what it is, or stay where it is safe? Find out what happens next in this installment of our series on the Odyssey!

Once again we are returning to the work of Homer. The Odyssey is a timeless classic that has reverberated throughout antiquity. Though a wild and enchanting tale, it explores mysterious aspects of the human experience such as love, family mortality, and suffering. Join us as we follow the story of Odysseus and his journey home from the Trojan War!

Would you eat food that was given to you by a talking stallion? I wouldn't, especially if the food was coming out of his ears! In this episode, we return to the whimsical stories of the Irish. Giants, magic shapeshifting, and romance await in this 4th installment of Irish Folktales!

The war intensifies as the story comes to a close. With the ban of Zeus reversed, the gods are now fully immersed into the conflict. As the gods fight among themselves, the anger of Achilles burns over the the battle field. The fate of Troy looks bleak, but an ominous doom lies over the son of Peleus. Join us as we wrap up this series on Homer's Iliad!

The war continues as the two sides fight to the bitter end. But when Zeus is lured away by the seductive charm of a goddess, chaos ensues on the battle field. Hector is in mortal danger, but Zeus returns to the battle with new fervor. He will give glory Achilles, but also to Hector, before the end. The cost of war is high, and the best of the Achaeans will soon be revealed.

The wrath of man is a bitter cup, but who can quench the rage of a god when it is set against you? Caught between their own honor and the iron will of Zeus, the Greeks have found themselves in such a bind. With no god to help them and Zeus set always against their success, the hope of victory is breaking. If only Achilles could be convinced to join the battle, they could wash over the Trojans like a tidal wave. But a wounded pride is not easily cured. Join us as we continue our series on Homer's Iliad!

War is a cruel thing. It can take and take until there's nothing left to give. Such was the case of the ancient war between the Greeks and the Trojans. Brought on by one man's greed and wild passion, and urged on through pride and stubborn rage, the flames of conflict flared up so high as to engulf the very powers of heaven. Join us as we explore this great work of antiquity.

Picture this, you are a traveler from a distant land, walking the streets in the ancient city of Uruk. As you take in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace, you see out of the corner of your eye the dreadful visage of a huge and ferocious wild beast in human form. Covered in bulging muscles and poised to attack, it snarls at you. Then as it bolts in your direction, you think that it's all about over. Then at the last, the monster darts past you. You sigh in relief as you realize that you were not the prey. But then as you lift your gaze to discern victim of the rampage a curious sight emerges. A mountain of a man, larger than a house, towers in the distance. He lets out a great shout that shakes the ground beneath you. Then the monster and the man collide with a great noise like a crack of thunder as everyone is thrown to the ground. You may live to tell the tale, but will anyone believe you when you return home? Stories like this have made their way to the Faerie Tavern. Join us as we tackle one of the oldest and most fantastic tales of antiquity!

Have you ever wondered what secrets your cat may be hiding? Behind that innocent little cute face may hide devilish intentions. Foxes are also mysterious creatures. Never try to outsmart a fox or you may find yourself in a terrible pickle. Worst of all is the wee folk. If you cross them, they will make sure you never forget. Join us as we continue to explore Irish Folktales.

Have you ever heard of the tale of Jack and Jill? Well there's also a story called Jack and Bill! However, this time they don't go up a hill or fetch a pail of water, but there is a well of water that turns to blood. This story has it all, giants, serpents, magic, talking animals, and somehow the guy who bullied you in middle school, all weaved into one masterful work! Just stay away from the crazy old lady with boxing gloves!

Did you ever hear about the time a magical green man aided the son of the King of Ireland on his quest to find his dream girl? Have you ever heard of the time that saint Patrick faced off against a wizard in a battle that shook the earth? Join us as we look into some of the great tales and treasures of the Irish people. Both the folly and fortune, the whimsical and the tragic, give us insight into the heart of the Irish people and culture.

Have you ever looked at a map and thought of places you could go, the adventure that must await in far away exotic places? Today we explore the tale of such a man who also dreamed of traveling to distant places on the edge of the unknown. However, having finally achieved his dream, he found that his adventure was nothing like he thought it would be. His experiences rocked him, and he did not come back the same man...

Have you ever looked at a birch tree, and wished you could get away from your problems by swinging on its branches? ,Well, you're in the right place. Today, we are unpacking the poem, Birches, penned by one, Robert Lee Frost. He was a legendary poet, and a frequent traveler to the Faerie Tavern. His poetry often draws from the simple beauty of nature to tease out greater reflections about life and the world. Join us, as we get away for a while and delve into this poem. Just don't forget to come back to Earth when you are finished.

Join us as we continue our journey exploring the tale of Beowulf. Tragedy has once again stricken the fair halls of Hrothgar after the life of his trusted companion and friend is snatched away by another, yet more ancient, fiend bent on revenge. Now Beowulf must plunge deep into the murky depths to find the monster's lair to end this terror once and for all. The fate of the Danes lies on his shoulders. Though Beowulf has already proven to be the strongest of men, even the bravest of warriors will find that their luck may one day wear out....

Join us on our podcasting journey as we delve into the oldest and one of the most iconic stories in the English language. A mighty king is brought low in sorrow by a ruthless terror that lurks in the shadows, but hope arrises when a brave young warrior clad in mail arrives with a company of men from across the sea. Will his errand to save the king from his awful plight and bring joy to his troubled halls be a success? Treasure and glory await the victor, but many evils lie hidden in the deep places of the world and in the hearts of us all....