In The Beginning! (Mythology, Magic, Monsters, and More!)

Voodoo is a complex and atypical religion that has spread through the Americas through the American Slave Trade from West Africa. It was derived from Vudon, a belief system that propagated countries like Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana. An oral religion and possibly one of the oldest. During it's theistic evolution through the years it has combined elements of Catholicism, Christianity, Mysticism, and even Folklore. It has well over 5 million followers today, with worshippers spread throughout South America, the Caribbean Islands, and the Southern United States. Voodoo has been sensationalized and twisted by pop-culture. Although, to the modern ideal it's viewed with aberrancy and speculation, the belief of it's congregants is absolutely serious. Look beyond the corner shops and tourist traps and you'll find a religion that is living and breathing. Podcast Art: Robert NealOpening Narration: Maurice Thomas -Music Used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohAces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Top 'o the morning, friends! Join Robert, on this the month of Saint Patrick's day, as he's joined by great friend of the show, Jed Shook! Together, we'll discuss the titular man of the holiday himself, his deeds, history, and his legends. You might have heard of the snakes before, but this is only the beginning of the rabbit hole, friends. The myths of Saint Patrick are vast, and frankly, sometimes they get absolutely CRAZY. Join the boys as we discuss the reasoning behind these legends, the evolution of Catholic story telling, and the discovery that Robert might have a deep family connection to this story!Sources:Saint Patrick by Johnathan RogersPatrick(Documentary) - Pamela Mason Wagner, Andrew Ward -Music Used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comSmoking Gun by https://www.purple-planet.comJoin us on social media!In The Beginning!: TwitterRobert: Twitter

With Bryan back, the Boys analyze their first story of the modern era. The Case of the Cottingley Fairies.  In 1917, two little girls from West Yorkshire, England would capture photographs of fairies. For the first time, believers of the paranormal had their first tangible evidence of mythical beings. Spiritualism and Mediums were in the height of their popularity and these pictures would begin a hotbed of investigation, debate, and eventual humiliation. Containing clairvoyants, famous writers, and theosophists; this story is remembered as a unique tale from the beginning of the century. Sources:-Hoax.org-Britannica.com-Spiritualism; a popular history from 1847 by Joseph McCabe-Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World podcast.-Several Newspaper and Articles from the time.-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas-Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

For 11th Hour's second outing, Robert is joined by David to enjoy a sampling of Norse monsters and creatures. Together, they examine the legendary beings themselves, and maybe how the psychology of the time would lead to their creation. We have four beautiful topics today, all ranging from the spooky Gjengenger, to down right wacky family-friendly animated movie hero himself; Ratatoskr!-Music Used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comSmoking Gun by https://www.purple-planet.com

With Bryan away, Robert joins the Boys to assemble to go over the War that Started the Norse Pantheon; The War between the Æsir–Vanir! It began when a Vanir witch began cursing and charming the Gods of the Æsir. Something Odin didn't take too lightly. Deciding punishment would be given, they burned her three times. But to their surprise, she remained unburned. This magic intrigued Odin, and decided that he should have it. The Æsir went to the homeland to begin the conflict, but the Vanir would be ready for them. For they knew this war was coming. The battle raged for a long time, with either side not gaining the upper hand. One day, the Æsir would win. That's not just a summary, that's about all there is to this myth. A short myth and a short episode, but history important to the followers of the Norse believers. --Research from---A Dictionary of Norse Mythology by Rudolph SemikThe Prose Edda, The Poetic Edda, and Ynglinga Saga by Snorri Strulson -Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas-Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Today, Dwhitt and Richard dive into that smirking, sly guy himself: Loki! Popular in recent years due to the marvel films, Loki proves to be one of the most remembered and interesting figures among mythologies. While he hangs with the Gods, being friend with both Odin and Thor, he himself is not. Giant (Jotan) by birth, he assumes the role of the "Trickster God" among the Norse. Modern versions paint him as a villain but in reality he mostly causes disorder and trickery. Although it's debated on his origins and role among the Norse because, as with many Norse Myths, very little is written about him. He holds the power of illusion and shapeshifting, using these powers to trick and sow chaos. He holds an ill tempered and jealous eye, not many like the giant Loki in Valhalla. But Odin, the chief of the Gods, had sworn him as blood brother. His most infamous story is when he killed Baldur, son of Odin. Article about Loki and Runes: https://www.google.com/amp/s/oneofamyriadfaces.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/lokis-runes-according-to-the-vernacular/amp/-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas-Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohAces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

It's the start of The Eleventh Hour and what better place to start than Germany? Robert, joined by Richard, discuss the curious case of the dancing plague that terrorized Strasburg in 1518. Along with the events of the choreo-mania month of Germany, they discuss the precursor of the dancing, how horrible it is to be a peasant in the 1400s, and perhaps the most fiendish demon you can possibly imagine. All research done for this episode comes from the book The Dancing Plague by John Waller.-Music Used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comSmoking Gun by https://www.purple-planet.com

With Bryan gone this week, David and Richard continue the discussion on select figures from the Norse Pantheon. Last episode, the Boys had finished going over Odin and Thor, perhaps two of the most important Gods of their religion. This time however, they begin to look at figures of both Aesir and Vanir.The brilliant Freya, a sensual Vanir Goddess of magic and pleasure.The defender Fryer, her brother.  Vanir God of fertility and prosperity.The Shining Baldur. An Aesir God of light, who everyone adored.The ever-vigilant Heimdall, The Aesir who defended the entrance to Asgard.And Njord, Vanir God of the Sea and father to the twins Freya and Freyr.Though these Gods ranged in historical writings from vastly detailed figures to almost footnotes, their importance is something evidenced just by the way their believers spoke of them. Even Baldur, who appeared in one tale, was mentioned that everyone loved him. These Gods were very important to the people who worshipped them.-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas-Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

After a little seasonal break, the fellows from In The Beginning! bring you a seasonal episode! Bryan couldn't make this one, so we've brought in guest  Robert Neal to helps us get to the nitty gritty of the dreaded, goat-furred, chain-wielding, hooved-footed man himself: Krampus! Most popular in Austria and Germany, his past is spread across several European countries. Often seen as an antagonist or parallel to Father Christmas, in reality they more of co-workers. But, where Father Christmas spreads holiday fun, Krampus spreads pain and fear. Von Krampus uses chains, a bullwhip, and other nasty toys to inflict punishment on naughty boys and girls. Give it a listen; David rolls his eyes, Robert vapes on recording, and Richard gives a special rendition of "The Night Before Krampus"!-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohAces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

The boys tackle their second pantheon, the Norse! Due to the mass information on these two, Odin and Thor have their own episode. The denizens of Northern Europe had begun to spread their influence. Raiding and war was their bread, poetry and ritual was their water. This was the Viking Age. To represent a battle hungry people, their Gods reflected themselves. They believed in a pantheon separated into two factions; The Æsir and Vanir. The Leader of the Æsir was none other than Odin himself; A god of war, a seeker of Truth, a master of ecstasy and runic magic, and the Lord of Ravens. Odin wore a long beard, and had one eye. Often carrying his signature spear and wielding powerful magic, he spends his days seeking knowledge to delay the inevitable Ragnarök. Odin has many facets of character tropes; the magician, the poet, the trickster, and the mentor. Whether the arch-type of the wizened old man or a highly devious figure, he proves to be a selective being. Arguably second in importance to the Norse was Thor. The God of Storms and Defender of the down trodden. He was son of Odin (and not brother to Loki!), and could conjure great bolts of thunder. His weapon of choice was Mjölnir, a hammer of immense power and an icon that his followers would wear. He often was rash and brutish, but carried a noble heart. Thor would gleefully enter battle, and often times changes sides. Not quite to far departure from the Marvel adaptation, he does carry heavy importance to the North Europeans that worshipped him. -Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohAces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

The boys change pace and dive into some ghost stories. While David gets a break, Bryan and Richard tackle this episode! Death, spirits, and bad jokes are abound!Bryan brings some stories of his family's history and their connection to ghosts. The Bowen's aroused the dead when they maybe, kinda stole a Civil War Officer's Sword from a graveyard. Ghostly Soldiers! Guardian Spirits! Drunk Dads! All in store!Richard brings a story of the ill-fallen Richmond and Danville Engine #9. In 1891, a steam locomotive fell from the Bostian Bridge and dragged it's 50 some passengers into a horrid calamity. Followed by it's most popular ghost story, and another disaster on the bridge in 2010.-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohAces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Listen in as Bryan, David, and Richard cover that dreaded gal herself: The Baba Yaga! The witch with fearsome dark magic, who devours children like slim jims, and rides around in a mortar and pestle! The origins of this horrid witch come from Slavic beliefs. Some say she was originally a Goddess of the Woods, or perhaps even a story to scare children. Appearing in various fiction ranging from Hellboy, Supernatural, and even John Wick.  Join in as the Boys dissect her name, origins, and a selection of fables of the Baba Yaga!-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Hold on a Second by Bryan TeohHeavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

In this episode, the boys finish up the rest of the War of the Titans.  Last time Gaia planned to get rid of the God of the Sky: Ouranos. She pleaded to her children for help, and Kronos was the only one who would answer her cry for help. He ambushed Ouranos and severed his source of power. Kronos, now giving him control of the universe. He would receive an omen that he would be usurped by his children, just as he did his father. Now, coming off his crowing, Kronos decides to nip this omen in the bud. By eating his children. Mood. -Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Outro by Jane Duncan  -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Pilot Error Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Bowen is back! The boys are complete and ready to go through their first creation myth: War of the Titans. Well, all the stuff leading up to the War of the Titans. In the beginning (haha), there were three gods: Chasm, Gaia, and Eros. They were the elder gods, and the oldest. They spawned various being such as the Cyclops, the Hecatonchires, and most importantly; the Titans. The eldest of these was Kronos, who would go on to wrest the control of the gods and rule above all. THEN ALONG CAME ZUES. Covering Uranus' antics, Gaia schemes, and Kronos's rise to power. Gods and the original-original gods are here to play. Burps a plenty too.-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Outro by Jane Duncan  -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Pilot Error Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Dwhitt and Doctor Jones finally wrap up the last of the Greek Pantheon, with this episode being a continuation of episode 3. Athena, Dionysus, Hermes, and much, much more! (Well, not that much)-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Outro by Jane Duncan  -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Dwhitt and Richard finally get around to wrapping up the Greek Pantheon. This episode covers Artemis and Apollo. The twins. This is the end of the description. -Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Outro by Jane Duncan  -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comSpring Chicken by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Twisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

The boys tackle their first pantheon: The Greeks! Listen in as hosts Bryan, David, Richard analyze the gods of Ancient Greece, and also making a few jokes here and there. Part one will cover the Olympians, those hoity toity jerks who lived all the way up Mount Olympus! Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and the rest of of the incestuous, murderous bunch! A lot of bits and bad plosives too! Followed up by a wrap up and a few words about certain events.A few charities to donate to:https://minnesotafreedomfund.orghttps://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylorhttps://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-bail-project-Opening Narration by Maurice Thomas -Ending Message by Jane Duncan  -Cover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comTwisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Our first episode! Listen in as hosts Bryan, David, and Richard begin their journey into mythology and try and answer...What IS mythology? It's an episode!Please keep in mind that the following episode is presented for entertainment value. Although they strive to create a factually accurate representation; Brian, David, and Richard are by no means historical, religious, or mythological experts. Anything they say should not be taken for serious examination. Nor do they judge beliefs, no matter of race,gender, or ideology. Opening Narration by Maurice ThomasCover art by Robert Neal-Music used-Heavy Brigade by https://www.purple-planet.comSpring Chicken by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Twisted by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License Aces High by Kevin Macleod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons:By Attribution 3.0 License 

Why, hello there. A little promo for our coming episodes. We are a DIY operation here, our show run and paid for by the hosts themselves. As all things that come with that, keep in mind that we're learning. TBA on release date, but should be out this month and episode schedule will be released as well. Look for us on social media: On twitter: @TheBeginPodcast and Instagram: @inthebeginningpodcastCredit Music: Kevin Macleod "Aces High"