Myths and Muses: A Mythik Camps Podcast

Our feature monster this week is one whose stories are spun out of urban legends, making him a more recent addition to the monster roster. It's time to talk about the mysterious Mothman. And while we're at it, we'll meet some other mythological figures of fate, destiny, and bad luck from Greek, Celtic, and Germanic mythologies. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 8 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  Mothman:  Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage: An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia  Paranormal West Virginia: The Legend of Mothman The Mothman Festival Banshee:  Irish Myths: What Is a Banshee? The Mythic Origins of Ireland's Most Infamous Shrieking Spirit  The Irish Post: Exploring Irish Mythology: The Banshee History Cooperative: The Banshee  Spectral Dogs: 6 Folktales about Black Dogs Britain's Black Dog Legends – 7 Spooky Canines & Hellhounds ‘They called them the demon dogs'- the Cwn Annwn, Welsh Hounds of Hell Wild Hunt:  Norse Mythology: The Wild Hunt  History Today: The Wild Hunt of Odin  Monster of the Week: The Wild Hunt Moros:  At THEOI and Olympoi Stuff to Watch: Our curated YouTube Playlist for this episode!

Our feature story in this episode takes us to the Highlands of Scotland, where we'll meet the elusive Loch Ness Monster, AKA Nessie. We'll also learn about some other Nessie-like creatures across the world, and some different water-dwelling creatures in the British Isles, Scandinavia, and western and central Africa. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 7 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- The "Surgeon's Photograph": Stuff to Read: Nessie:  Visit Inverness: The Loch Ness Monster History Channel: The First Sighting of the Loch Ness Monster NPR: 55-year-old camera set up to track the Loch Ness monster found in Scotland The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register The Loch Ness Centre Kelpies:  Historic UK: The Kelpie Ancient Myth in Modern Art Folklore of Scotland: Kelpies Jormungandr and the Kraken Jormungandr at World History Encyclopedia Jormungandr: The Midgard Serpent in Norse Mythology Ancient Origins: Jörmungandr: The Misunderstood Midgard Serpent of Norse Mythology Sea monsters and their inspiration: serpents, mermaids, the kraken and more Ninki Nanka Gambian Folktales: The Ninki Nanka BBC: The Hunt for Gambia's Mythical Dragon CNN: Here be monsters: The search for Africa's mythical beasts Coffee and Creatures: It's Hard to Keep Things Straight With the Ninki-Nanka Mokele Mbembe Cryptid Archives: Mokole-Mbembe Sightings Of The Legendary Mokele-Mbembe "Dinosaur" Of The Congo Are Increasing. What Is Going On? How Stuff Works: Mokele-Mbembe: The Truth Behind Africa's Mythical River Monster Stuff to Watch: Our curated YouTube Playlist for this episode!

In this episode, it's time to meet some slithering serpentine monsters! We start with the many-headed Hydra, who had the misfortune to be one of Heracles's many targets, but who got the consolation prize of becoming a constellation. Then we'll look at that constellation's story in Mesopotamian mythology and we'll meet an eight-headed serpent-dragon from Japanese mythology. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 6 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read: Hydra:  At Mythopedia and Perseus at Tufts Original Greek literature quotes about the Hydra Bašmu & Ninurta:  More on Bašmu Ninurta at World History Encyclopedia Enki and Enlil Yamata no Orochi: From yokai.com The Eight-Headed Eight-Tailed Serpent Stuff to Watch: Check out our curated Youtube playlist for this episode!

Since this episode is dropping just before Mother's Day in the US, it seemed like the perfect time to talk about Echidna, the Mother of All Monsters. Or… at least an awful lot of the Greek ones. We'll also look at some other monstrous mothers in Mesopotamian, Norse, and Germanic mythology! Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 5 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read: Echidna Summaries at Mythopedia and Ancient Origins Quotes from original Greek texts at THEOI Echidna: Half Woman, Half Snake of Greece Angrboda: From Vikingr Chaos, and Destruction: The Symbolism of Angrboda in Norse Mythology and Beyond Tiamat Summary from World History Encyclopedia  From The Met: Mesopotamian Creation Myths Dungeons & Dragons: The History Of Bahamut And Tiamat Grendel's Mother: Beowulf and Grendel's Mother Stuff To Watch: Check out our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

This episode features that enigma wrapped in a mystery, the Sphinx. We'll discuss her famous riddle and examine how the Greek Sphinx is different from the one you see in Egyptian statues. We'll also look at some of her feline relations across not just Greece but also Persia, Assyria, medieval Europe, and China. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for S3E4 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Apotropaic Devices: Medusa in Ancient Greek Art Medusa at the Getty Museum The full story of Perseus at Mythopedia More on the Sphinx: From Mythopedia Quotes about the Sphinx from ancient literature Lots of different Sphinxes at World History Encyclopedia The Sphinx in Mythology: Myths, Legends, and Powers More on the Chimera:  At Mythopedia The Chimera of Arezzo What is chimerism in science? What is an African Violet chimera? More on Lamassu: From Ancient Near East to Dungeons and Dragons: Lamassu, The Mesopotamian Gatekeeper Lamassu at the British Museum and the Louvre More on the Pixiu:  From Cultural China Legend of Pixiu from Visit Beijing The Basic Principles of Feng Shui Pixiu Meaning in Feng Shui Stuff To Watch: Check out our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

This episode explores one of the cleverest monsters on our list: the Nine-Tailed Fox of East Asian mythology! But how do you tell a kitsune from a huli jing from a gumiho? We'll try to sort it all out! The fox's reputation as a trickster is world-wide, though, so we'll also look at foxes in Aesop's Fables, medieval stories from France, and the folklore of Eastern Europe. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for S3E3 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Kitsune:  The Enigmatic Fox of Japanese Folklore From Yokai.com Legend of the Fox The Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox More on Huli Jing:  The Supernatural Fox Sisters Tale of the Huli Jing: A Feminist Story from Chinese Myth More on Gumiho: From Gods and Monsters From MythLok Other Asian Fox-Spirits Aesop's Fables about Foxes Reynard:  The Fox, the Trickster, the Peasant Hero Reynard the Fox, Or Why the Best Robin Hood is a Fox   Stuff To Watch: Check out our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

In this episode, we talk about monstrous and mythical forms a much-maligned animal: the wolf. We'll begin with the biggest and most dangerous of them all: the Great Wolf Fenrir from Norse mythology, prophesied to destroy the world by swallowing the sun. We also look at fairy tale wolves, the raijū of Japanese folklore, and the crucial role that wolves play in many stories of indigenous North American cultures. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for S3E2 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Fenrir:  On Norse Mythology Tyr and Fenrir on Mythopedia The Binding of Fenrir Fenrir on World History Encyclopedia Fairy Tale Wolves: Fairy Tales with Wolves: A Falsely Maligned Villain? Wolves in Aesop's Fables Little Red Riding Hood by Charles Perrault The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Versions of The Three Little Pigs Wolves of Indigenous North American Cultures The Pawnee Creation Legend Native American Wolf Mythology Stuff To Watch: Check out our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

Welcome to Season 3 of Myths & Muses! This season, we're focusing on monsters -- and, for better or worse, we've had some help in targeting which monsters to focus on from... Medusa. Because she's invited a bunch of them to our camps for our "Misunderstood Monsters" theme. You can see her first letter to us and the "tour poster" for the monsters on the World of Mythik theory board. We're starting with Polyphemus, the one-eyed monster best known for getting blinded by Odysseus. Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant best known for the role he plays in the story of the Greek hero Odysseus. And because we're not sure we quite trust Medusa to have shown us her whole hand, we'll talk about some other giants from across the world, too! Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for S3E1 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  Polyphemus and Cyclopes: Book 9 of The Odyssey The Gigantomachy The Laestrygonians Jotnar:  Yggdrasil  Story of The Theft of Thor's Hammer Thyrsi and Skadi Aztec giants:  The Quinametzin  More on the Quinametzin Help with Nahuatl pronunciation Stuff to Watch: See our curated playlist for this episode!

Season 3: Misunderstood Monsters starts on March 13th! Medusa has thrown down a challenge: The Gauntlet of the Gorgon. She's invited twelve different monsters to visit Mythik Camps this summer! The Muses are super-excited about the potential for mayhem and the great stories that will come out of it. Since Medusa's given us a hint about which monsters will be coming, each episode of Season 3 will focus on one of them! ...And we're also going to cover a few more, just to be on the safe side.  With these stories, we hope demigods everywhere will be ready to face down monsters of all kinds, whether you've found your way to a camp or not. So if you are at Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter, Daring Girls, or Camp Mythik this summer, you'll need this information to prepare for the Quests of Medusa's Gauntlet – and if you're not at camp, you need it even more since you're out there as a solo hero. Who knows where those monsters might end up? So make sure you're subscribed! Episode One will be available to stream or download in two weeks, on March 13th, 2025! Until then, stay brave, demigods!

In this episode of Myths & Muses, in honor of the holiday season, we explore monsters who prowl the snow and ice from the Himalayas to Austria, from the Great Lakes to Japan. From chilling terrors to mischievous troublemakers, we'll tell you what to watch out for this winter! Plus: Find out what has the Muses a little too excited about next summer's potential adventures… Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for 2024 Holiday Bonus Episode If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). Stuff to Read:  The letter from Medusa Book club sign-up link More on the Yeti At How Stuff Works The hunt for the Abominable Snowman: what's the history of the Yeti legend? From Go to Tibet PBS Storied: Monstrum Yuki-Onna From Yokai.com PBS Storied: Monstrum Overly Sarcastic Productions: Fables and Folktales More on the Wendigo More on Krampus: From History.org Who is Krampus? National Geographic PBS Storied: Monstrum Gryla, Yule Cat, and Yule Lads: PBS Storied: Monstrum Extra Mythology

In this final episode, we're going to look at a few stories about recovering from – and remembering – loss. Then, we'll look back over this Comeback Kids season and think about what it really means for a hero to find their way home – and how that's not always as easy as it might seem. We start with Achilles, greatest of the Greek heroes, then explore some myths from civilizations around the Arctic Circle. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 10 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Achilles and Patroclus: Achilles at Mythopedia and the World History Encyclopedia Patroclus at World History Encyclopedia Q&A with Madeline Miller, author of The Song of Achilles On the Northern Lights:  Aurora myths, legends, and misconceptions History of the Northern Lights: Myths and Legends Aurora Zone: Mythology of the Northern Lights On Nostos:  The Journey Home, by Dylan Nathaniel Ozmore Middle Earth Diaries: The Return to the Shire Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  The Wrath of Achilles, by Michel-Martin Drolling (1810) The Triumph of Achilles by Franz von Matsch (1892) Patroclus and Achilles in Troy (2004)

In this episode, we explore gods who have made sacrifices -- some of them on purpose, for the sake of wisdom or another advantage, and some of them less-intentionally. We'll explore three stories showing just how far Odin will go for wisdom, then we'll find out why Tyr, the Norse god of law and justice, and Nuada, a leader of the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann, lost their hands. Then we'll finish with a coda to the story of Osiris, Horus, and Set. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 9 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Odin: At Mythopedia and the World History Encyclopedia "How Odin Sacrificed His Eye at Mimir's Well" From Norse Mythology for Smart People: Why Odin is One-Eyed, The Mead of Poetry, and Odin's Discovery of the Runes About Runes: Futhark Runes: Names, Meanings, and How to Use Them Runes at Norse Mythology for Smart People (includes origins, meanings, and some book recommendations What Are and How to Make Bind Runes About Tyr & Fenrir:  Tyr at Mythopedia and Norse Mythology for Smart People "The Binding of Fenrir" About Nuada:  At Mythopedia and Timeless Myths Tuatha dé Danann: The Story of Ireland's Fiercest Tribe Uncovering the Origins of the Tuatha Dé Danann Horus at Mythopedia Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Odin the Wanderer, Georg von Rosen (1886) Óðinn throws his spear at the Vanir host, by Lorenz Frølich (1895) Odin Fighting Fenrir, Emil Doepler (1905) Norse god Tyr sacrificing his arm to Fenrir the wolf, John Albert Bauer (1911)  

It's time to finish up our “come back from the Underworld” mini-series! In this episode, we'll be covering stories of some mythological figures whose trips to the Underworld were… unintentional. And not of natural causes. But they all manage to come back! Just usually with a little outside help. You'll hear two major stories from Egyptian and Norse mythology, and then a couple of lesser-known tales from Japan and Finland. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 8 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Osiris: At Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia From the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum A little bit about Demeter, Demophon, and the Eleusinian Mysteries More on Baldr:  At Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia The Death of Baldr (Norse Mythology for Smart People) More on Onamuji From New World Encyclopedia Ōkuninushi, the Master of the Land Lemminkäinen at the Finnish Folklore Wiki Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Statue of Osiris Osiris and the Egyptian Resurrection (1911 reproduction of ancient tomb wall art) "Death of Baldr" (c. 1750) “Baldur's Death” by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (1817) "Each arrow overshot his head" (1902)

Our Underworld mini-series continues! This time, we'll meet some mythological figures who make that harrowing trip maybe to learn something, maybe to make a point, or, in one case, to make sure the sun still rises. It's never an easy trip, and they have to face down some serious dangers along the way. We'll follow a Sumerian goddess there and back, chart a recurring trip in Egypt, and see how a famous Greek hero made a really terrible choice. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 7 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Inanna:  From World History Encyclopedia and Britannica Inanna's Descent: A Sumerian Tale of Injustice Seven Top-Ranking Gods of the Sumerian Pantheon More on Ra and the Solar Barge: From Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia Ra as Creator God The Egyptian Afterlife More on Pirithous and Theseus: Pirithous at GreekMythology.com Theseus at Mythopedia Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Ninshubur and Inanna (24th-22nd century BCE) Sculpture that may be Ishtar or Erishkigal (19th-18th century BCE) from Lewis Spence's Myths and Legends of Babylonia and Assyria (1916) Ishtar by Yliade (2021) The sun god Ra in his solar barque, protected by the coils of a serpent (14th-13th century BCE) The ram-headed form of Ra traveling through the Duat (13th century BCE) Sun Barge of Ra by MichaelJaecks on Deviant Art (2009)

Stories of coming back from the Underworld are some of the biggest, most dramatic comebacks of all! And there are so many of them that they won't all fit in one episode! In this one, we're exploring stories of heroes who went to the underworld and back for the sake of love. We already talked about the most famous story of this kind, Orpheus and Eurydice, back in Season 1 -- but he's definitely not the only one! You'll meet a beautiful, adventurous princess, a loyal wife, and a pair of Japanese primordial deities, all of whom face down death in one way or another. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 6 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Cupid and Psyche: Psyche, Greek Goddess of the Soul at THEOI Psyche at World History Encyclopedia The Myth of Cupid and Psyche at ThoughtCo Eros and Psyche: The Greek Origin of Fairy-tales That You Never Knew, from The Collector Original story (in translation) by Lucius Apuleius Alcestis at World History Encyclopedia More on Izanagi and Izanami:  At World History Encyclopedia At Mythopedia The Story of Izanagi and Izanami: A Japanese Creation Myth, at Owlcation More on Shintoism:  About Religions in Japan, from Japan Tours Shinto Beliefs and Holidays, from Diversity Resources Shinto at a Glance, from the BBC Video from Cogito Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Roman Mosaic of Cupid and Psyche from the Poseidon Villa (2nd-3rd century) Psyche Honoured by the People, Luca Giordano (1695) Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, Antonia Canova (1794) Psyche, Yliade (2023) Admetus Mourning Alcestis, Johann Heinrich Tischbein (1780) The God Izanagi and the Goddess Izanami, Nishikawa Sukenobu (18th century) The Gods Izanagi and Izanami on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, Utagawa Hiroshige (1850)  

In this episode, we've got stories about heroes who got lost. Really lost. Lost-for-years-or-even-centuries lost. We'll hear about Odysseus's prolonged detour, some Celtic heroes who wandered into the fairy realm, and some creatures of West African forests who you might not mind running into if you get lost in the woods. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 5 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Odysseus:  From Mythopedia  From World History Encyclopedia Map of Odysseus's Journey from UPenn In the Riordanverse Wiki The Celtic Otherworld: Oisin at Bard Mythologies and Irish Central Niamh at Wilderness Ireland The Voyage of Bran A translation of the original story-and-song The Otherworld at Celtic Life International More about the Aziza   Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Terracotta plaque showing the return of Odysseus (ca. 460–450 BCE) Hermes Ordering Calypso to Release Odysseus, Gerard de Lairesse (1670) Calypso calling heaven and earth to witness her sincere affection to Ulysses, Angelica Kauffman (c. 1775) Niamh, illustrated by Beatrice Elvery in Heroes of the Dawn (1914) "Oisin and Niamh of the Golden Hair" by P.J. Lynch (2008) Stephen Townsend's Aziza (2018)  

In this episode, we're exploring stories of gods who, for one reason or another, withdrew themselves and their gifts from the mortal world -- but who eventually either came back or at least made sure someone else picked up the slack in their absence. We'll hear about an Egyptian rain goddess who ran away, a Greek agricultural goddess in mourning, a Japanese sun goddess who hid in a cave, and a Yoruba Orisha creator god who is really good at delegation! Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 4 If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here! If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Tefnut:  Tefnut at Ancient Egypt Online and Mythlok Tefnut, Goddess of Moisture and Rain at History Cooperative A Brief History of the Gods and Goddesses of Egypt from World History Encyclopedia More on Demeter:  Demeter at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia Quotes about Demeter from original Greek sources at THEOI Amaterasu at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia Olorun at Mythopedia and Oriire Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Relief of Tefnut, Ptolemaic Period. 180-47 BCE. Stele featuring Osiris, Tefnut and Shu Red Attic figure of Demeter, c.5th century BCE Roman statue of Demeter/Ceres Demeter by Yliade on DeviantArt, 2020 Amaterasu emerging from the cave, by Utagawa Kunisada, 19th century The Installation of the Sun Goddess, 1925

In this episode, we're exploring stories of heroes who lost themselves in some way and had to find themselves again. We'll see how Heracles's Twelve Labors -- the things that made him one of the most famous demigods of all time -- only happened because of something he did while under a terrible curse. We'll also see how going into a frenzy makes some Norse warriors much more fearsome, and some Arthurian knights very much the opposite, and we'll hear a little about a mysterious prophecy making its way through the mythical world. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 3 If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here! If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  More on Heracles:  From Mythopedia A close look at the Twelve Labors More on Berserkers:  Berserkers and Other Shamanic Warriors Myths and Reality of Berserkers and Ulfhednar More Arthuriana:  Knights Lancelot Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Bronze Hercules, 2nd century:  Megara and Hercules, 3rd century: Hercules constellation, by Johann Bayer (1603): Hercules from an Italian film (1958) Disney's Hercules and Megara (1997) Drawing taken from a Swedish bronze plate (c. 900) Berserker depicted as a chess piece (12th century): "Guinevere Scorns Lancelot's Gift", George Wooliscroft Rhead and Louis Rhead (1898) "The Madman of the Forest who was Sir Launcelot", Howard Pyle (1907) "Sir Lancelot in His Madness", Innes Fripp (1912) "Sir Launcelot and the Queen Talked Sadly Together", Arthur Dixon (1921)  

In this episode, the Muses have decreed that we'll be looking at stories of heroes who were exiled from their homes and had to fight to regain what they had lost. There are a lot of epic tales that feature this theme, and it provides a great opportunity to send the hero on some sort of journey, where they can encounter monsters and challenges and all the exciting conflicts that make a story! We'll start with Sundiata Keita, a hero of the Mandinka people, and then explore a few other heroes from around the world. All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 2 If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here! If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  Sundiata:  "The true story behind The Lion King" from the Washington Post Sundiata Keita at World History Encyclopedia and National Geographic Education Some information on Sundiata's descendant, Mansa Musa: National Geographic Education and the BBC Robin Hood:  The Robin Hood Project - A compendium of many, many original sources, but also has short summaries for each character The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle - The Victorian text that is the source for most modern interpretations of the character. The Mahabharata:  A summary from Owlcation An in-depth look at its history and context from World History Encyclopedia Jason and Medea:  Jason and Medea from Mythopedia The quest for the Golden Fleece at Greek Mythology and World History Encyclopedia Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  Sundiata Keita by Carlos Varejão on ArtStation Sundiata Keita as he appears in the video game Civilization VI Some Victorian-era images of Robin Hood:  Reynard the Fox:  Disney's Robin Hood:  A Statue of Arjuna in Bali:  Karna and Arjuna (1899) Arjuna and a heavenly maiden (1900) Athena helping to build the Argo (1st century CE, Roman) Jason arriving in Pelias's palace (1st century AD, Roman) Medea by William Wetmore Story (1868) Jason and Medea by John William Waterhouse (1907) Poster for the 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts Jason battling skeletons in 1963's Jason and the Argonauts

Season Two of Myths & Muses kicks off with the tale of a hero who lost it all and had to start again somewhere new! Aeneas rises from the ashes almost literally, leaving the destruction of Troy behind and setting off on an adventure that takes him all over the Mediterranean and even to the Underworld. Driving him all the way is his looming destiny: to found a nation whose legacy will last for millennia. All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 1 If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here! If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read:  Aeneas at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia The Underworld Adventure of Aeneas Aeneas's Trip to the Underworld Stuff to Watch:   Learn more about Aeneas with our curated YouTube playlist! Cool Images:  The Journey of Aeneas (by Simeon Netchev for World History Encyclopedia) Aeneas Carrying Anchises, black-figure pottery (c. 520 BCE) Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1618) Aeneas Carrying His Father Anchises, by Ludolph Büsinck (1643) Aeneas Carrying Anchises, by Charles-Andre Van Loo (1729) The Meeting of Dido and Aeneas, by Nathaniel Dance-Holland (18th century)

Season 2: The Comeback Kid starts on April 25th! Hello, demigods! I'm Cass, host of the Myths & Muses podcast and daughter of Clio, the muse of history, here to announce that Season 2 will be launching soon! The Muses have pointed me in a really interesting direction for this season. They sent me on a bunch of research trips over the winter, and then I got home to discover that they're all a-flutter over … an Egg. But this is not just any egg. It's a Phoenix Egg. Actually, it's a bunch of Phoenix Eggs that have just… appeared all over the mythical world this spring. None of us are… really sure what's going on with that, but the Muses have proclaimed themselves inspired. They love what the Phoenix stands for: rising from the ashes, from the lowest point of failure and despair – to the bright flames of new life, new beginnings, and reinvention. What does it mean to fail, pick yourself up, and try again? What gods and heroes have stories of triumphing over adversity that might be inspirational to us? Those are the tales we'll be exploring in Season 2: The Comeback Kid. These stories can also provide essential guidance for demigods everywhere, whether you've found your way to a camp or not. So if you are at Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter, Daring Girls, or Camp Mythik this summer, you'll need this information so you're prepared for the Quests you might face– and if you're not at camp, you need it even more since you're out there as a solo hero. Whatever you're facing, we hope that the stories this season will inspire you. So make sure you're subscribed! Episode One will be available to stream or download in one week, on April 25th, 2024! Until then, stay brave, demigods!

In this fourth minisode inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians from Disney+, we explore the Greek and Roman traditions of prophecy and foretelling. [Transcript for Minisode 4] More on Oracles:  More on Oracles: Oracle of Delphi: Why Was It So Important To Ancient Greeks? The Cave of the Sibyl Dodona and the Pythia Video: A Day in the Life of the Oracle of Delphi

In this third minisode inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians from Disney+, we explore a classic part of a hero's journey: entering the Underworld! The journey that Percy, Annabeth, and Grover take looks a little different from what some classical heroes encountered – although they do encounter some of the same figures and obstacles. [Transcript for Minisode 3] More on the Underworld:  14 Journeys to the Underworld in Greek and Roman Mythology Examples of journeys to the underworld in other cultures:  Inanna's Descent Izanagi and Izanami Video: The Twins Who Tricked the Maya Gods of Death Video: The Death of Osiris More on Cerberus More on the Styx and the other Rivers Video: A Tour of the Greek Underworld Video: Legends Summarized: Underworld Myths (recommended for Jupiter-age demigods)

In this second minisode inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians from Disney+, we get to know the stories behind the monster Medusa. But... is she really as terrible as her legend claims? [Transcript for Minisode 2] More on Medusa:  Mythopedia: Medusa World History Encyclopedia: Medusa The Met: Medusa in Ancient Greek Art Video: Mythology & Fiction Explained, "The Many Faces of Medusa" Video: PBS Monstrum, "Medusa: Victim or Villain?" Video: Overly Sarcastic Productions, "Miscellaneous Myths: Perseus"

With the release of Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+, the Muses thought our listeners might like to know the stories behind some of the characters and creatures they'll meet in the series! In Minisode 1, we meet the Furies: goddesses of vengeance, tormenters of the wicked, and protectors of Athens. [Transcript for Minisode 1] More on the Furies:  Mythopedia: Erinyes (Furies) History Cooperative: The Furies: Goddesses of Vengeance or Justice? World History Encyclopedia: Furies Video: See U in History/Mythology, "Furies (Erinyes): The Terrible Avenging Deities" Video: World History Encyclopedia, "The Moirai and Erinyes of Greek Mythology"  

Throughout its evolution, Halloween has remained a time when the world gets a little … well, weird! For one night, the regular everyday world falls away, and it feels like anything could happen. That sense of possibility – maybe both frightening and exciting! – is central to the theme of transformation around this holiday and its central creatures. Whether it's the world transforming to winter, the dead transforming back to the living world, the human turning into a wolf, the vampire turning into a bat, or you, yourself, turning into Darth Vader or Wonder Woman or a robot or a cat or anything else you can imagine! The idea of change lives behind so many of the myths, legends, and traditions we associate with Halloween -- and that's what we're exploring in this episode! This episode's interview features Lisa Longo, the administrative mermaid at Mythik Camps, who has also worked as a guide for ghost tours! Lisa shares some favorite ghost stories and shares why she thinks scary stories are something we enjoy. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 10] Stuff to Read: More information about werewolves:  The Ancient Origins of Werewolves Werewolves in History The Long, Hidden History of the Viking Obsession With Werewolves More on vampires:  Carnegie Museum's Booseum on Vampires Vampire History The history of Halloween:  The World History Encyclopedia's History of Halloween A collection of articles about the history of Halloween A timeline of Halloween's development Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 10, which includes more information on werewolves and vampires, some unique ghost stories from across the world, and deeper dives into the history of Halloween! Cool Images:  An Athenian vase depicting a man in a wolf skin, circa 460 BC: The "werewolves of Ossory", c. 1200 CE:   

The history of sports is deeply woven into the stories humanity has told, from its earliest days. In this episode, we look at the mythological tie-ins of the Olympic Games, how wrestling shows up in many ancient stories, and a particularly wild sport from Minoan civilization. We also explore some of the most popular modern sports -- and how some of those have ancient origins, too! This episode's interview features Anna Willenbrock, a Camp Mythik and Camp Half-Blood Brooklyn Counselor who has a deep love of athletics! She's done everything from discus to sword-fighting, and she wants demigods to hear that athleticism can be for everyone. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 9] Stuff to Read: The Olympic Games:  The official modern Olympic guide to the ancient games The history of the games from World History Encyclopedia A look at the Olympic Games from the Metropolitan Museum of Art More on bull-leaping:  Bulls and bull-leaping in the Minoan world Bull-Leaping in Bronze Age Crete The Mystery of Minoan Bull-Leaping More on other ancient sports:  Viking Games and Sports The Great Wrestling Matches of Myth Wrestling in Mythology: Gilgamesh vs Enkidu Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 9: Featuring an illustrated history of sports, several looks at the ancient Olympics, more on the epic of Gilgamesh, and some modern-day bull-related sports! Cool Images:  Ancient stadium in Olympia, Greece: Olympic Boxers, c. 550 BCE (The Cleveland Museum of Art) Prize amphora showing horse-racing, c. 510 BCE (The Met) Heracles wrestling Triton (from theoi.com) Heracles wrestling Antaeus, c. 150 BCE Ullr on skis with a bow, 11th century:  Ullr on skis with his bow, 18th century: The Bull-Leaping Fresco from the Great Palace at Knossos, Crete, c. 1600-1450 BCE: Minoan Bull-Leaper statue, c. 1500 BCE:  Minoan gold ring showing a man leaping over a bull, c. 1400 BCE: 

Music is something that we as humans have used to express ourselves for millennia – and it works its way into many of the stories we tell, too! Many myths speak to the power of music to change minds, charm beasts, and even create magic. In this episode, we explore some famous and some less-well-known tales about mythological musicians and dancers. This episode's interview features Kelly Branco, child of the Muses and a demigod with quite a bit of experience bringing music to others! You can find Kelly on her website, www.kellybranco.com, or on Instagram @kellybranxo. You can also find her epic playlists on Spotify and listen to "The Sound" on 89.1WFDU-HD3 Mondays and Thursdays 7-9pm. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 8] Stuff to Read: Orpheus on Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia More on Ancient Greek music and dance Information about the Irish harp and how it symbolizes a nation More about the Norse god Bragi The fantastic adventures of Vainamoinen from the Kalevala The world's most ancient music:  the Australian bullroarer the Vietnamese lithophone 19 of the world's oldest instruments Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 8: Featuring demonstrations of ancient Greek dance, the apsara dance of Cambodia, the Vietnamese lithophone, the Finnish kantele, and many stories about myths and music! Cool Images:  Euterpe and Terpsichore from a fresco in Pompeii, c. 70 CE Euterpe, by Simon Voulet, c. 1640:  Greek vase with muse playing the phorminx, a type of lyre, c. 440 BCE Recreations of Greek lyres from Luthieros: 1845 calotype photograph of the Irish harper Pádraig Dall Ó Beirn A modern Celtic harp:  Two modern five-string kanteles:  "The Kantele Player" by Pekka Halonen, 1892: Apsara dancers at the Bassac Theatre in 2012:

With summer at an end, the Muses have asked me to do an episode focusing on going back to school! As you might imagine, the Muses are all big fans of education. So many of the artistic things they inspire get studied in schools – books and poems and movies and paintings – but they also know that learning can inspire creativity. In this episode, we'll explore some stories about famous mythological teachers -- the figures who helped heroes become heroes -- and about some other gods of wisdom, knowledge, and learning. This episode's interview features Jordana Elias, daughter of Aphrodite and National Program Director for Plato Learning. In her mortal guise, Jordana has also worked as a classroom teacher! She shares insights on how teachers prepare to go back-to-school and assures us that they do not, in fact, hibernate in their classrooms. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 7] Stuff to Read: More about Chiron from Mythopedia and the World History Encyclopedia More on Scáthach and Cu Chulainn A short audio version of Scáthach's training of Cu Chulainn (8:15) The full Táin Bó Cúalnge, the Irish legend featuring Cu Chulainn and Scáthach. More on Thoth and Seshat:  An overview of Seshat at the World History Encyclopedia. Also, a prayer to Thoth and Seshat for skill in writing! Odin at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia More on Yggdrasil and Odin's sacrifice upon the tree Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 7: Featuring more on Chiron, Cu Chulainn, Athena, Thoth, and Orunmila! Cool Images:  Possible location of Scáthach's school (from Undiscovered Scotland) Reproductions of images of Seshat and Thoth from temple walls:  Seshat by Yliade on DeviantArt Orunmila by Noire 3000 / James C. Lewis Orunmila by Christopher Pompey on ArtStation Oden som vandringsman, or Odin as Wanderer by Georg von Rosen (1886)

Whether it's dogs, cats, birds, fish, lizards – all kinds of pets today are a frequent inspiration for artistic expression, from Instagram photos to movies. And that's always been true. As long as humans have had pets, we've wanted to work them into the stories we tell! In this episode of Myths & Muses, we look at some of mythology's most daring dogs and fabulous felines. This week's interview features a very special guest, joining us straight from the depths of Tartarus! [Transcript for Episode 6] If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). Stuff to Read: Cerberus on Mythopedia "No, Internet, Kerberos is Probably Not 'Spot'" An introduction to Garm and Xolotl Bastet on Mythopedia "Cats in Ancient Egypt: The Wild Companions Who Became Gods" "Cats in Japanese History and Art" "The fascinating history of Japan's railway station cats" Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube playlist for Episode 6, featuring spotlights on Cerberus, hellhounds, Japanese train station cats, and more! Cool Images:  The Third Princess with her Cat, from The Tale of Genji, by Tsukioka Settei (18th century) The Story of Nippondaemon and the Cat, by Utagawa Toyokuni (1835) Hazy Moon Cats, by Utagawa Toyokuni (1846) Maneki-neko in Tokyo (2005) A collection of maneki-neko: 

Our demigods are known for their swordplay, so it's only natural that we devote an episode of the podcast to the arts of war and battle! Epic fights have played a role in so many amazing stories from mythology through the ages, from the poems of Homer to modern movies. In this episode, we talk about the key PVP fight of the Trojan War, between Hector and Achilles, as well as several other major fights from Egyptian, Aztec, and Chinese mythology. This week's interview features Laine Flores, who works for Hermes as a logistics coordinator for Plato Learning, making sure that all our demigods get their swords and shirts every summer! But elsewhere in life, Laine is an expert in stage combat! Learn all about what that means in this episode. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 5] Stuff to Read: The Battle of Hector and Achilles:  Read the original story from the Iliad! Hector of Troy: Legendary Hero of the Trojan War Hector vs Achilles: Comparing the Two Great Warriors More about Horus and Set More about Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl Aztec creation story More about Nuwa Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube Playlist for Episode 5, featuring more on the Trojan War and the Aztec myth of the Five Suns, as well as some of the epic mythological battles we didn't get the chance to talk about in this episode. Please note: Because of the subject matter of this episode, there are some depictions of bloodshed in the context of ancient warfare. Mortal Guardians may want to watch first to make sure it's suitable for their demigods! Cool Images:  Achilles Slays Hector, painting by Peter Paul Rubens (c. 1630) Eric Bana as Hector and Brad Pitt as Achilles in Troy (2004) From the throne of a statue of King Sesostri I, showing Horus and Seth binding together the symbolic plants of Upper and Lower Egypt. ca. 1961 -1917 BCE.  Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca, art reproduced from the Codex Borbonicus (c. 1500)  

From ancient board games to modern video games and tabletop role-playing games, this episode looks at how demigods play -- and the role that games have sometimes played in mythological stories! From the Hero Twins of the Maya Popol Vuh and their ball game that you can really lose your head over to the Egyptian game of senet and its role in the Egyptian calendar, we explore some ancient origins of gaming. Then, we bring it all the way forward, exploring how modern video games and tabletop role-playing games incorporate mythology, often putting the player right in the role of an epic hero. And, of course, no episode on demigod gaming would be complete without discussing Mytho, Mythik Camps' very own tabletop role-playing game. This week's interview features Shann Smith, child of Dionysus, who also runs our Mytho programming! Shann discusses their love for the community-building and improvisational aspects of tabletop gaming, as well as their work developing their own games. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 4] Stuff to Read: The Maya Ball Game Games of the Ancient World:  Senet and Twenty Squares Hounds and Jackals Mehen The Royal Game of Ur (play online!) Mythology in Tabletop Role-Playing Games:  Mytho Aeon D&D: 10 Monsters Inspired By Real World Mythology Board games inspired by mythology Stuff to Watch:  Our Youtube Playlist for Episode 4, featuring examples of how to play several of the ancient games, features on the revived Maya Ball Game, and more! Cool Images:  Ball court at Chichen Itza:  Maya ball court in Belize:  Senet game board and pieces, ca. 1550–1295 B.C. From Egypt, Abydos (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Siblings! They can be the absolute best... or the absolute worst, especially when we're talking about families with divine powers. In this episode, we'll explore some of the most famous tales of sibling rivalry, like that of Romulus and Remus, as well as stories where the siblings manage to pull together! We'll also talk about how the importance of twins carry down from the divine to mortal life in Yoruba culture, and we explore some of the common sibling-themes found in fairy tales and folklore across the world. This episode's interview features Sarah Ryan, daughter of Athena and someone who has a special understanding with Baba Yaga. Sarah shares some of the important sibling and sibling-esque relationships in her own life, as well as her observations of how all the demigod siblings at our camps work together! If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 3] Stuff to Read: Romulus and Remus:  An overview from World History Encyclopedia The story as Plutarch tells it Castor and Pollux's story on Mythopedia Tips for finding Gemini, the constellation that represents Castor and Pollux The story of Nut and Geb The creation myth of Izanagi and Izanami "In Praise of the Lesser-Known Siblings of Mythology," by Philip Womack Stories of Three Brothers: 3 stories from Korea, Japan, and Turkistan 1 from Ukraine 1 from Serbia From the Brothers Grimm "Three Brothers Who Followed the Sun," an Iroquois legend Stuff to Watch:  Our YouTube playlist for Episode 3 features a few different versions of the story of Romulus and Remus, an exploration of Ere Ibeji statues, and more! Cool Images:  Images of Ere ibeji:  See some and read more about them at The Met

Art is amazing! The creative impulse has spurred humanity for thousands of years. We naturally want to tell stories, paint pictures, shape metal and stone into beautiful objects, and perform through song, dance, and theatre. In this episode, we explore the mythological connections to all those ways of expressing creativity! From the Muses of Greece to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, from Anansi the spider to Celtic metalworkers, we'll introduce some of the most epic figures related to arts and crafting. This episode's interview features Elle Vallejos, daughter of Aphrodite, former Daring Girls Counselor, and current Hiring & Recruiting Manager for Plato Learning! Elle is an illustrator and costumer, and she shares some of her journey as a creative artist. If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 2] Stuff to Read: A general overview of the Muses and their family connections Homer's invocations of the Muses A writing prompt! Can you write your own invocation of the Muses? Introduction to Anansi (with some tie-in activities!) Fibbed, by Elizabeth Agyemang: A girl who cannot lie gets tangled up with Ananse in this middle-grade novel! "Kwaku Anansi: The only folklore character to travel out of Africa and become a global symbol of resistance", an article by Elizabeth Ofosuah Johnson Ancient Celtic Art at World History Encyclopedia Brigid and Lugh at Mythopedia Introduction to Saraswati Acting and Greek Theatre: Honoring Dionysus, from World History Encyclopedia Stuff to Watch: Our Episode 2 Youtube playlist! With features on the Muses, Anansi and his stories, Athena, Hephaestus, Lugh and Celtic artwork, Homer and oral storytelling, and Saraswati! Cool Images:  Artwork from Elle Vallejos: The Snettisham Great Torc, Britain, 1st century BCE The Celtic Lochar Moss torc, Scotland. 1st-2nd century CE. The god Cernunnos on the Gundestrup Cauldron, Denmark, 1st century BCE:  Killamery High Cross, Ireland, 9th century CE Painting of the Goddess Saraswati by Raja Ravi Varma, 1896

What happens when the Muses of Greek mythology want to have a podcast... but they don't actually want to do the work of making one? They conscript a demigod, of course! In the inaugural episode of Myths and Muses: A Plato Learning Podcast, we start at the very beginning: origin stories and myths of creation! Whether it's stories of how the whole world and all the gods came to be, or stories with a smaller focus, like the creation of a particular flower, origin stories can tell us a lot about a culture. They're also Origin something we humans seem to find endlessly fascinating – at least if all the Batman and Wolverine movies are anything to go by! We'll look at a few examples, then dive into the origins of storytelling itself. This episode's interview features Persephone and her mortal alter-ego, Plato Learning founder Crystal Bobb-Semple! If you'd like to submit a story or artwork to be featured on Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). [Transcript for Episode 1] Stuff to Read: 25 Creation Stories from around the World Where did writing come from? A history of cuneiform  Visible Writing: a multimedia exploration from Google Arts & Culture Middle-Grade book recommendation (ages 7-11+): In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World, by Virginia Hamilton and Barry Moser Young Adult book recommendation (ages 12-18+): Popol Vuh: A Retelling, byIlan Stavans and Gabriela Larios A book for grown-ups: The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human, by Jonathan Gottschall More information on our summer camps and other programming! Stuff to Watch:  Myths & Muses Episode 1 tie-in YouTube playlist: A series of short videos, including:  The Greek creation of the world and the gods The Taino creation myth The Khmer origins of lightning, thunder and rain Hades, Persephone, and the origin of the seasons The Aztec origins of humanity TED Ed: Why do we tell stories? series (each video between 9-18 minutes) Cool Images:  Cave painting: Chauvet Cave, France. 30,000 to 28,000 BCE. Cave Painting: Serra da Capivara, Brazil. 28,000 to 6,000 BCE. Cave Painting: Cumberland Valley Caves, Tennessee, U.S. Dated to: 4,000 BCE. Cave Painting: Cueva de las Manos, Argentina. 7,300 BCE to 700 CE. Cave Painting:  Lubang Jeriji Saléh, Indonesia. More than 40,000 years old. Cuneiform tablet, Shuruppak, circa 2600 BCE Egyptian hieroglyphs, c. 3000 BCE:  Oracle Bone Script, China, c. 1250 BCE:  Maya codices, c. 900-1500 CE: