Blog

Aug. 2, 2021

35. Tiamat (Babylonian Mythology)

Cover image: L. Gruner - 'Monuments of Nineveh, Second Series' plate 5, London, J. Murray, 1853 In today's episode we discuss Tiamat, the mother goddess of primordial chaos from the Babylonian epic the Eluma Elish. We talk about the importance of t…

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July 19, 2021

34. Grendel's Mother (Beowulf)

In today's episode, we discuss Grendel's Mother from the Old English epic poem Beowulf. We discuss cycles of violence, the subjective experience of grief, and the ways in which translation matters in the way we interpret epics. Sources: Beowulf&md…

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July 5, 2021

33. Mermaids (Themed Episode #7)

In today's episode, we discuss mermaid legends from around the world. We discuss La Sirena Chilota (Chilote), Suvannamaccha (Thailand/Cambodia), Sirena (Philippines), Merrows (Ireland), Lumpeguin (Wabanaki), Nibiinaabe (Anishinaabe), and Selkies (Ce…

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June 21, 2021

32. La Difunta Correa (Argentinian Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss La Difunta Correa, the beloved Argentinian folk saint. We discuss misogynistic Christian narratives, our perspectives on mythology, and parallels to the Virgin Mary. This episode has a trigger warning for discussions a…

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June 7, 2021

31. Whaitiri (Māori Mythology)

Art source In today's episode, we talk about the flesh-eating Māori thunder goddess known as Whaitiri! We discuss the conception of good versus evil figures, the importance of doing rituals properly, and the role of older women in mythology and soc…

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May 24, 2021

30. Yennenga (Burkinabé Legends)

In today's episode we discuss Yennenga, legendary mother of the Mossi Kingdom. We talk about the significance of finding one's own path and her importance today, as well as reflect on the meaningfulness of apologies in legendary narratives. Sourc…

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May 10, 2021

29. Celtic Faeries (Themed Episode #6)

In our sixth themed episode, we talk about fairy ladies from five out of the six Celtic Nations! We discuss whether or not fairies and humans can ever live together, Christian-influenced morality, and how beliefs in fairies have changed over time.…

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April 26, 2021

28. Sky Woman (Haudenosaunee Mythology)

In today's episode, we talk about Sky Woman from Haudenosaunee mythology. We discuss creation stories, the concept of good vs. evil, and humanity's relationship with nature. Sources: Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois by Joanne Shenandoah and Dou…

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April 12, 2021

27. 鶴女房 - The Crane Wife (Japanese Folklore)

In today's episode we expose Zoe as a The Decemberists nerd as we discuss the Crane Wife, a tragic and fascinating figure from Japanese folklore. We talk about the animal-wife tale type, the messages about healthy and unhealthy relationships withi…

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March 29, 2021

26. Tlazolteotl (Aztec Mythology)

In today's episode, we discuss Tlazolteotl, the Aztec goddess of vice, purification, lust, and filth. We discuss gender roles, the Aztec concept of sin, and the way colonization led to fundamental misunderstanding and narrowing of her role as a go…

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