Episodes

Jan. 17, 2022

47. Hearth Goddesses (Themed Episode #10)

For our first themed episode of 2022, we look at goddesses of the hearth from around the world. We discuss Gabija from Lithuanian mythology, 조왕신 (Jowangsin) from Korean mythology, Kamui Fuchi from Ainu mythology, Chantico from Aztec mythology, Emoinu from …

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Jan. 3, 2022

46. Princess Bari (Korean Mythology)

In today's episode, we discuss Princess Bari from Korean mythology. We discuss filial piety, conceptions of the heavens and underworld, and ending cycles of suffering. For more information about today's episode, go to mythola...

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Dec. 20, 2021

45. Two Old Women (Gwich'in Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss the Gwich'in story of Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', as told in the book Two Old Women by Velma Wallis. We discuss oral tradition, forgiveness in a story, and the importance of recognizing a story as not …

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Dec. 6, 2021

44. Frau Perchta (German Folklore)

In today's episode, we celebrate the Christmas season by talking about Frau Perchta from German folklore! We discuss the frightening nature of many Germanic folktales, survival during winter, and the ways that traditions and beliefs get passed down from generation …

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Nov. 22, 2021

43. Judith (Jewish Apocrypha)

In today's episode we celebrate Hanukkah by discussing the woman most associated with Hanukkah, Judith! We discuss the importance of Judaism to her story, delve into the Renaissance Power of Women art movement, and may or may...

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Nov. 8, 2021

42. Crones (Themed Episode #9)

In this early winter episode, we discuss the archetype of the old crone, as well as several crones in mythology and folklore. We talk about Elli from Norse Mythology, Cailleach Béara from Celtic mythology, Kikimora from Slavic folklore, Frau Holle …

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Oct. 25, 2021

41. The Bell Witch (Southern US Folklore)

In today's episode, we talk about the Bell Witch from Southern United States folklore, a spirit that haunted a family in Tennessee in the 19th century. We discuss horror as a way to talk about abuse, the demonization of independent …

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Oct. 11, 2021

40. Bluebeard's Bride (World Folklore)

In today's giant of an episode, we delve into the classic tale of Bluebeard's Bride. We cover three different versions of the story, including La Barbe Bleue from France, Knight Goldbeard from Switzerland, and Zerendac and Abu Freywar from Palestine. …

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Sept. 27, 2021

39. Maman Brigitte (Haitian Vodou)

In today's episode, we talk about the Haitian loa known as Maman Brigitte. We discuss conceptions of the afterlife, the ways figures change and adapt after being syncretized into a new religion, and the ways in which we view death. …

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Sept. 13, 2021

38. Yōkai (Themed Episode #8)

In our eighth themed episode, we talk about the supernatural Japanese creatures and phenomena known as yōkai. We discuss eight different yōkai ladies (or types of yōkai ladies), including Kuchisake-onna, Nikusui, Ubume, Jorōg...

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Aug. 30, 2021

37. Durga (Hindu Mythology)

In today's episode we discuss Durga, the fierce warrior goddess of Hindu mythology. We discuss the symbolic nature of her fight against demons and the duality of love and war. We also reflect on how mythology can be weaponize...

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Aug. 16, 2021

36. La Llorona (Mexican Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss La Llorona, a spirit from Mexican folklore. We discuss the prevalence of female ghosts wearing white across world folklore, the varied interpretations of folktales, and the merits of modern retellings.

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Aug. 2, 2021

35. Tiamat (Babylonian Mythology)

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 translation, the making of a monstrous woman, and how misogynistic culture...

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July 19, 2021

34. Grendel's Mother (Beowulf)

In today's episode, we discuss Grendel's Mother from the Anglo-Saxon 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.

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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 (Anish...

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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 wa...

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June 7, 2021

31. Whaitiri (Māori Mythology)

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 mytho...

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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 legend...

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May 10, 2021

29. Celtic Faeries (Themed Episode #6)

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

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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. For more information about today's episode, go to m...

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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 unhealt...

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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 narrowi...

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March 15, 2021

25. The Pontianak (Southeast Asian Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss the pontianak, a frightening female vampire from Southeast Asian folklore. We discuss the meaning of civilization vs. nature in monster stories, the symbolism of female vampires, and why we love...

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March 1, 2021

24. The Persecuted Heroine (feat. Hailey Spencer)

Today's episode features our very first guest star as we learn about the heroine of ATU tale type 510A, most commonly known as Cinderella. We roast the Grimm brothers, fangirl over Baba Yaga, and ponder how so many different ...

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