Season 1

60. Yemoja (Yoruba Mythology)
July 18, 2022

60. Yemoja (Yoruba Mythology)

In today's episode, we discuss the famous water goddess Yemoja from Yoruba mythology. We talk about the many different aspects of her worship throughout the world, the different forms she takes, and how her importance has lasted to this day.

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59. Women of the Trojan War (Themed Episode #12)
July 4, 2022

59. Women of the Trojan War (Themed Episode #12)

In today's episode, we discuss several of the women involved in the Trojan War from Greek mythology. We talk about Iphigenia, Chryseis, Briseis, Penthesilea, Polyxena, Hecuba, and Andromache.

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57. Santa Muerte (Mexican Folklore)
June 6, 2022

57. Santa Muerte (Mexican Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss Santa Muerte, the folk saint and personification of death in Mexico. We discuss different ways of viewing death, her association with the LGBT community, and the way her worship exemplifies the Catholic church's stigma against …

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56. Arraweelo (Somali Legend)
May 23, 2022

56. Arraweelo (Somali Legend)

In today's episode, we talk about the legendary Somali queen, Arraweelo. We discuss how her story has been used as an argument against female leadership, the feminist movement to reclaim her story, and the similarities betwee...

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55. Moon Goddesses (Themed Episode #11)
May 9, 2022

55. Moon Goddesses (Themed Episode #11)

In today's episode themed episode, we discuss moon goddesses from different cultures around the world. We talk about the Maya Moon Goddess, Selene (Greek mythology), Mayari (Filipino mythology), Coyolxāuhqui (Aztec mythology), Huitaca (Muisca mythology), Kuutar (Finnish mythology), and Mama Killa …

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54. Mary Magdalene (Christian Bible)
April 25, 2022

54. Mary Magdalene (Christian Bible)

In today's Easter-themed episode, we discuss Mary Magdalene from the Bible. Zoe (who was raised Catholic) explains biblical lore to Lizzie (who was not raised Catholic). We discuss her depiction in the Gospels, her relationship to Jesus, and the origins …

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53. La Siguanaba (Central American Folklore)
April 11, 2022

53. La Siguanaba (Central American Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss La Siguanaba, a frightening, horse-headed spirit found in folklore all throughout Central America. We explore the many, many different iterations of her story, talk at length about the symbolism of horses, and delve into colonial …

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52. Nafanua (Samoan Legend)
March 28, 2022

52. Nafanua (Samoan Legend)

In today's episode, we talk about Nafanua, a warrior goddess and leader of Samoan legend. We discuss colonialism, the archetype of the female warrior, and the ways excluded identities are empowered by her story.

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51. Ériu (Irish Mythology) (feat. Cathy)
March 14, 2022

51. Ériu (Irish Mythology) (feat. Cathy)

To celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, Lizzie's friend and roommate Cathy joins to talk about the Irish goddess Ériu. We discuss sovereignty goddesses, the ways Irish mythology changed after Ireland adopted Christianity, and Irish solidarit

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50. Medusa (Greek Mythology)
Feb. 28, 2022

50. Medusa (Greek Mythology)

Today, we celebrate our fiftieth episode with one of Lizzie's favorite Mytholadies ever, Medusa herself! We discuss how the depictions of her have changed throughout the years, whether or not Medusa is really a monster, and w...

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49. Oshun (Yoruba Mythology)
Feb. 14, 2022

49. Oshun (Yoruba Mythology)

In today's episode, we talk about Oshun, a Yoruba orisha of fertility and love. We discuss lessons of cooperation, kinship terms, and power relations.

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48. Manimekalai (Tamil Epics)
Jan. 31, 2022

48. Manimekalai (Tamil Epics)

In today's episode we discuss Manimekalai, the heroine of another Tamil Epic. We compare and contrast it with the Silippatikaram (previously covered in Episode 17), examine the story of two minor characters within the narrative, and express our love for …

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47. Hearth Goddesses (Themed Episode #10)
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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46. Princess Bari (Korean Mythology)
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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45. Two Old Women (Gwich'in Folklore)
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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44. Frau Perchta (German Folklore)
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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43. Judith (Jewish Apocrypha)
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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42. Crones (Themed Episode #9)
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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41. The Bell Witch (Southern US Folklore)
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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40. Bluebeard's Bride (World Folklore)
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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39. Maman Brigitte (Haitian Vodou)
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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38. Yōkai (Themed Episode #8)
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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37. Durga (Hindu Mythology)
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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36. La Llorona (Mexican Folklore)
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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35. Tiamat (Babylonian Mythology)
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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34. Grendel's Mother (Beowulf)
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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33. Mermaids (Themed Episode #7)
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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32. La Difunta Correa (Argentinian Folklore)
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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31. Whaitiri (Māori Mythology)
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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30. Yennenga (Burkinabé Legends)
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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29. Celtic Faeries (Themed Episode #6)
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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28. Sky Woman (Haudenosaunee Mythology)
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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27. 鶴女房 - The Crane Wife (Japanese Folklore)
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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26. Tlazolteotl (Aztec Mythology)
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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25. The Pontianak (Southeast Asian Folklore)
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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24. The Persecuted Heroine (feat. Hailey Spencer)
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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23. Hathor (Egyptian Mythology)
Feb. 22, 2021

23. Hathor (Egyptian Mythology)

In our twenty-third episode, we finally cover our first Egyptian goddess - the powerful and two-sided Hathor. We discuss her dualistic nature, the importance of livestock to ancient religions, and our surprise that neither of...

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22. Brigid (Irish Mythology)
Feb. 15, 2021

22. Brigid (Irish Mythology)

In today's episode we discuss Brigid, a significant female figure in both pagan and Catholic Irish history. We talk about Christian syncretism, the transformative powers of women's grief, and touch on some LGBT+ themes. For m...

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21. 西王母 - Xiwangmu (Chinese Mythology)
Feb. 8, 2021

21. 西王母 - Xiwangmu (Chinese Mythology)

In today's episode, we discuss Xiwangmu, or the Queen Mother of the West. We talk about the influence of folk religions, the Mandate of Heaven, and the dangers of nationalist spins on mythology. For more information about tod...

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20. Love Goddesses (Themed Episode #5)
Feb. 1, 2021

20. Love Goddesses (Themed Episode #5)

In our fifth themed episode, we talk about love goddesses! We discuss Astghik from Armenian mythology, Turan from Etruscan mythology, Prende from Albanian mythology, Xochiquetzal from Aztec mythology, Cliodhna from Irish myth...

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19. Pele (Hawaiian Mythology)
Jan. 25, 2021

19. Pele (Hawaiian Mythology)

In today's episode, we discuss Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. We talk about veneration of nature, the distinction between folklore and mythology, and how a goddess can have a place in history. For more information a...

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18. Iara (Brazilian Folklore)
Jan. 18, 2021

18. Iara (Brazilian Folklore)

In today's episode, we talk about the Brazilian siren known as Iara. We discuss the powers of the moon, whether immortality is a blessing or a curse, and the mythological influences on names. For more information about today'...

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17. Kannaki (Tamil Epics)
Jan. 11, 2021

17. Kannaki (Tamil Epics)

In our seventeenth episode we discuss Kannaki, the heroine of the earliest Great Tamil Epic, The Cilappatikāram. We talk about karma, the power of women's rage, and what makes a virtuous woman. For more information about toda...

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16. Fortune Goddesses (Themed Episode #4)
Jan. 4, 2021

16. Fortune Goddesses (Themed Episode #4)

In our 4th themed episode, we discuss an array of fortune, fate, and luck goddesses. We talk about the different ways fate and luck are viewed through different cultures, the common theme of groups of three, and a surprising ...

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15. Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir (Sagas of Icelanders)
Dec. 28, 2020

15. Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir (Sagas of Icelanders)

In today's episode, we discuss Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, the protagonist of the thrilling Laxdæla Saga. We talk about tragic love triangles, domineering women, and prophetic dreams. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for transpho...

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14. Aisha Qandisha (Moroccan Folklore)
Dec. 21, 2020

14. Aisha Qandisha (Moroccan Folklore)

In our fourteenth episode, we discuss Aisha Qandisha; a female djinn from Moroccan folklore. We discuss the powerful, possibly historical background of the legend as well as the healing power of reclaiming terrifying female f...

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13. Scheherazade (The Thousand and One Nights)
Dec. 14, 2020

13. Scheherazade (The Thousand and One Nights)

In our thirteenth episode, we talk about Scheherazade from the Thousand and One Nights! We discuss orientalism, the act of creating one's own narrative, and the healing power of storytelling. Take our 2020 audience survey! ht...

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12. Sun Goddesses (Themed Episode #3)
Dec. 7, 2020

12. Sun Goddesses (Themed Episode #3)

In our third themed episode, we talk about sun goddesses! For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com . Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can find her and more of her work on Instagram @helena.c...

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11. お岩 - Oiwa (Japanese Folklore)
Nov. 30, 2020

11. お岩 - Oiwa (Japanese Folklore)

In our eleventh episode, we talk about the famous Japanese ghost story from the Yotsuya Kaidan! We discuss this yōkai's tragic origins and how she merits respect even from the grave. For more information about today's episode...

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10. Ọba (Yoruba Mythology)
Nov. 23, 2020

10. Ọba (Yoruba Mythology)

In today's episode we discuss Ọba, a goddess from Yoruba mythology. We discuss tragic, one-sided love, what makes a good wife, and parallels to women we've previously discussed. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for descript...

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