Mythology

As the boy magician Se-Osiris battles an evil sorcerer, his father, the archaeologist-prince Setna, races against time to unlock a secret from the past. To save his son’s life, Setna will have to do something he swore he would never do again: steal from the dead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From The Tales of Prince Setna: A mysterious stranger issues a challenge in Pharaoh’s court, and a young boy arrives to meet it. Se-Osiris is barely more than a child, but he is already the most powerful magician in Egypt — and he has a five-hundred-year-old score to settle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After slaying the Minotaur, losing his father, and cutting ties with Hercules, a traumatized Theseus goes down a dark path. Now it’s up to Hercules to rescue the young king from his own mistakes… even if it means fighting him to the death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Icons of Greek mythology, Hercules and Theseus are also cousins with a close bond. But when Theseus finds himself trapped in the Underworld, he goes on a journey into his memory that makes him realize: Hercules may in fact be his greatest enemy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Onamuji survived his brothers' traps, but now he is trapped in the world beneath the world: the Land of Roots. To survive in this decaying realm of the dead, he will need his wits, his strength... and a little bit of help.

This Shinto adventure is the origin story of Ōkuninushi, a trickster hero and eventual ruler of Izumo. But first, this prince must survive the terrors of his fourscore older brothers. 

Odin the Wanderer continues his journey across Midgard. His giant and human companions surprise him with their complexity, and their heist meets with a few surprises. Finally, Odin must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Odin was many things to the Norse: the All-Father, king of the gods, creator of the known universe. But how did he go from god-king of the Aesir to the one-eyed wanderer? This is the story of how Odin gained true wisdom… and the cost he paid to get it.

After a horrible crime leaves his family broken, Ra must undertake a treacherous journey to the one place in the universe he doesn't know or control: the underworld. What awaits him there is a battle of truly epic proportions, with all of reality hanging in the balance.

The Ancient Egyptian god of the sun is the creator of all life, driven to bring order out of chaos by Ma’at — the idea of balance between all things. But the more Ra creates, the more disorderly and chaotic the world becomes. 

After claiming his freedom from the sea-god Poseidon, Pelops set out to rescue a princess kept hostage by her father, King Oenomaus. But the king would not give up his daughter so easily. 

The mythical founder of the Olympic Games was the son of a scornful king and a grandson of Zeus. He endured a gruesome betrayal that left him navigating a world of lusty, vengeful gods. 

The clock’s winding down on the final moments of the year and people around the world are putting their charms and traditions to work, shoring up good fortune for the future. But it’s not always our own personal luck that’s on the line… In this story, a night of superstitions weaves together the fates of merrymakers eager for fresh starts.  This episode is presented by Superstitions, a Spotify Original from Parcast. Follow Superstitions free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

He’s faced his ghosts, and reckoned with his past. But after decades of relentless self-enrichment, how can Ebenezer Scrooge truly redeem himself? “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Nearly two centuries ago, Charles Dickens wrote a tale of greed and redemption. It starts with a miserly old man, his long-dead business partner, and the sound of rattling chains… When Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to reckon with his past, he’s in for a frightful night of ghostly visitations — and a long overdue moral awakening. “A Christmas Carol” is presented by Tales, a Spotify Original from Parcast. For more stories that aren’t afraid to get dark, follow Tales free on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Theseus arrives on Crete as a prisoner, determined to prove his worth by saving his fellow Athenian captives from the Minotaur’s terror. But before he can venture into the Labyrinth to slay the beast, Theseus must first outwit a beautiful stranger who could be the key to his survival.

The long-lost heir to the throne of Athens reluctantly sets off to claim his birthright. But when Theseus discovers his father is ensnared by a sorceress, he might just get to be the hero he’s dreamt of being all along.

Torn apart by the truth of their identities, Romulus and Remus wrestle to regain a united front. Romulus, determined to fulfill their father’s legacy, takes drastic measures in his pursuit of power. And a great city arises — though not without bloodshed and betrayal. 

Twins. Demigods. Rulers. Rome’s mythological founders have an iconic story seeded in tragedy, and brimming with glory. But before Romulus and Remus discover their divine heritage and true destiny, they must first survive… 

Today we’re bringing you a special episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Mythical Monsters on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  This half-man, half-horse creature from Greek mythology combines the wisdom associated with civilization and the wildness of nature. 

Transformed into a charming, confident temptress, Lorelei returns from the Rhine to her village of Bacharach. But beneath her beauty lies a thirst for vengeance, and all those who hurt her in the past now face a terrifying future.

In the German village of Bacharach, a young woman lives a miserable life as an outcast. After she is lied to by her mother and betrayed by her beloved, Lorelei escapes into the Rhine River, where she discovers a terrible yet wonderful supernatural destiny.

When Icarus learns the truth about his father’s past, the two men settle on a tentative truce. But if they’re ever to rebuild a bond, they must first make an escape — with no choice but to use an untested invention.  

After committing a terrible crime, a cocky young inventor flees to Crete and finds himself in the service of the mad king Minos. There, he becomes the world’s greatest creator… and the world’s worst father to his teenage son, Icarus. 

The journey continues into the Halls of Justice, where the hearts of the dead are weighed against the Feather of Truth. But can the Egyptian prince and his magical son make it home to the Land of the Living before the sun rises?

To the ancient Egyptians, it was a complex and terrifying netherworld filled with demons and gods. Only two living mortals have traveled to the Land of the Dead and returned to tell the tale.

She’s the spirit of a woman, crying unceasingly for her lost children… whom she herself killed. But La Llorona isn’t simply a tragic figure who lost her mind with jealousy. She’s the ghost of Mexico’s bloody past. 

This Native American parable features three girls who are not quite human, but not quite spirits either. They sustain life for the Haudenosaunee people, but only after they have had time to grow on their own. 

Creating the world cost Izanami her life. Now, a rage-filled Izanagi defies the elder gods and vows to rescue his wife’s soul from the land of the dead. But as Izanagi risks it all, Izanami embarks on her own strange journey. 

This is the Japanese Shinto tale of the god Izanagi and the goddess Izanami: two young deities tasked with marrying each other and creating the world. Their idyllic existence is threatened when Izanami rebels against the subservient role she’s expected to play—and Izanagi must choose between obeying the elder gods or supporting his wife.

This African myth is both a hero story and a cautionary tale: On the verge of manhood, the young Murile wants to take on more responsibility in his family... but his overprotective mother has other ideas about what's best for the headstrong boy.

After leaving his vengeful sister behind, Huitzilopochtli continues leading the Mexica to their new home. But with each new enemy he encounters along the way comes a new temptation: power. Huitzilopochtli must choose what kind of leader he will be. 

Before they were the great Aztecs of Mesoamerica, they were a wandering tribe called Mexica. They enlist a warrior god named Huitzilopochtli to guide them to a new home, but along the way, his vengeful sister Malinalxochitl plagues them with insects… and plots total destruction.

The Yuma people of North America believe the earth was not created by one god, but two. These twins represent the fundamental forces of good and evil, and only one of them is destined to be victorious in their world-changing struggle.

This is the Mesopotamian creation myth of Atrahasis, a human king who was chosen to save creation from the disastrous impulses of the gods... and a great flood that threatened to cover the earth.

Born in darkness, deep within the earth, Ia’tik and Nao’tsiti were all each other had—until the voice of a spirit guided them into the barren world above. This creation tale comes from an American indigenous tribe of New Mexico, the Acoma Pueblo.

From South Africa's Kingdom of the Sky comes the story of Kammapa: a shapeless, ravenous beast that nearly swallowed all of humanity.

Motecuhzoma has found Aztlán, but he is farther from his goal than he hoped. His search for Coatlicue will force him to face more of his personal demons, and the impending doom that faces his people.

He was a real historical figure, but Motecuhzoma’s story has become shrouded in myth. This particular legend tells the story of how the Aztec King went in search of their ancient homeland to save his kingdom from a deadly drought.

An older, bolder Mwindo returns to his village to take down his father, but his temper causes unimaginable destruction and his father flees into the Underworld. As Mwindo ventures there to find him, he befriends a goddess, bargains with a god, and learns the hallmarks of a true leader.

In this lively tale from the Nyanga people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a moody, magical toddler named Mwindo scrambles to escape his village chief father’s unhinged attempts to kill him. 

In the second part of this Mythology Father's Day special, the Titans are defeated, and the new gods rule from Olympus. But Zeus, new King of the Gods, is beset by doubts. How can he keep himself from following in his father's footsteps? And will his own children seek to overthrow him, the way he overthrew Cronus?

The origin story of the Greek Gods is one of the most infamous father-son stories in all of mythology. Cronus, the King of the Titans was given a prophecy that he would be overthrown by his children. To prevent this from happening, he made a rather dramatic choice...

Today, we conclude our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: The war between the Latins and the Trojans comes to a head, while Venus seeks to put a stop to Juno's cruelty once and for all. Meanwhile, Aeneas charges head-long toward his destiny: a final battle with the future glory of Rome hanging in the balance.

Today, we continue our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid. Tune in this Thursday for the fourth and final part: Aeneas's adventure doesn't end when he reaches Italy. While he sets out to make allies of the people who live there, Juno conspires to throw the Trojans into a new war.

During the next two weeks, we’ll be bringing you episodes of Mythology on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as we continue our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: The Trojan refugees continue their search for the new home promised by the Fates, a journey that will lead Aeneas to the depths of the underworld.

During the next two weeks, we’ll be bringing you episodes of Mythology on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as we begin our four-part re-telling of the ancient classic, the Aeneid: After the fall of Troy, the Trojan hero Aeneas leads a band of refugees across the sea in search of a new home. Guided by his mother Venus, goddess of Love, and hounded by Juno, Queen of the gods, they will face brutal storms, terrifying monsters, and the wrath of a fiery queen.

In this Hungarian story, a child born from an apple leaves home in search of adventure—and discovers a world full of danger and magic.

Maui continues to look for ways to fix the problem he caused by raising the sky, which led to shortened days and ruined crops. To set things right and rescue his image, he will have to snare the sun.

This is the story of the Polynesian demi-god and cultural hero Maui. A cavelier do-gooder who tends to lean on his brawn more than his brains, Maui's heroic deeds once had the tendency to cause more harm than good.

Over 5,000 years ago, the legendary Yellow Emperor Huang Di united all the tribes of China under his rule. But while most of the land celebrated this new era of peace and prosperity, one figure refused to submit. His name was Chi You, and he was determined to take Huang Di's head before he kneeled.

This horror myth focuses on the miraculous power of a young girl whose parents’ actions force her from a home she’s always known, and into the world beyond.

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Mythology today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. This adventure is more than just fulfilling a prophecy. Though Bulat the Brave’s heroics are the backbone of the story, this Russian folktale is really about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between two very different men.

If you enjoy the stories told in Mythology, check out this episode from our series Mythical Monsters: In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes was a giant with 100 eyes spread over his entire body. Unlike most of the giants, who rebelled against the gods, Argus was one of Queen Hera’s most loyal servants.

He is a legendary figure revered as Korea's first ruler. But Dangun’s story begins with that of his father, the son of heavens Hwanung, who dreamt of bringing peace and enlightenment to mankind.

It’s a Ponca tribe tale about two sisters with an unusual second set of teeth. As the story goes, the Native American cultural hero and trickster, Coyote, happens upon these young women and finds himself drawn to their lethal sexual exploits.

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! Together they wished to lead the world to peace and prosperity, but their tyrannical grandfather stood in their way. Once Isis figured out how to gain power, a nefarious villain would enact a plot against them that would change the fate of Egypt forever.

The Hindu Goddess Durga was created to stop the bull-headed Demon God Mahishasura from destroying the world—and her zeal to see him punished led to one of the greatest battles in Indian mythology.

Long Arrow continues his journey to bring the Elk Dog to his people. It will take unwavering strength and perseverance—and even that may not be enough.

Long Arrow is an orphan and an outcast—unable to hear, unable to speak, he follows after his tribe, surviving only on scraps. However, he is destined to become a hero and usher his people into a new age.

Born from a dragon and a god, Lạc Long Quân’s heroics and kindness taught the ancient Vietnamese how to survive and created a new, united nation of people.

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Mythology that you might have missed!  The half-god king, Gilgamesh, finds himself growing bored with his power, so the gods create a wild man who can challenge his strength. When these two fearsome men meet, they will live on in their stories for millennia to come. This Mesopotamian epic poem, composed in 2100 BCE, is considered to be one of the foundational texts in human history.

Sudika-mbambi’s quest for revenge against the monsters that had attacked his family ended in betrayal at the hands of his new friends, the Kipalendes. While Sudika-mbambi ventured through the Land of the Dead, Kabundungulu prepared himself for a journey to save his twin brother.

They are two brothers known in Angola culture as the thunder Gods—with Sudika-mbambi being the thunder from the east, and his twin brother Kabundungulu the echo of thunder that answers from the west. They were known to destroy demons, defeat monsters, and take whatever they wanted.

Perhaps the story that exemplifies Robin Hood’s character more than any other was Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne. It’s possibly the oldest Robin Hood ballad, dating back to before the 15th Century. And it begins with the titular hero awakening from a dark and troubling dream...

Known as the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl has been worshipped in various forms by cultures throughout the region that is now Mexico. According to the Toltecs, he was initially a mortal priest-king named Ce Acatl who suffered a horrific fall from grace. He sacrificed himself to save humanity from a coming disaster and, in the process, was transformed into a god.

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Mythology that you might have missed!  The son of a Giant and a God, Loki shows an ambivalence towards their problems and relies heavily on shape-shifting tricks.

As Beowulf approaches his twilight years, he is left with little else to accomplish. He has slain monsters, ruled a peaceful kingdom for 50 years, and held invaders at bay. But that tranquility is soon disturbed when an underground thief steals a cup from a dragon—and a fiery fury is unleashed on the land of the Geats.

After defeating the vicious monster Grendel, Beowulf and the Danes celebrate their first night of peace in many years. But little do they know, another vicious beast lurks in the darkness—Grendel's terrible mother, a creature who will stop at nothing for revenge.

Whether it’s dismissed as little more than an old children’s story or a record of the moment when paganism gave way to Christianity, Beowulf has had a profound impact on the evolution of western storytelling and is one of the most important works of Old English literature.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In the wake of Queen Hippolyta’s death and Antiope’s abduction by Theseus, the Amazon Queens’ youngest sister, Penthesilea, was left to rule the nation of warrior women. Consumed with rage at the injustices done to her sisters, Penthesilea grew into a bitter leader.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: For years, the tribe of warrior women known as “the Amazons” lived in isolation on an island far from men, until Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts beached upon their shores. From that moment on, a friendship was forged that would ultimately lead to the Amazons’ destruction.

Krampus is only one of a wide variety of Germanic Holiday Demons. In the 12 days surrounding Christmas, or Rauhnächte, demons, witches, werewolves, and spirits are believed to haunt the Alps, making the Christmas season a time of horror.

Every year, in early December, a creature roams the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. While the nice children get gifts from St. Nicholas, those who are naughty find themselves at the mercy of Krampus.

In Southeast Asia, there persists a tale of a vampiric spirit more ghastly than almost any other. Legend has it: an affair discovered—a burning at the stake—and a protection spell cast too late.

For 14 years, The Monkey King protected Tripitaka from various demons seeking to destroy him. Alongside Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Yulong, the band of immortals finally reach India and are rewarded for their efforts by the Buddha.

After 500 years trapped underneath a mountain by Buddha, the Monkey King finally gets a chance at redemption by joining the Buddhist Monkey, Tripitaka, on a sacred journey to India. Tripitaka quickly learns that the Monkey King's mischievous ways will be difficult to adjust to.

Born from a stone egg atop a mountain, the magical Monkey King stops at nothing to learn the secrets to immortality. As his strength grows, he proves a challenge for the heavens—forcing the Jade Emperor and Buddah himself to teach this irresponsible monkey a lesson.

According to old Algonquin legend, a terrifying beast stalks the winter wastes of Canada's northern tundra. It's heart is made of ice, and it feasts on human flesh. All who behold its terror know to fear the mighty Chenoo. 

A Lakota deity said to bring good fortune. The White Buffalo Calf Woman was a central myth of the Plains tribes, serving as a beacon of inspiration, strength, and hope to those who needed it.

A central myth of the Plains tribes—the White Buffalo Calf Woman was a Lakota deity, said to bring good fortune. After their encounter with her, two Lakota hunters—Akecheta and Enapay—bring her back to their tribe with the hopes of experiencing enlightenment and harmony.

Stepmoms can be so cruel. Just ask Fionnghuala, Aodh and twins Fiachra and Conn...condemned to live as swans for 900 years.

From Irish Mythology—a tale of affection, jealousy and a curse spanning hundreds of years.

Orpheus descends into the underworld in search of his beautiful wife. But Hades, the God of the Underworld, does not let his own go easily, and Orpheus finds the challenge Hades sets before him extremely difficult...

Orpheus, a great singer, and Eurydice, his beautiful bride, were deeply in love. But their union wasn't fated for happiness, and quickly devolved into tragedy. Orpheus must face man's darkest fear for his beloved: death itself. 

Atop Rosstrappe hill in Germany’s Harz Mountains, there is a massive indentation resembling a horse’s hoof print. According to legend, it became imprinted in the rock when a beautiful princess named Brunhilde fled from an evil giant named Bodo.

Now a human, Anansi must navigate having a fragile body and living in a complex social structure. He struggles with looking outside of himself, frequently manipulating others without considering the consequences. As he ages and tires of his earthly responsibilities, he longs to return to the life of a god. 

The West African Ashanti tribe have a rich oral tradition surrounding one central figure. Anansi is a spider, a man, a hero, a villain, a comedian, and a teller of serious truths. In our version, he begins as a god, the son of Nyame the sky god. He trades wits with his father, both demanding a series of favors from one another that escalate into madness. In the process, Anansi might just bring enlightenment to humanity. 

Following his reunion with his son, Telemachus, Odysseus puts his plan in motion, goading the suitors into anger as his allies stole their weapons and sealed the palace doors. As Odysseus prepared to reveal himself, he knew one thing; he would show no mercy.  Parcasters - We hope you enjoyed this special exploration of The Odyssey! Let us know which mythical stories you would like to hear on Mythology by reaching out to us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

After twenty years away, Odysseus finally returns to his homeland of Ithaca, only to find that all was not well. A small army of suitors had taken up residence in his palace, hoping to coerce his wife, Penelope, into marrying one of them so that they could lay claim to Odysseus' kingdom. With help from the Goddess Athena, Odysseus sets about his plan to retake his throne.  Parcasters - What would you do if you had the hiccups...for seven weeks? Find out today on our new podcast, Medical Mysteries, available on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

As a guest of the Phaeacians, Odysseus entertains his hosts with the tale of his misadventures. He tells the story of what happened after he and his fellow Ithacans left Troy with the spoils of war. Here, Odysseus relays his encounter with the dreaded Cyclops, the Witch Circe, and his own descent into the Underworld itself.  Sponsors! Care/of - For 25% off your first Care of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter MYTH.

Nearly 10 years after the end of the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca and bravest of the Greeks, had yet to return home. His wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, had no idea if he was even alive, though they held out hope that he would one day come back to him. After a message from the Gods, Telemachus sets out to pick up his father's trail and learn the fate of Odysseus.  Parcasters - Don’t miss the first episode of our new podcast MEDICAL MYSTERIES, available now on Spotify, or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals!

In the wake of Queen Hippolyta’s death and Antiope’s abduction by Theseus, the Amazon Queens’ youngest sister, Penthesilea, was left to rule the nation of warrior women. Consumed with rage at the injustices done to her sisters, Penthesilea grew into a bitter leader and planned to launch an attack on Theseus’ Athens. Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the music industry. Our first episode details the myth of the 27 Club, you won't want to miss it! Subscribe to The Dark Side Of on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

For years, the tribe of warrior women known as the Amazons lived in isolation on an island far from the worlds of men, until Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts beached upon their shores. From that moment on, a friendship was forged between Hercules and the Amazon Queen Hippolyta. A friendship that would ultimately lead to the Amazons' destruction. Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

After Inanna, Queen of Heaven, was killed by her sister Ereshkigal, Queen of the Underworld, the world began to suffer in a melancholy malaise of sexless apathy.  Parcasters - This week on Extraterrestrial we delve into one of the most famous cases of all time, The Rendlesham Incident! Listen to Extraterrestrial today on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals!

In Ancient Sumer, Inanna was the goddess of sexuality and the Queen of Heaven, the most powerful goddess alive. Yet, even as she stood at the pinnacle of deific power, she longed to conquer more. Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH

The honeymoon is cut short when the vile Queen Medb casts a curse upon the fighting men of Uliad. She marches her army towards the castle and Cú Chulainn is the only thing that can stand in her way. Parcasters - This Thursday on Haunted Places we explore the ghosts of the White House! You won’t want to miss this historical horror story, subscribe to Haunted Places today on Spotify or wherever you get your Parcast Originals!

When Cú Chulainn is denied the opportunity to marry the love of his life, he travels to the Isle of Skye to train under the warrior woman Scathach. Her training is legendary for its brutality, and Cú Chulainn realizes that he may not make it home alive. Parcasters - Was Leo Frank responsible for the death of little Mary Phagan? Find out today on Vanessa’s other podcast, Unsolved Murders! Available now on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast!

In the ancient Irish kingdom of Uliad, the God Lu and a beautiful woman had a child named Setante. He is gifted beyond all measure, but he's also cursed with a fiery temper that transforms him into a monster who cannot discern friend from foe. Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH.

After Hadding claimed the throne of ancient Denmark through war and blood, he found himself growing increasingly bored with the day to day aspects of ruling a kingdom. In his boredom, Hadding begins to seek out battle and conflict that leads to negative consequences for his kingdom, and even his own children.  Sponsors! Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box!

When the Norwegian King Swipdag invaded ancient Denmark, he slaughtered the Danish King Gram, sending Gram's infant son Hadding into exile. After being raised by giants, Hadding becomes a man and decides to seek revenge against the tyrant who murdered his father. Parcasters - This week on Extraterrestrial, we take on the mysterious Anunnaki, supposed ancient alien gods. What is their origin? What interactions have they had with our planet? Find out today at parcast.com/extraterrestrial

When the Titan Prometheus stole fire for humanity, Zeus sought vengeance against him and all he held dear. His most extreme act of retribution came in the form of Pandora, a magnificent woman who didn't realize she was simply a pawn in a squabble between the gods. Sponsors! Omax Health - Get 50% off a one-month supply of Omax3, plus free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee at OMAXHEALTH.com and enter code MYTH. Pair of Thieves - Listeners get 20% off their first order at PairOfThieves.com/MYTH.

The Ancient Egyptian prince, Setne, longed for the magical power the Book of Thoth could grant him. In order to acquire it, he breaks into Naneferkaptan's tomb, only to find the dead pharaoh's spirit guarding the book.  Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

In Ancient Egypt, one god's wisdom surpassed all the rest: Thoth, the baboon god of intelligence. Thoth took it upon himself to maintain the balance of Ma'at, the force that sustained all life and constantly fluctuates between order and chaos.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get 3 cups FREE in your first box!

Falsely accused of a horrific crime, Bellerophon is punished by King Lobates, who desperately wants to see him dead. The King sends Bellerophon on a suicide mission; to fight and kill the chimaera, a nightmarish beast with the heads of a lion, a goat, and a venomous serpent.  Sponsors! Pair of Thieves - Get 20% off your first order when you go to PairOfThieves.com/MYTH. Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

After discovering that he was the son of Poseidon, Bellerophon dreamed of flying on Pegasus, an immortal winged stallion.  With the help of Athena, Bellerophon would achieve his dream, but  jealousy would eventually tear his life apart.  Parcasters - Did Poseidon play a role in the sinking of Atlantis? Find out this week on Unexplained Mysteries and Conspiracy Theories, where we cover different theories regarding the ancient sunken empire.

Acrisius, the King of Argos, feared that his offspring would rise up against him. He locked Danae, his only daughter, in a tower to keep her from bearing children. Yet no tower can stop Zeus, king of the gods.  Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

Ancient Japan was ruled by the gods who lived in heaven, and the kami who roamed the earth. The most important god of all was Amaterasu, goddess of the sun, who gave life. However, after fighting with her brother, Amaterasu hid herself from the world, leaving everything to die.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code MYTHOLOGY to get three cups FREE in your first box!

In Ancient Japan, practitioners of the Shinto religion worshiped Amaterasu, goddess of beauty and the sun. Amaterasu lives in the heavens shining her brilliance down upon the Earth. Yet, her brother, Susano-O, god of storms and seas, destroys her creations out of spite.  Sponsors! Robinhood - Robinhood is giving listeners of Mythology a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at Mythology.Robinhood.com. Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is! Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

Seth, the god of chaos and violence, ruled over Ancient Egypt after murdering his brother, Osiris. Now Isis, Osiris's wife and goddess of magic and compassion, set out on a quest to bring Osiris back to life. However, Seth does not plan on giving up his power easily. Parcasters - Do you want a ton of gold? Maybe you'll be the one to find the mythical city of El Dorado. Check out our most recent episode of Gone now at parcast.com/gone

Together they wish to lead the world to peace and prosperity, but their tyrannical grandfather stands in their way. When Isis figures out how to gain power, a nefarious villain would soon enact a plot against them that would change the fate of Egypt forever. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart dot com slash MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is!

After traveling most of the globe, Jason finds the fleece guarded by a tyrannical king, his army, and a dragon. Faced with such steep odds, Jason doubts his own talents. But the gods soon send him help... In the form of the King's daughter. Parcasters - Interested in the journey of a real life hero? Check out our recent episodes of Hostage covering the captivity of John McCain at parcast.com/hostage

Jason crafts the finest ship ever built and crews it with the greatest men from Greek legend. This group of warriors then travels far across the sea facing beast, giants, and obstacles the likes of which have never been seen before. The fleece soon proves to be more difficult to acquire than Jason could have possibly imagined. Sponsors! BetterHelp - Mythology listeners get 10% off your first month with discount code MYTH. Go to BetterHelp.com/Myth. Robinhood - Robinhood is giving listeners of Mythology a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at Mythology.Robinhood.com.

After driving a man to suicide, Narcissus's self-obsessed worldview only grows. He soon finds himself stalked by Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance, and his story ends when he rejects a Nymph named Echo. This rejection was just one too many. Parcasters - To learn about an iconic event in American history, check out our our new episode on John McCain on HOSTAGE, wherever you get your shows. Listen now at parcast.com/hostage Sponsors! BetterHelp - Go to BetterHelp dot com slash Myth to get 10% off your first month with discount code MYTH.

Blessed with nearly divine beauty, the mortal man Narcissus finds himself the object of affection from all around him. As his pride grows to momentous levels, he leaves behind him a trail of tears borne from rejection. Eventually, those tears turn to blood. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is! 

This 10-year war between the old gods and the new gods of Greek Mythology has Cronus leading the Titans and Zeus leading the new gods. Zeus came from a line of tyrannical deities, focused only on their own power. But when it comes time for him to take the lead, will he be able to forge his own way, or will he fall back into the abusive pattern of his predecessors? Parcasters - For more stories on family conflicts, be sure to check out our new podcast CRIMES OF PASSION. Listen now at parcast.com/passion.

After slaying the giant Humbaba, Gilgamesh and Enkidu find themselves challenged by the gods themselves. The fallout from their next fight leads Gilgamesh on an existential journey for the gift of immortality.  Sponsors! BetterHelp - Mythology listeners get 10% off your first month with discount code MYTH when you go to BetterHelp.com/Myth.

The half-god king, Gilgamesh, finds himself growing bored with his power, so the gods create a wild man who can challenge his strength. When these two fearsome men meet, they will live on in their stories for millennia to come. This Mesopotamian epic poem, composed in 2100 BCE, is considered to be one of the foundational texts in human history. Sponsors! BetterHelp - Mythology listeners get 10% off the first month with discount code MYTH.

The goddess of the harvest, Demeter, loved nothing more than her daughter, Persephone. So when Hades, King of the Underworld, kidnaps Persephone, she vows to rescue her. Demeter’s grief plunges the entire world into an endless winter. With the fate of humanity at stake, will Demeter be able to rescue her daughter? Or will Persephone be trapped forever under frozen ground? Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart dot com slash MYTHOLOGY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is! Checking your rate only takes 2 minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

The King sends him on a suicide mission, but determined to find redemption, Hercules sets out to complete the task. His journey would take him to the gates of Hades and the heights of Mount Olympus, but Hercules’ story would only end with fire and blood. Parcasters - If you like our Mythology podcast, you should check out our other storytelling podcast, Tales at parcast.com/tales

Of all the mythological figures of Ancient Greece, none has maintained as much prominence as Hercules, the demigod gifted with super strength. While many of us know of Hercules's feats, his childhood and early life were defined by drastic mistakes and their gruesome consequences.  Parcasters - Be sure to check out this week’s episode of Hostage where one of the most valuable races horses in the world is held for ransom!

The Trickster God has tested the Asgardian gods’ patience for the last time. Ever the treasonous brethren, scapegoat, and foe to the gods, Loki stands trial as Odin hands down an unthinkably cruel punishment in the wake of the impending prophecy. Parcast News - Be sure to check out Parcast’s first fictional crime show MIND’S EYE at Parcast.com/MindsEye!

The Gods know their fate and that Loki’s is the most tragic of them all. Constantly confronted with his terrible destiny, a darkness begins to settle over Loki’s one time light hearted countenance. He begins to resent the gods and their ignorant vanity. But is it the Gods who are responsible for this budding malice, a malice that will ensure the coming of Ragnarok and the destruction of the world, or is it Loki himself? 

A figure prevalent within the Norse Mythology, but one whose motivations and purpose have been the subject of debate for hundreds of years. There is relatively little source material about Loki and his name has multiple translations. The son of a Giant and a God, Loki shows an ambivalence towards their problems and relies heavily on shape shifting tricks.  Check out Parcasts first Fiction Podcast - MIND'S EYE

She exists in a liminal state, but slowly finds her own identity as protector of Athens, guardian of heroes, and goddess of wisdom at home and at war. Athena struggles to walk the line between her feminine ideal and her warrior nature, defending the weak, and fighting for her own city. But soon realizes that her penchant for transformations has dark consequences.  Parcast Network - Check out our new show Hostage at https://www.parcast.com/hostage.

The Goddess of art and war defied gender roles exhibited in Greek culture. Athena fought fiercely in a culture where women didn’t go to battle. Athena vowed to never be a lover or bear children. She used wisdom to find a balance between the ways of the past and the way of the future. If you enjoy this episode, help us out and leave a 5-star review! 

Gods and heroes. Titans and transformations. Life before earth, and after it. Mythology uses half-humans to explore what it means to be human. And the newest podcast from Parcast explores Mythology. Through audio-drama, we bring these stories to life. Then, we examine where myths come from, what they mean, and how they shape our world today. New episodes of Mythology come out every Tuesday.