Episode 42: 5 Wonderfully Weird Christmas & Festive Legends - (Exploring Festive Folklore)

Episode 42: 5 Wonderfully Weird Christmas & Festive Legends - (Exploring Festive Folklore)

Author: Marios Christou December 24, 2021 Duration: 10:28
Today we take a look at 5 festive legends including, Gryla, the Yule Cat, the Yule Lads, Befana and the Kallikantzaros. From Iceland we have the terrible child eating troll Gryla, her pet cat the Yule Cat which stalks the snowy countryside looking for those who were unfortunate enough to not receive any new clothing during Christmas. Lastly we have her 13 sons, the Yule Lads. Who arrive in town one at a time each night from the December 12th until Christmas Eve. These pranksters wreak havoc and ensure that little peace and rest will be had. In Italy they tell stories of an old woman called Befena who rides a broomstick and delivers presents to children. In Greece and the Balkans exist the Kallikantzaroi who spend most of the year underground trying to destroy the tree of life. However during the twelves days of Christmas they surface to cause havoc which allows the tree of life time to regenerate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marios Christou’s Mythology & Fiction Explained pulls back the curtain on the stories that have captivated humanity for centuries, from ancient epics to modern legends. Each week, this podcast dives deep into a different narrative, untangling the complex threads of gods, heroes, and monsters with a clear and engaging approach. You’ll hear the dramatic tales themselves, often drawn directly from the popular YouTube channel of the same name, but presented in an audio format perfect for contemplation. The discussions go beyond simple summaries, exploring the historical contexts and cultural impacts that give these myths their enduring power. Whether it’s the tragic fate of a Greek hero, the cunning of a trickster god from another continent, or the underlying themes in a well-known piece of fiction, the podcast treats each subject with both respect and a sense of wonder. It’s a space where the drama of a Norse saga feels immediate and the lessons in a folklore parable remain relevant. By focusing on the specifics of each story, Marios creates an immersive experience that connects these timeless plots to our understanding of history and human nature. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the fantastic, where every episode promises a journey into the rich landscapes of our collective imagination.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 64

Mythology & Fiction Explained
Podcast Episodes
Episode 64: The Dark Origins of Japanese Yokai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:31
Today we take a deep dive into the crazy world of Japanese Folklore. Examining the strangest and most disturbing Yokai, starting with some of the most well known and ending with the most obscure Japan has to offer. Learn…
Episode 62 : Sun Wukong -  A Detailed Summary of Journey to the West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:40
Today we take a look at Journey to the West a true classic of Chinese literature. An epic pilgrimage that features everyone's favorite shapeshifting trickster Sun Wukong the Monkey King. Learn more about your ad choices.…
Episode 59: The Forgotten Book of 16th-century Apocalyptic Visions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
In today's episode we take a look at the Augsburg book of miracles, a manuscript from an unknown author containing miraculous signs through out the ages, a collection of renaissance art and religious stories that many th…