Mythology

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From South Africa's Kingdom of the Sky comes the story of Kammapa: a shapeless, ravenous beast that nearly swallowed all of humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices