Best Mytholadies Podcasts (2024)

1
71. Creator Goddesses (Themed Episode #15) 51:56

1y ago51:56

51:56

We're back from our (semi-unplanned) January hiatus with a new themed episode! Today we discuss goddesses who played a role in creating the world and/or humanity, including Estsanatlehi from Navajo mythology, Papatuanuku from Māori mythology, the Djanggawul Sisters from Yulengor mythology, Mawu from Dahomey mythology, Woyengi from Ijo mythology, Am…

1
70. Baba Yaga (Slavic Folklore) 46:46

1+ y ago46:46

46:46

In today's episode, we talk about Baba Yaga from Slavic folklore. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. To subscribe, go to https://anchor.fm/mytholadies/subscribe Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can find her and more of her work on Instagram @helena.cailleaux.ill…

1
69. Sedna (Inuit Mythology) 43:18

1+ y ago43:18

43:18

In today's episode, Lizzie tells Zoe about Sedna, the ferocious and powerful Inuit goddess of the sea. Together, they discuss the different versions and interpretations of her story, and how important she is to Inuit communities today. Support Inuit peoples' fight to protect their communities and the arctic: Inuuqatigiit ICC Alaska ICC Canada Inuit…

1
68. Lot's Wife (Genesis) 40:14

1+ y ago40:14

40:14

In today's episode, we discuss Lot's wife from the bible. We discuss a variety of interpretations of her story, the parallels to the Orpheus and Eurydice story, and the way she became a symbol for colonialism. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. To subscribe, go to https:…

1
67. Winter Goddesses (Themed Episode #14) 50:57

1+ y ago50:57

50:57

In this episode, we discuss figures associated with winter from several different cultures. We discuss Skaði from Norse mythology, Nane Sarma from Iranian folklore, Poli'ahu from Hawaiian mythology, Marzanna from Slavic folklore, Hine-takurua from Māori mythology, and Snegurochka from Slavic fairy tales. For more information about today's episode, …

1
66. Mae Nak - แม่นาก (Thai Folklore) 41:20

1+ y ago41:20

41:20

In our last Halloween episode of the season, Lizzie tells Zoe about Mae Nak, a spirit from Thai folklore. Together, we discuss how her story relates to themes of grief, women's roles, and protests against the draft. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. To subscribe, go to …

1
65. Princess Leutogi (Samoan Mythology) 43:13

1+ y ago43:13

43:13

In today's episode, we discuss the Samoan goddess Princess Leutogi. We discuss her association with bats, the different conceptions of bats throughout the world, and the importance of not removing myths and folktales from their context. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies.…

1
64. 山姥 - Yamauba (Japanese Folklore) 45:36

1+ y ago45:36

45:36

In our first solo Halloween-themed episode of the year, Lizzie discusses Yamauba, a frightening old woman spirit from Japanese folklore. We talk about the different stories surrounding her, as well as what she as a folk character can say about society overall. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go t…

1
63. Witches (Themed Episode #13) 56:34

1+ y ago56:34

56:34

In today's Halloween-themed episode, we welcome the spooky season by discussing a few witches from mythology and folklore. We first discuss the antisemitic origins of the popular depiction of the witch. Then, we talk about Black Annis from English folklore, Muma Pădurii from Romanian folklore, Louhi from Finnish mythology, Angitia from pre-Roman my…

1
62. Draupadi (Sanskrit Epics) 51:41

1+ y ago51:41

51:41

In today's episode, we talk about Draupadi from the Sanskrit epic the Mahābhārata. We discuss her role in the famous epic, her multiple husbands and their relationships, and her importance today. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for sexual assault. EDIT: In the original release of this episode, Zoe described the Bhagavad Gita as a literary poem. …

1
61. Rusalka (Slavic Folklore) 49:43

1+ y ago49:43

49:43

In today's episode Lizzie once again delights Zoe's inner Russian and Decemberists nerd with the rusalka, a water spirit from Slavic folklore. We discuss the dualistic nature of the rusalka myth, the many different stories associated with rusalki, and the rusalka's possible ancient origins. This episode has a trigger warning for references to antis…

1
60. Yemoja (Yoruba Mythology) 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

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. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for mentions of the slave trade and sexual assault. For more information …

1
59. Women of the Trojan War (Themed Episode #12) 1:01:31

2y ago1:01:31

1:01:31

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. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for mentions of violence against women and children, including sexual assault. For more information about today's episode, …

1
58. 黃崇嘏 - Huang Chonggu (Chinese Legend) 39:06

2y ago39:06

39:06

In our second Pride Month episode, we get into gender politics with the story of China's famous cross-dressing poet, Huang Chonggu! We dive deep into the various theatrical texts that depict her story, and examine what they have to say about sexuality and the performance of gender in society. For more information about today's episode, go to mythol…

1
57. Santa Muerte (Mexican Folklore) 39:45

2y ago39:45

39:45

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 folk religion. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate …

1
56. Arraweelo (Somali Legend) 40:05

2y ago40:05

40:05

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 between her and Aristophanes' Lysistrata. This episode has a trigger warning for a brief discussion of sexual assault, as well as m…

1
55. Moon Goddesses (Themed Episode #11) 52:09

2y ago52:09

52:09

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 (Inca mythology). For more information about today's…

1
54. Mary Magdalene (Christian Bible) 51:11

2y ago51:11

51:11

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 of the Madonna-whore complex. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com.…

1
53. La Siguanaba (Central American Folklore) 35:39

2y ago35:39

35:39

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 influences found in the legend. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholad…

1
52. Nafanua (Samoan Legend) 33:57

2y ago33:57

33:57

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. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. Our cover art is by Hele…

1
51. Ériu (Irish Mythology) (feat. Cathy) 47:06

2y ago47:06

47:06

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 solidarity. EU&U: https://www.instagram.com/eu_and_u/ For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To …

1
50. Medusa (Greek Mythology) 44:06

2y ago44:06

44:06

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 why her image has stayed with us for so long. This episode has a TRIGGER WARNING for mentions of sexual assault. For more info…

1
49. Oshun (Yoruba Mythology) 32:53

2y ago32:53

32:53

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. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. Our 2021 listener survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/Znh3psy7FD53gRKS8 Our c…

1
48. Manimekalai (Tamil Epics) 39:01

2y ago39:01

39:01

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 epics as a whole. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To donate, …

1
47. Hearth Goddesses (Themed Episode #10) 48:02

2+ y ago48:02

48:02

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 Sanamahism, and Vesta from Roman mythology. For more information about today's episode, go to …

1
46. 바리 공주 - Princess Bari (Korean Mythology) 32:02

2+ y ago32:02

32:02

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 mytholadies.com. To donate, please go to ko-fi.com/mytholadies. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can find her and more of h…

1
45. Two Old Women (Gwich'in Folklore) 36:12

2+ y ago36:12

36:12

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 universal. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Support the Gwich’in people and the Arctic Nati…

1
44. Perchta (Germanic Folklore) 37:21

2+ y ago37:21

37:21

In today's episode, we celebrate the Christmas season by talking about Perchta from Germanic 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 to generation. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. To don…

1
43. Judith (Jewish Apocrypha) 32:24

2+ y ago32:24

32:24

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 not ruin your favorite Artemisia Gentileschi painting. This episode has a CONTENT WARNING for mentions of sexual assault, in…

1
42. Crones (Themed Episode #9) 44:17

2+ y ago44:17

44:17

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 from Germanic folklore, and several English water hags. For more information about today's episode, go…

1
41. The Bell Witch (Southern US Folklore) 46:37

2+ y ago46:37

46:37

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 women, and the problematic nature of the "Indian burial ground" trope. For more information about today's episode, go …

1
40. Bluebeard's Bride (World Folklore) 46:05

2+ y ago46:05

46:05

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. We also discuss how Bluebeard has influenced the modern-day horror genre, how its message is still …

1
39. Maman Brigitte (Haitian Vodou) 32:17

2+ y ago32:17

32:17

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. Trigger warning for discussions of slavery. Organizations mentioned for Haitian earthquake relief: https://www.randoma…

1
38. 妖怪 - Yōkai (Themed Episode #8) 58:49

2+ y ago58:49

58:49

In our eighth themed episode, we discussed the supernatural Japanese creatures and phenomena known as yōkai (妖怪). We discuss eight different yōkai ladies (or types of yōkai ladies), including Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女), Nikusui (肉吸い), Ubume, Jorōgumo, Hanako-san (のはなこさん), Datsueba (奪衣婆), Yama-uba (山姥), and Shikome (醜女). For more information about today'…

1
37. Durga (Hindu Mythology) 33:37

2+ y ago33:37

33:37

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 weaponized in a nationalistic and oppressive way. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is …

1
36. La Llorona (Mexican Folklore) 36:32

2+ y ago36:32

36:32

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. For more information about today's episode, please go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You c…

1
35. Tiamat (Babylonian Mythology) 34:35

2+ y ago34:35

34:35

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 influences depictions of women. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helen…

1
34. Grendel's Mother (Beowulf) 34:08

3y ago34:08

34:08

In today's episode, we discuss Grendel's Mother from the Old English 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. For more information about today's episode, please go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can fi…

1
33. Mermaids (Themed Episode #7) 53:08

3y ago53:08

53:08

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 (Anishinaabe), and Selkies (Celtic). For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena …

1
32. La Difunta Correa (Argentinian Folklore) 34:03

3y ago34:03

34:03

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 warning for discussions alluding to sexual harassment and assault. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadie…

1
31. Whaitiri (Māori Mythology) 30:50

3y ago30:50

30:50

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 mythology and society. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. Yo…

1
30. Yennenga (Burkinabé Legends) 28:06

3y ago28:06

28:06

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 legendary narratives. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You …

1
29. Celtic Faeries (Themed Episode #6) 39:59

3y ago39:59

39:59

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 have changed over time. We discuss Margot la Fée from Brittany, Joan the Wad from Cornwall, Nicnevin from Scotland, Aibell fr…

1
28. Sky Woman (Haudenosaunee Mythology) 32:49

3y ago32:49

32:49

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 mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can find her and more of her work on Instagram @helena.cailleaux.il…

1
27. 鶴女房 - The Crane Wife (Japanese Folklore) 29:39

3y ago29:39

29:39

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 unhealthy relationships within these stories, and compare it to similar stories from other cultures. For more information about toda…

1
26. Tlazolteotl (Aztec Mythology) 31:06

3y ago31:06

31:06

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 narrowing of her role as a goddess. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Ca…

1
25. The Pontianak (Southeast Asian Folklore) 30:43

3y ago30:43

30:43

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 monstrous women so much. We also make a few subtle (and a few not-so-subtle) references to one of our favorite TV shows, The…

1
24. The Persecuted Heroine (feat. Hailey Spencer) 54:14

3y ago54:14

54:14

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 cultures can have such similar story. To learn more about Hailey Spencer and read more of her work, go to haileyspencerwrites…

1
23. Hathor (Egyptian Mythology) 34:28

3y ago34:28

34:28

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 us had heard much about her before. For more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by H…

1
22. Brigid (Irish Mythology) 34:08

3y ago34:08

34:08

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 more information about today's episode, go to mytholadies.com. Our cover art is by Helena Cailleaux. You can find her and more…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mytholadies Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide