The three kings. The wise men. The magi. They're the supporting cast in many a Nativity scene...the subject of several postage stamps and greeting cards...the subject of that classic Christmas song. Who were they? Where were they from? Why did they traverse afar following yonder star? What was with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Were they even real? And does it matter? Today, professor and author Eric Vanden Eykel joins Brian to tell the story of these mysterious figures. 

Check out Eric Vanden Eykel's book, The Magi.

Music in this episode

• "Beyond the Cranberry House" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• “Drifting Spot” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• "We Three Kings of Orient Are" — United States Air Force Band, via Wikimedia Commons
• "Early Morning Snowfall" — Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
• "Nostalgic" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay

Connect with Me

• Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
• Email: [email protected]

Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)