Fireside Folklore with Hades

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Welcome to the seventh episode of "Fireside Folklore with Hades", where we journey to the heart of Australia to unearth the chilling tale of “Devil's Pool”. This episode is a unique blend of educational insights, dramatic storytelling, and light-hearted banter between our hosts Hades, Persephone, and Hermes.

We kick off with Hades, our maestro of the macabre, taking us through the differences between myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk tales, setting the stage for the eerie story to come. Our guide Hermes also shares some fascinating facts about Australia, the "Land Down Under", and its unique flora and fauna.

Then, we dive deep into the legend of Devil's Pool. Narrated by Hades with the aid of our voice actors, we follow the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga, leading to the creation of the spirit haunting Devil's Pool. The tale is as haunting as it is heart-wrenching, serving as a warning to any who dare to approach the cursed waters.

To lighten the mood, Persephone shares a delightful recipe for Anzac biscuits with macadamia nuts. An Aussie classic with a twist, these biscuits are perfect for enjoying with friends or munching on during our podcast.

And don't miss Zeus's hilarious sponsor announcement for Olympus Outdoor's Poseidon’s Rage Raft, certain to keep you afloat in even the rowdiest of rapids.

Lastly, Zeus hosts a quick lightning round with a chance for listeners to win a gift card to Aussie Food Express. So put on your thinking caps and join in the fun!

Join us next week, as we honor Veteran’s Day with the story of the Lucky Soldier from Hungary. Until then, stay curious and keep the fireside warm!

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Trick or treat, witches and goblins! Join us for a frightfully fun Halloween episode as the gods gather 'round the flickering light of their Jack-o'-lanterns to tell spooky tales, conjure up magical treats, and play some devilish tricks.

This week, Hermes enlightens us with his signature fun facts about the ghoulish creatures of Halloween lore. Learn witchy tidbits like what familiars witches often had, and goblin gossip like why they detest writing.

Hestia recounts a hair-raising folktale about a kind older sister and a greedy younger sister who work for an old witch. Who will escape from the wicked crone, unscathed?

Dionysus concocts a bubbling "witches brew" mocktail, perfect for your Halloween party. We provide the recipe so you can charm your guests with this brew of your own!

Of course, we retell the legend of Stingy Jack and how his trickery led to the carved turnip lanterns that started the Halloween tradition of Jack-o'-lanterns.

Aphrodite provides a savory pumpkin soup recipe using the insides of your carved pumpkins, so none of your Halloween squash goes to waste.

Master craftsman Hephaestus gives step-by-step instructions on carving the perfect Jack-o'-lantern. Your pumpkin carving game will be top-notch!

Zeus is also on hand to deliver a special Halloween edition of his lightning round quiz. Can you answer his rapid-fire questions to win the prize?

Whether you're after tricks or treats this Halloween, we've got you covered. Join us for the flare of the bonfire and the chill of the graveyard as we explore the folklore of All Hallows Eve. Happy haunting!

Send over your dead SMS messages.

In this spooky episode, hosts Hades, Persephone, and Hermes delve into the realm of Nigerian folklore to share the haunting legend of Kigbo and the Bush Spirits. Discover what happens when a stubborn young man ignores warnings and encroaches on forbidden land.

Fun facts about Nigeria's diverse cultures, high twin birth rate, and booming oil industry from special guest Hermes. Also featuring a dramatic retelling of the folktale with Godly voice actors.

Finish off with a recipe for traditional Nigerian Jollof Rice from Persephone and a divine sponsorship spot from Zeus.

This thrilling journey into Yoruba folk beliefs reminds us that respect for land and spirits reaps the richest rewards. A chilling tale for the campfire and food for thought.

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Greetings, listeners!
This week, we journey far from the Underworld to the vibrant land of Brazil, where mystery, mischief, and myth abound. In Episode 4 of Fireside Folklore with Hades, we bring you the tale of The Little Sister of the Giants, a story brimming with envy, deceit, and a pair of shoes you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
Though her name isn’t Snow White, her story has echoes that have traveled across continents.  In fact, this tale belongs to the Aarne-Thompson-Uther classification ATU 709, a motif shared with Snow White and other stories of jealousy and betrayal. And that, dear listeners, is the beauty of folklore. Names may change, but some motifs appear over and over, as if these stories hold a magic of their own—transcending oceans, cultures, and time to find new ears with every generation. 

As always, Hermes takes the lead with fascinating facts about Brazil. Did you know it’s the largest producer of coffee in the world? (And if you’re wondering whether Hades drinks coffee, let’s just say a soul-warming cup has its merits after a long day herding the dead.) Hermes also shares a tidbit about the Amazon Rainforest, which covers a whopping 59.4% of Brazil’s land—though we kindly asked him to skip the pronunciation lessons this week.

Meanwhile, Persephone, my queen and culinary muse, whips up a recipe for Brigadeiros, Brazil’s beloved chocolatey treat. Simple, sweet, and utterly divine, these bite-sized delights are perfect for indulging as you listen.

And what’s a podcast without Zeus popping in to steal the thunder? The King of the Gods returns with his Lightning Round, where you can test your knowledge of the episode and compete for a mortal prize—this week, a Starbucks gift card. Because who doesn’t need caffeine when diving into the drama of folklore?

So, pull up a seat by the fire and join us as we bring The Little Sister of the Giants to life. Next week, we’ll journey to Nigeria to share The cautionary tale of The Bush Spirits, a tale that’s as clever as it is chilling.

As ever, if you have comments, questions, or burning complaints about Zeus’s antics, send your dead letters to [email protected]. Until next time, stay curious and keep the fire burning bright!

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Greetings, listeners!
Welcome to Greece, the cradle of democracy, philosophy, and, of course, some of the most iconic myths in history! Tonight, we retell one of Greece’s most legendary stories: The Myth of Perseus and Medusa.

As is tradition in Greek mythology, this tale begins with a prophecy and a king’s desperate attempt to defy the Fates. Thanks to my brother Zeus and his infamous roving eye, a series of events is set in motion—events in which even I, Hades, play a silent but pivotal role. What follows is a hero’s journey of courage, cunning, and justice, where Perseus defeats a monster, rescues his mother, and saves Princess Andromeda. Remarkably, this myth ends with something exceedingly rare in Greek mythology: a true happily-ever-after, free of strings, curses, or divine conditions.

Our ever-curious Hermes brings you fascinating facts about Greece, including a surprising one about ancient Greek “robots”—yes, you heard that right, robots! Meanwhile, my radiant queen and equal, Persephone, shares a recipe for Spanakopita, a savory pastry filled with spinach, feta, and the flakiest phyllo dough—a dish as timeless as the myths themselves.

And for those who enjoy a challenge, Zeus is back with another Lightning Round, where you can test your knowledge of this episode and compete for a mortal prize.

Next week, we’ll journey to Brazil to recount The Little Sister of the Giants, a story filled with magic and adventure from the heart of South America.

As always, if you have questions, comments, or criticisms about Hermes's Korean pronunciations, send your dead letters to me at [email protected]. Until next time, gather close to the fire and stay curious.

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Greetings, listeners!
Welcome to the second episode of Fireside Folklore with Hades! As part of our Season 1 exploration into the art of podcasting (and proving to Zeus that I can win this wager with mortals' love of stories), I’ve chosen a tale from Korea that’s as illuminating as it is intriguing. Tonight, we delve into The Tiger Who Almost Went to Heaven, a myth that explains the origins of the Sun and the Moon.

In Korean folklore, tigers are fascinating creatures, shifting between roles depending on the story. Sometimes they’re wise guardians, other times bumbling fools, and occasionally—as in this tale—selfish antagonists driven purely by their own desires. In this myth, our tiger’s arrogance inadvertently brings the Sun and Moon into existence, leaving behind a legacy as bright as it is unintended. (Oh, and in his wake, he also manages to give sorghum its unique red hue. Quite the overachiever, wouldn’t you say?)

As always, Hermes, our resident trivia enthusiast, enlightens us with some fascinating tidbits about Korea. Did you know their writing system, Hangul, is one of the most scientific and accessible alphabets ever created? It’s phonetic, logical, and delightfully free of the spelling headaches you mortals endure in English.

Of course, no fireside tale is complete without a treat, and Persephone, my light in the darkness, shares a recipe for Hotteok. These delicious, nut-filled pancakes are a beloved Korean street food and the perfect way to sweeten your evening.

For those of you with a sharp mind and quick reflexes, Zeus is back with his Lightning Round, ready to test your knowledge (and ensure you’ve been paying attention).

Next week, we’ll travel closer to home as we explore the tale of Perseus and Medusa—a hero’s journey filled with impossible odds, divine assistance, and one truly unlucky prophecy.

As always, if you have questions, comments, complaints, or, dare I hope, compliments, feel free to send your dead letters to me at [email protected]. Until next time, gather close to the fire and stay curious.

Send over your dead SMS messages.

Greetings, listeners!
Welcome to the very first episode of Fireside Folklore with Hades. It’s not every day you get to hear the Lord of the Dead narrate tales from across the world, but when duty (or a challenge) calls, even I must oblige. This season marks the start of a rather unusual experiment—an attempt to reconnect with mortals through the ancient art of storytelling. After all, what better way to prove the enduring power of the gods than to share the myths and folklore that shaped us all?

For our inaugural tale, I've chosen Tailypo, a classic from the Appalachian mountains that has haunted campfires for generations. It’s a harrowing story of a hunter, a mysterious creature, and some highly questionable culinary choices. With my mischievous nephew Dionysus lending his voice to the eerie creature in the woods and Apollo trying (and failing) to sound convincingly terrified, this rendition might be more humorous than haunting—but what did you expect? The gods are still getting their podcasting legs under them.

To enrich the experience, Hermes, ever the explorer, shares three fascinating facts about Appalachia—including the jaw-dropping revelation that its mountains predate the dinosaurs! And, as no fireside tale is complete without food, my radiant queen Persephone offers her recipe for Appalachian cornbread and soup beans, a dish sure to warm your spirit as you listen.

Finally, if you’re up for a bit of trivia, Zeus himself brings the thunder with a Lightning Round, giving you the chance to win eternal bragging rights (and maybe even an actual prize).

Pull up a chair and join us as we begin this strange, wonderful journey. Should you wish to send me any dead letters (yes, dead only), you may reach me at [email protected]. Until next week, when we explore The Tiger Who Almost Went to Heaven from Korea, stay curious and keep the fire burning bright.