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.