The pros and cons of making a deal with the devil, particularly for musical talent.
 
Introduction:

• Host: Darren
• Topic: Pacts with the Devil
• Focus: Examining the folklore and cultural significance of making deals with the devil

Segment 1: Adam, Eve, Jesus

• Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by the devil before his crucifixion
• Reflection on Adam and Eve's original sin in the Garden of Eden
• Lucifer's rebellion and temptation, leading to his fall
• The enduring theme of trading something for forbidden knowledge

Segment 2: Lucifer

• Lucifer's desire for absolute power and attempt to overthrow God
• Comparison with human pacts for fame, riches, or power
• Exploration of the value of knowledge and the temptation to transcend humanity
• The story of Dr. Faustus and the theme of selling one's soul

Segment 3: Hermes, Apollo

• Discussion of Hermes (Mercury) as a guide and psychopomp
• The invention of the lyre and its connection to Apollo
• Symbolism of the crossroads in various cultures
• Crossroads as a liminal space and its spiritual significance

Segment 4: Devil’s Bridges, Crossroads

• Devil's bridges in Europe and their symbolic significance
• Burial traditions at crossroads in Great Britain and Ireland
• Reflection on the intersection of different realms and thresholds
• The association of crossroads with transition and change

Segment 5: Hoodoo, Voodoo

• Introduction to Hoodoo as a set of spiritual practices
• Crossroads in Hoodoo and its connection to African traditions
• The influence of Yoruba and Kongo people on crossroad symbolism
• Evolution of beliefs from Africa to the Americas, including voodoo

Segment 6: The Blues

• Exploration of the blues tradition and its connection to the crossroads
• Tommy Johnson's legend of making a deal with the devil
• Robert Johnson's mysterious talent and the crossroads myth
• Comparison of the blues legends and their stories

Segment 7: Bob Dylan

• Transition to the 20th century and the influence of Robert Johnson on musicians
• Bob Dylan's encounter with Robert Johnson's music
• The fascination with the supernatural and deals with destiny
• Reflection on the enduring impact of the crossroads myth in music

Conclusion:

• Recap of the various cultural and historical aspects of making pacts with the devil
• Reflection on the symbolic importance of crossroads in different traditions
• Acknowledgment of the enduring allure of these stories in folklore and music

See playlist of music mentioned below:

Don Giovanni (Commendatore Scene):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cb1QmTkOAI&ab_channel=MasterplanHD
Berlioz (Damnation of Faust):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_VhntYN1ew&ab_channel=medici.tv
Giuseppe Tartini (Devil's Trill Sonata):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkX8YyA4Wp4&ab_channel=AVROTROSKlassiek
Paganini (24th Caprice):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ307sM0t-0&ab_channel=Ellingmint
Liszt (Totentanz):

https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/
https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/

Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay