This week, we recount the tale of the Norse, who were also called Norsemen or Vikings, depending upon the era under discussion. The Germanic-speaking Norse people lived in Scandanavia and other parts of Northern Europe between 200 and 700 AD.

After 700 C.E., when they began raiding and settling in Britain, Iceland, Greenland, and elsewhere, they are generally referred to as Vikings, who came to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries. Different versions and offshoots of their myths spread into the counties they inhabited, especially, for example, Britain and Germany. Many myths that we call Anglo-Saxon were influenced by Norse myths, as were the myths of Germany, contained in works such as the

Nibelungenlied. The primary source for the myths of the Norse people, including the creation myth, is Iceland, where the old Norse religion remained in force long after the rest of Europe had been Christianized. It was not until the year 1000 that the Icelandic Assembly voted to replace the old religion with Christianity.

The Norse myths that we know now are contained in the Icelandic text called the Younger Edda or the Prose Edda, compiled by the Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson in about 1220 A.D.. Snorri's work is based on much older works from the oral tradition and from the Elder Edda or Poetic Edda, which was written down between the ninth and twelfth centuries, and re-discovered in 1643. It is sometimes called the Edda of Saemund because it was wrongly attributed to Saemund Sigfusson, a writer of the 12th century.

The Norse creation myth retold by Snorri in the 10th-century Sddaic poem, the Voluspa, is an animistic myth centering on the Ice Giant, Ymir, from whose dismembered body the world was made.

Reference:

David A Leeming, "Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia."

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Canon in D Major by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Welcome to a new episode of Stories That Made Us, the podcast where we cover myths and legends from around the world. The first season is all about the tales of the creation of our world and of us. This episode, the 38th of the season, speaks of the tales of the Iroquois, namely, the Seneca, the Mohawk, the Onondaga, and the Oneida tribes. These tales are a few of the many Native American stories that we've covered over the past months. Check out episode 1 for tales of the Achomawi, Atsugewi, and Acoma Pueblo. Episodes 4 and 6 recounts the stories of various Apache and Algonquian-speaking tribes respectively while episode 9 features the Arikara and the Arapaho. You'll find the fascinating stories of the Cherokee, Caddo, and Cheyenne in episode 12, and the creek, crow, and Diegueno in episode 15. We then visited recounted the myth of the Hopi in episode 21! The next two episodes on native Americans to feature in the podcast were the Joshua and Kiowa in episode 31, and the Lenape, Luiseno, and Maidu in episode 33. Finally, in episode 34, we covered the Navajo and the Mandan Native American tribes. Do check them out! The stories provide a fascinating insight into the similarities and distinctions of the tales of peoples of the North American continent.

Reference:

David A Leeming, "Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia."

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Halls of the Undead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Over Time by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Act Two - Tenebrous Brothers Carnival by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Welcome to the 37th episode of Stories That Made Us. The podcast brings to you stories from cultures and civilizations from around the world, and this week, it is the conclusion of the wondrous and magnificent creation myth of the Japanese. If you have missed the previous two episodes on the Japanese or would like a refresher, it is now a good time to check them out. In part one of the myth, we spoke of the creation of the world and all the deities of natural phenomena by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. In the second part, we continued the story with the tale of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Sosa Nowono, the mischievous trickster god. The episode concluded with the travels and tribulations of the deity named Ohona Moji. The episode ended when the Ohona Moji finally found happiness after marrying Suseri Hime, the daughter of Sosa Nowono. He found his own kingdom in the province of Izumo. The finale that is this episode, continues with his story and concludes with the end of the reign of Gods and deities upon the earth, and the beginning of the reign of emperors.

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Cattails - Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Chance, Luck, Errors in Nature, Fate, Destruction As a Finale by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Consequence - Wonders by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Day of Chaos by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Dreams Become Real by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Namaste by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Prelude No. 6 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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In the 36th episode of Stories That Made Us, we continue with the Creation Myth of the Japanese. This is a story of the creation of the Shinto Gods and Goddesses, who then created our world, and us.  

In this episode, we cover the second part of the Japanese creation myth. Check out the first part in the previous episode for complete continuity of the tale. This part focuses on the trials and tribulations of two deities: Sosa Nowono and Ohona Moji. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this magnificent and intricate tale in the next episode.

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A Singular Perversion - Darkness by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Hand Balance Redux by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Intuit256 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Today, in the 35th episode of Stories That Made Us, we talk about the Creation Myth of the Japanese. This is a story of the creation of the Shinto Gods and Goddesses, who then created our world, and us.  

Before we delve into the story, it is worthwhile to note that our understanding of the Japanese Creation myth is based on two ancient texts. Whilst the stories must have circulated orally since long before, it was first put to prose in 682 A.D. - commissioned by Emperor Temmu as a "history of the Emperors and of matters of high antiquity". It wasn't to be completed, however, until A.D. 712 and was compiled by the court scholar Ono Yasumaro. The book, of course, isn't exactly supposed to be an accurate historical record but is to be seen more as a text that establishes a clear line of descent for the Japanese rulers and nobility from the 7th and 8th century A.D to the Shinto gods, and ultimately, the Supreme Goddess - The Sun Goddess - Amaterasu.

Two years after the completion of the Kojiki, Empress Gemio commissioned the preparation of a "national history". Not much is known about this project, other than that the book was completed and laid before the Empress in 720 A.D. by Prince Toneri and Yasumaro Futo no Ason. This is The Nihon Shoki, or the Nihongi, and is best considered a sequel to the Kojiki. 

It is more complete, elegant, and goes a long way in addressing many of the discrepancies in the Kojiki. It also reasserts the history and genealogies of some of the clans who are not mentioned in the Kojiki.

So it is these two books that are the pillars of our understanding of the Japanese or the Shinto creation myths. 

In this episode, we cover just the first part of the Japanese creation myth, focussing on the beginning of all, on Genesis. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this magnificent and intricate tale in the later episodes.

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The music used for the episodes is either free to use or under creative commons license. Below are their links and attributions:

Laendler in C Minor Hess 68 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Anguish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Deep Space by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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What Does Anybody Know About Anything by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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This episode showcases the stories of the Navajo and the Mandan Native Americans, both in the United States. The stories told today have been collected from David A Leeming's wonderful book, Creation Myths of the World. 

Reference:

David A Leeming, "Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia."

Beckwith, Martha Warren. Mandan-Hitatsa Myths and Ceremonies , 1. Memoirs of the American Folklore Society, New York: J.J. Augustin, for the American Folklore Society, [1937] 1938. 

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Inner Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Intuit256 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Anamalie by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Comfortable Mystery 4 - Film Noire by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Welcome to a brand new, and 2021's first episode of Stories That Made Us. This one is a continuation of the Native American creation myths that we have covered in many of our previous episodes. Most notably, episodes 1, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, and 31. 

This week, we recount the myths of the Lenape of Delaware and the Luiseno Maidu of California. 

Reference:

David A Leeming, "Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia."

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Gagool by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Despair and Triumph by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Over Time by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Harlequin by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Happy Holidays! Welcome to the 32nd, and the last episode of Stories That Made Us for 2020! This week, we cover three short tales from down under - yes, it's all Australian Dreamtime stories this week - with us covering the tales of the Kakadu of Northern Australia, Ngurunderi of southern Australia, and Yolngu of Northeastern Arnhemland! We last covered the other Australian tales - the Arrernte or Aruntan in episode 1, and southeastern Australian stories in episode 11. You might want to check them out for comparison. We've also spoken of many Polynesian tales, including the myths of Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand in episode 28. Check them out too!

The stories have been inspired by David A Leeming's amazing book, "Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia."

I hope you enjoy the tales. If you do, please leave a rating and feedback. Share and subscribe! Your patronage would help us immensely! 

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The music used for the episodes is either free to use or under creative commons license. Below are their links and attributions:

Air Prelude by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Minor With Cricket by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Grave Matters by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Cambodian Odyssey by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Double Drift by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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This episode showcases the tales of the Joshua or Tce'Metun of Oregon, and Kiowa of Oklahoma, both in the United States. The Joshua Native Americans of Oregon have a myth that is a good example of the imperfect creation theme. The creator succeeds in making the world after many attempts, learning from his errors and moving towards perfection. A sense of the imperfection of creation·especially of the human element in creation·pervades this myth, so much so that the creator seems not so much godlike as one of us. In keeping with his human aspect, the creator acts as a culture hero, teaching the people how to live before departing to leave them to their own devices. 

The story recounted in this episode was first narrated in the book by Jarold Ramsey, titled "Reading the Fire: The Traditional Indian Literatures of America."

The Kiowa people live in southwestern Oklahoma. Their myth, based on a retelling by N. Scott Momaday, check the details in the description for more information. It is said that the Kiowa emerged into this world long ago through a hollow log, far north of their present home, and that a pregnant woman got stuck in the log, blocking the way for others. What follows is a fascinating tale that culminates in the creation of the hero twins who brought prosperity to the Kiowa. I hope you enjoy their fantastic tale of creation, as told by Mr. Momaday.

References:

"Reading the Fire: The Traditional Indian Literatures of America," [rev. ed. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1999), 13-24.]

The Way to Rainy Mountain (1969). N. Scott Momaday, (illustrated by his father, Alfred Momaday)

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The music used for the episodes are either free to use, or under creative commons license. Below are their links and attributions:

Time Passing By by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Anguish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Infados by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Laserdisc by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Stopping By the Inn by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Welcome to episode 30 of Stories That Made Us, the podcast where we recount the mythologies and legends that have defined cultures across the world. This week's episode is the second part and the conclusion of the K'itche' Mayan creation myth that we began in the previous episode. IF you havent checked the last episode out, it would be a good idea to do so before starting with this one.

I hope you enjoy the tale. If you do, please leave a rating and feedback. Share and subscribe! Your patronage would help us immensely! 

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The music used for the episodes is either free to use or under creative commons license. Below are their links and attributions:

At Launch by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Fall of the Solar King by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Dama-May - Primal Drive by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Over Time by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Inexorable by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Destination Unknown by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Finding Movement by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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