In the aftermath of our beloved hero's triumphant victory over the malevolent dragon, a silence descends over the lifeless carcass of the vanquished foe.  Standing on the precipice of a new beginning, one question echoes through our hero's mind: "What happens next?"  Astonishingly, the narratives of every single major ancient civilization- Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Ugaritic, Hurrian, Hittite, and Israelite- tell an identical tale of the destiny that awaits our hero...and its no ordinary destiny; it's a destiny that embodies the greatest theology ever taught, a theology that, unbeknownst to many Christians, was even taught by Christ himself.  It's a matchless destiny that awaits all who defeat the dragon.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/25-the-king-of-kings/

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As the sun sets on the battlefield, our hero lies battered and broken, his body a canvas of wounds inflicted by the enemy.  The weight of despair hangs heavy in the air.  In the dimming light, he clutches his wounds, seeking solace amidst the agony.  Suddenly, a glimmer of hope arises - a whispered legend of a potent ointment, a healing balm rumored to possess the  ability to mend even the most grievous of wounds.  But where is he to find this special ointment?  Join us for this episode as we accompany the hero on his quest for the healing balm...a quest that, suprisingly, takes on a magical, yuletide twist.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/24-o-christmas-tree/

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In today’s episode, we head to ancient Egypt to confront one of the world’s earliest and most troubling narratives of the primordial theomachy- the epic clash between the malevolent god Set and the god Osiris.  Set’s insidious desire to usurp the throne of his benevolent brother culminates in a shocking act- the murder of Osiris himself.  As the waves of the dark, primordial waters toss Osiris’s dead body to and fro, a palpable sense of despair hangs in the air, suggesting that all is lost, that the rebel son, the force of evil, has emerged victorious.  But, how can this be?  Isn’t good supposed to triumph over evil?  How can Osiris’s fatal wounds ever be healed?  While modern scholars may not have the answers, the ancients did, and what they taught is nothing short of astonishing, not only in its theological depth, but in its cosmic import! Join us in this episode as we unlock the answers.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/23-the-troubling-death-of-osiris/

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In this episode, our hero, a figure of valor draped in special armor, resplendent sword in hand, stands poised for battle.  Suddenly, the hideous dragon unleashes a torrent of unrestrained fury, scorching the hero and the earth with his venomous breath.  In the wake of the blistering onslaught, our hero crumples to the ground, writhing in pain.  Bearing the terrible wounds of the dragon’s ferocity, a harrowing sense of defeat hangs in the air.  It appears as though our hero is doomed.  Join us in this episode as we journey through the pages of ancient lore and unlock the esoteric meaning behind, and profound theological significance of, the hero's wounds.

 For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see: https://theancienttradition.com/22-the-wounded-hero/

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In a realm where gods, kings, heroes, and paupers battle the forces of darkness, their secret weapon often lies not in their swords, but in the very clothes they wear.  Join us in this episode as we delve into the mystical world of impenetrable coats of armor, cloaks, and animal skins that have shielded legendary champions from the clutches of evil and ferocious monsters.  These special garments aren't mere attire; they are a gift- the hero's ultimate protection against the malevolent dragon.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see: https://theancienttradition.com/21-the-cloak-of-invulnerability/ 

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Summon your valor, for in this episode, we unsheathe the rich artistry of legendary swords, unveil the enigmatic craftsmanship of golden bows- woven from the very essence of the cosmic loom- and slip on a pair of dazzling ruby slippers.  Adorned with these spectacular weapons, our hero now stands fortified, poised to challenge the awful dragon....an echo of the grand celestial theomachy that transpired in the heavens before the formation of the world.  Join us for this episode as we recount this magnificent cosmic tale- a testament to courage, selflessness, and divine power.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see: https://theancienttradition.com/20-epic-swords-golden-bows-ruby-slippers/

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What do Osiris, Marduk, Thor, Cinderella, Luke Skywalker, Katniss Everdeen, and Frodo Baggins have in common?  Join us for this episode where we unravel the cosmic lineage that ties these beloved characters together.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see: https://theancienttradition.com/13-the-great-primordial-theomachy/

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The ancients bear witness to a celestial realm governed by a divine ORDER...a Council of Gods.  What more can the annals of antiquity tell us of this governing body?  Was this Divine Council established before the formation of the earth?  Where in the celestial expanse do these divine luminaries convene?  Who are the exalted occupants of this Council of Gods?   How many divine beings compose this august assembly and how are their seats arranged in the hallowed sanctum of celestial confluence?  The ancient record is brimming with answers. 

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/18-a-high-council-of-twelve/

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For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/17-more-than-one-god/

Visit us on the web at theancienttradition.com for more amazing comparative religion.

For pictures, links, and the audio transcript for this episode see:  https://theancienttradition.com/16-the-council-of-the-gods/ 

Visit us on the web at theancienttradition.com for more amazing comparative religion.