Cultures around the world have one thing in common: they love to tell stories! Over the centuries, this has resulted in the creation of timeless myths and legends that we can still enjoy and learn from today. Yet, since there are so many of these myths—and often, so many versions of the same myth—it can be difficult to feel like you have a real understanding of what is happening in a given story, let alone get a grasp on the forces that have acted on it over the ages. Podcasts are a great way to drill down to the heart of myths, both famous and obscure.
The best mythology podcasts not only revisit these ancient stories but also teach you about the culture from which they originated and the deeper meaning that the tale has taken on. Pick a mythology podcast from this list, and immerse yourself in classic tales of mighty gods, hideous monsters, and unlikely heroes. You might even embark on a family listening adventure—yes, despite mythology's well-earned reputation for being a raunchy bloodbath, many of these podcasts are suitable for all ages.
Who says learning about some of the world's most famous myths has to be so serious? Airing twice a week, Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! takes a slightly irreverent look at Greek mythology. Host Liv Albert has a lot to say about the wild antics of the Greco-Roman gods, and she says it all so well! Whether you're new to these ancient myths or can recite them in your sleep, this podcast is sure to grant you a fresh and funny perspective on the original classics.
There's so much more to mythology than Greek and Roman myths. Throughout the history of the world, many other cultures have established their own tradition of intriguing stories. Every other week, Colored Folklore celebrates a myth from a lesser-known culture, like the Sámi and the Incas. This spectrum includes a diversity of ethnic representation and oft-ignored LGBTQIA+ themes. If you’re listening with your family, rest assured: each episode description features a detailed breakdown of content, so parents can know what their kids will hear beforehand.
Next to Greco-Roman myths, Norse mythology is probably the best known in America, thanks in part to big-budget superhero movies that draw inspiration from them. Dr. Mathias Nordvig and Daniel Farrand welcome you to listen to their Nordic Mythology Podcast and learn about legends ranging from the Valkyries to Beowulf. The hosts also discuss real-life Vikings and Norse history, providing a more complete understanding of the world the myths' creators lived in.
True to its title, Mythology & Fiction Explained goes behind the scenes (so to speak) to reveal why and how our favorite stories ended up "like that." The mostly bite-sized episodes cover everything from mermaids and trolls to Dickens's iconic A Christmas Carol, which has been retold so often that it has attained mythical status. If you've ever wondered about the deeper significance or truth at the core of popular legends and iconic stories, this podcast is a great place to start.
The most gripping myths are often built around the idea that familiar environments are filled with ancient monsters—inexplicable creatures that have escaped detection for centuries under the very noses of so-called civilized people. Mysteries and Monsters spotlights many of these critters and beasts, from old favorites like Nessie to local legends like Illinois's Big Muddy. Interviews with experts offer fascinating insights into both individual monsters and cryptozoology, a field devoted to the study of legendary animals to evaluate the possibility of their existence.
Although filled with fantastical events and unearthly beings, many myths actually do have a basis in fact. Our Fake History seeks to uncover the truth behind wild and famous tales, from the gory accusations made against Countess Elizabeth Bathory to the possible real-life inspiration for the legendary Mesopotamian hero, Gilgamesh. Most episodes are more than an hour long, making this an especially immersive weekly podcast.
Myths and Legends takes listeners on a wide-ranging journey through the world of folklore throughout history. Host Jason Weiser not only brings fresh insights to familiar legends, such as the tales of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules, but also delves into less familiar myths from Korea, Japan, Armenia, and other countries. This is a long-running show—more than 300 episodes!—offering much to captivate fans of tall tales and intriguing stories of all kinds.
Looking for mythology with a heavy dose of philosophy mixed in? Living Myth may well be the podcast for you. Hosted by renowned mythologist and storytelling Michael Meade, this podcast asks the listener tough questions, answering through the lens of myth. For example, rather than directly telling a story like the Trials of Perseus, Meade instead frames an episode around universal topics like "resistance to change" or "living with a whole heart." This keeps episodes as relatable as they are gripping.
If you got into mythology around the same time I did, there is a good chance you shared my deep obsession with Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Join siblings Darien and DJ Smarrtt as they wax poetic about mythology while sharing their fav moments from Rick Riordan's smash hit series and occasionally recommending others, like Terry Pratchett's Discworld. Episodes cover a wide variety of topics and multiple different cultures, spanning from Norse, Egyptian and Greek myth all the way to modern folklore.
