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, there are so many of these myths—and often, so many versions of the same myth—that 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. An added bonus: all of these podcasts are available for free to Audible members.
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. Many other cultures that have existed throughout world history have 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, which might include 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 the field of cryptozoology: the study of creatures that probably don't exist.
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.
"Skald'' is the Norse word for "poet," and in ancient times, skalds recited their works in front of a live audience. The Skald's Circle is a worthy continuance of that tradition, a folklore podcast highlighting myths and fables from around the world. Each episode is devoted to telling a single story, and most are less than 15 minutes long. In short, this the perfect podcast for young myth-lovers with short attention spans or older enthusiasts who want to make the most of their limited time to spare.
The American Wild West has been the source of much mythologizing over the past century. Legends of the Old West takes a closer look at larger-than-life figures like Jesse James and Bass Reeves (the Black sheriff who inspired the Lone Ranger) and events like the Apache Wars, with a sharp eye on sussing out the facts. It also examines more contemporary depictions of the Old West through interviews with relevant authors and actors. If you’ve ever dressed as a cowboy for Halloween, this is the weekly podcast for you!
Celtic Myth Podshow focuses on legends and assorted yarns from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and other Celtic regions. You'll hear riveting tales of ancient kings, druids, and those ever-troublesome faeries. You'll also learn about how these stories and beliefs continue to resonate today—for example, hosts Gary and Ruth Colcombe interview a modern Druid. Episodes are released irregularly, but with 100 already available, there's plenty of enchanting Celtic lore waiting to keep you listening.
Some of humanity's greatest tales revolve around the noble pursuit of love. Ridiculous Romance delves into legendary passions, from Emperor Hadrian and the ill-fated Antinous to Nikola Tesla's preference for pigeons over people. These hour-plus episodes are a fun and bizarrely heartwarming way to end the day, no matter your relationship status.
Indian mythology is an exciting web of gods, battles, sacrifice, and vengeance. Myths & Morals explores it all in lively, informative, and short (mostly under 30 minutes) segments. The seven episodes currently available cover an impressive array of topics, from the backstory of the villain behind Diwali, the popular festival of lights, to the legend of Durga, the multi-limbed, lion-riding Goddess of War. Host Girish Gangadharan also dives deep into the content of the myths, speculating on character motivation and valuable lessons listeners can take away.
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.