Young Tales

#148 - Bullfinch's Mythology: LEUCOTHEA and Palemon

Young Tales brings to life the enthralling myth of LEUCOTHEA and PALAEMON from Bullfinch's Mythology. Join us as we explore the transformation of Ino, wife of Athamas and daughter of Cadmus, who escapes a tragic fate and becomes the revered sea goddess, LEUCOTHEA.
In a dramatic tale of desperation and divine intervention, Ino’s leap into the sea with her son, Melicertes, leads to their deification as guardians of the ocean. While Eno becomes the white goddess watching over sailors, her son is transformed into PALAEMON, symbolizing protection and safe passage through treacherous waters.
Discover how sailors sought their blessings, invoking these benevolent spirits for safety and guidance. Unearth the legacy of PALAEMON, known as Portunus in Roman mythology, and the enduring celebration through Isthmian Games. Tune in to witness this powerful narrative of love, sacrifice, and divine mercy.

#147 - Bullfinch's Mythology: The Succession of the Sea

Dive into the mystical world of ancient mythology with Todd Young as he narrates the captivating tale of the ocean's succession. Discover how the vast titan Oceanus and serene Tethys, the primordial rulers of the seas, were overthrown during the Titanomachy, paving the way for the Olympian gods.Witness the divine transition as Poseidon, alongside his radiant queen Amphitrite, rises to become the supreme deity of the waters. Armed with his powerful trident, Poseidon's influence expands beyond the oceans, as he shapes the earth, calms the seas, and even creates the majestic horse. Follow the ethereal dance of the Nereids and the legendary journey of Thetis, whose prophecy-tinged fate intertwines with gods and mortals alike.Unveil the secrets of the deep as Triton and Proteus, enigmatic sea gods, guard their knowledge and shape the tides. Join us for this enthralling episode of Young Tales, where the waves of history, fate, and legend come alive with epic narrations that capture the young and the young at heart.

#146 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Rhoecus and the Hamadryad

"Young Tales," narrated by Todd Young, presents a captivating episode featuring the timeless tale of "Rhoecus and the Hamadryad" from Bullfinch's Mythology. This enchanting story unfolds in a mystical forest where Rhoecus, a young man, saves a majestic oak tree and unexpectedly wins the gratitude of its tree-bound spirit, Ahamadrya. Her gratefulness knows no bounds, offering Rhoecus a gift for preserving her life.
However, Rhoecus' bold request for the Hamadryad's love becomes a pivotal moment as their story intertwines with themes of love, loyalty, and consequence. A simple bee becomes a herald, signaling Rhoecus in moments of divine significance. Yet, distracted pride and youthful neglect lead to a tragic misstep, shattering the divine favor once bestowed upon him.
This narrative explores the profound lessons of responsibility and respect through enchanting storytelling, warning that even the smallest actions can carry immense weight. Join us for an experience that blends mythology, morality, and enchantment.

#145 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Erisichthon

In this captivating episode of Young Tales, we delve into the ancient story of Erisichthon, a proud king who dared to defy the gods. Known for his irreverence towards the divine, Erisichthon scorned sacred traditions and paid the ultimate price. Discover how his encounter with Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, led to a punishment that brought him unimaginable suffering.Embark on a journey through myth and legend as we explore the consequences of Erisichthon's desecration of a sacred grove and how the relentless hunger inflicted by the goddess of famine unraveled his life. Witness the profound message of respecting nature and the divine that this timeless story imparts.

#144 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Pan

"Young Tales" presents the captivating story of Pan, the god of wild nature, as we explore his influence across myth and culture. Revered as both a delightful and frightening figure, Pan's presence was felt in the remotest groves, where his inventive music and joyous dance enchanted nature itself. Yet, his name also gave rise to "Panic," the inexplicable fear in woodland darkness.From his rustic origins, Pan's image expanded, embodying nature's essence and becoming a symbol of the universe. The Romans revered similar deities, assigning totemic roles to gods like Silvanus and Faunus. Through the presence of nymphs, beloved spirits of nature, we witness a world where every stream and tree breathes with divine life.Join narrator Todd Young, as "Young Tales" evokes ancient reverence for a world alive with gods, inviting listeners into a time where nature's mystery and beauty were intertwined with myth. Our story concludes yet invites reflection on the tangible world where myths once dwelt.

#143 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Ariadne

Join us for a captivating retelling of The Story of Ariadne from Bullfinch's Mythology. Discover how Ariadne, the princess of Crete, aids Theseus, only to be abandoned by him on the Isle of Naxos. Heartbroken and alone, her plight draws the attention of the gods, particularly Aphrodite and Dionysus. Witness how Ariadne transforms from despair to divine union, culminating in her immortal legacy in the night sky.

#142 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Dionysus

Explore the enthralling tale of Dionysus, the god of wine and frenzy, in this captivating episode. Born from the union of Zeus and a mortal, and rescued amid divine splendor, Dionysus' journey is marked by wrath, madness, and spiritual revelation. Discover how his mysterious rites challenged the social order and offered liberation to the marginalized. Join us for a foray into ancient mythology where boundaries blur between divine ecstasy and human folly.

#141 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Castor and Pollux

Join Todd Young as he narrates the legendary story of Castor and Pollux, twin brothers born from the union of Queen Leta with Zeus. Their adventures showcase their remarkable bravery and unbreakable bond, as they navigate mortal and divine challenges. From rescuing their sister Helen to joining Jason and the Argonauts, their tale is one of heroism and sacrifice. Discover how their brotherly love led Pollux to plead with Zeus for a shared immortality, resulting in their eternal presence in the night sky as the constellation Gemini. This episode of Young Tales captures the essence of their mythological journey and their enduring legacy as protectors of sailors and warriors alike.

#140 - Bulfinch's Mythology: Daedalus

Dive into the captivating tale of Daedalus, a legendary craftsman and inventor whose brilliance in engineering led to incredible creations and tragic downfalls. Witness the famous escape from the labyrinth he built to imprison the Minotaur and his daring attempt to fly to freedom with his son, Icarus. As Daedalus navigates the skies, experience the heart-wrenching consequences of hubris and disobedience.
Explore the darker twists of his story as jealousy poisons his heart, leading to betrayal against his talented nephew, Perdix. Throughout the tale, wisdom and consequences intermingle, offering timeless lessons on the limits of human ambition and the cost of envy and brilliance.

#139 - Bullfinch's Mythology: Theseus

In this captivating episode of Young Tales, embark on the legendary journey of Theseus, son of Aegeus, king of Athens. Discover how Theseus proved his worth by lifting a massive rock to claim his heritage, choosing a perilous overland path to Athens, facing deadly foes like the Clubman, Sinus the Pine Bender, and the monstrous Crommyonian Sow.
Witness his cunning and bravery in defeating the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne in Crete and marvel at his leadership in the Battle with the Amazons. Follow Theseus on his daring friendship with Pirithous, their escapades, and their audacious descent into the underworld.
Explore the complex tale of betrayal, loss, and redemption as Theseus battles internal and external demons, influencing Athenian democracy while grappling with his hubris and ultimate exile. Join Todd Young as he narrates the epic adventures of Theseus, a hero who combined courage with cleverness.