The Great Tales

Continuing the Oedipal story, Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim read the Sophocles play "Antigone," the tale of a sister who will stop at nothing to give her brother his burial.

Continuing their series on the sad tales of Oedipus, Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim discuss the Sophocles play “Oedipus at Colonus,” in which the burial place of the cursed Oedipus becomes the center of a family feud.

Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim examine the tale of Oedipus as told by Sophocles in "Oedipus the King," the horrifying story of the man who kills his father and marries his mother. Why is this awful story so enduring? Why should Christians even read it?

Discover the tragic tale of Oedipus as it intertwines with themes of fate and calamity. Explore how ancient myths are reshaped into hopeful fairy tales, highlighting the magic that transforms sorrow into joy. Unravel the complexities of hero Sir Digory's journey, filled with dragons, tournaments, and self-discovery. Delight in the playful contrasts between grim narratives and whimsical tales, while exploring the elusive nature of fairies and their role in storytelling. Plus, find out about an exciting upcoming event that dives deeper into these enchanting themes!

The podcast heads to Fr. Andrew's ancestral Baltic homeland of Lithuania, where we will explore three tales: The Tale of Sovijus, The Iron Wolf, and The Swan Queen.

Martin Shaw, a celebrated mythologist and seanchaí, shares his deep understanding of storytelling. He discusses the intriguing concept of the 'mossy face of Christ,' merging spirituality with nature. The conversation highlights how Irish storytelling traditions serve as a healing art, revealing personal narratives of luck and transformation. Shaw also explores the intersection of Christian and pagan myths, emphasizing their shared essence of goodness. Through whimsical tales and cultural reflections, he showcases how narratives spark personal growth and community connection.

The Great Tales hosts prepare for the Church’s harrowing of Hades by examining another famous descensus ad infernos, the story of Orpheus and the underworld. They’ll also briefly talk about how the Church Fathers refer to him as the “first theologian” of the Greeks.

Richard and Fr. Andrew continue their discussion of he Kebra Negast, which tells the story of how the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia and hidden there, waiting for the revelation of the Incarnation.

The Kebra Negast is set within the frame narrative about the debate of the true glory of kings held at the First Council of Nicaea, it tells the story of how the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia and hidden there, waiting for the revelation of the Incarnation.

King Keret, son of the great god El, has been widowed and lost all his children, and he fears the extinction of his house. Fr. Stephen De Young joins the podcast to discuss this ancient Ugaritic epic, lost in the Syrian desert for over 3,000 years.