The Great Tales

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.

The great Old English poem ‘Beowulf’ is one of the most intriguing and gripping stories from the early English Christian world. What few people know, however, is that this story about giants has roots in a much older apocalyptic tale – the Book of Enoch.

Dive into the legendary quest of Percival and the symbolism of the Holy Grail, weaving humor and personal anecdotes throughout. Explore nostalgic gaming moments juxtaposed with medieval themes, including a quirky Monty Python reference. Delve into Percival's transformation, highlighting the emotional weight of departure and grief within family dynamics. Discover the richer meanings of humility and self-awareness essential for redemption. Plus, enjoy discussions on fairy tales and masculinity in Arthurian legends—offering a fresh lens on these timeless narratives.

Dive into the enchanting world of King Arthur and the Holy Grail! The discussion unfolds the rich tapestry and cultural origins of Arthurian legends, exploring connections to Welsh, French, and Celtic narratives. Uncover the complex interpretations of the Grail and its ties to Christian traditions. The hosts humorously relate modern sports to ancient tales while examining the intricacies of medieval storytelling. Additionally, Percival's transformative journey of identity is highlighted, revealing deeper themes of self-discovery and the chivalric world.

Fantasy novelist and Russian language translator Dcn. Nicholas Kotar introduces two Russian fairy tales: “Marya Morevna, the Wondrous Queen” and “The Chestnut Roan.”

The Eddas are the two great sources for Norse mythology. In this episode, Fr. Andrew and Richard introduce the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century Icelandic historian, poet and politician.