Chthonia

Dive into the intriguing tale of Lilith, often hailed as Adam's first wife who challenged her subservient role. Discover her evolution from a demonized figure to a symbol of female empowerment and rebellion. The podcast delves into her origins in ancient texts and the complex relationship between femininity and societal perceptions of good and evil. Explore the intersections of ancient beliefs from Zoroastrianism and Jewish thought, and how these have shaped modern views on morality and power dynamics.

Website: https://chthonia.netPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaMerch: https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/GoFundMe for Institute for the Study of Feminine Myth: https://gofund.me/5e24b8ec This week we look at the Waterford (Ireland) vampire, the Dearg Due. Unlike some other folkloric vampires, this one has its origins in a story about a forced marriage, star crossed lovers, and abuse of the feminine by a father and a husband. When we look at all the elements of the story, we end up with a story about the dangers of denying female sovereignty rather than a didactic tale about women who want to marry below their social station.

Website: https://chthonia.netBooks: https://chthonia.net/publicationsMerch: https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaThis week we look at Leviathan, the deep sea monster/demon that is characterized as feminine by Enoch, though we are told by other sources that there was a male and female Leviathan, and that the female was slain to be preserved as a feast for the righteous when the Messiah comes. What exactly is the Leviathan? I argue that comparative myths support the idea of a feminine Leviathan, and why the Christian conception of Leviathan as a devil/demon to be "cast into the abyss forever" makes no sense.

Dive into the fascinating tale of Jezebel, the controversial queen whose legacy raises questions about female power. Uncover how her reputation as the archetypal wicked queen stems from societal fears of empowered women. Explore her duality—both ruthless and vulnerable—as she navigated conflicts between Baalism and Yahwism. The discussion reveals her complex influence on perceptions of women in leadership, showcasing historical figures who defy traditional roles. This journey through ancient narratives challenges the definitions of morality and authority.

Website: https://chthonia.netPublications: https://chthonia.net/publicationsPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaMerch: https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/This week's episode looks at the Sirens, bird-monsters with female heads (later represented as mermaids) whose song leads sailors to shipwreck and starvation. They are usually considered to be children of the Muses (Terpsichore or Melpomene), and the handmaidens of Persephone, who are either given bird wings to help in Demeter's search or to punish them for neglect at her abduction. Our modern use of the term "Siren" usually indicates a woman who leads a married man astray. What do we understand about the psychology of love and seduction from the stories of the Sirens?

Website: https://chthonia.netPublications: https://chthonia.net/publicationsMerch: https://https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/Patreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaThis week, we take a look at Goddess Durga. It is strange that I have covered almost every other major Shakti figure on this podcast, but have not done an episode on the star of the Devi Mahatmayam, Durga herself. Beholden to no one, Durga is a warrior called in when she is invited to battle the draining forces of greed and power. We look at the paradox of a goddess who represents both the causes of our violent and angry impulses and also the remedy to those same impulses.

Website: https://chthonia.netPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaSocial media: chthoniapodcast (IG, X, and YouTube), Chthonia Podcast (FB)This week's podcast looks at the Banshee, a Celtic/Gaelic female phantom fairy figure that is heard and sometimes seen weeping and wailing to portend the death of a member of an ancient Irish family. Is the Banshee an omen, a guardian spirit, or both? We look at the elements of Banshee lore and the art of keening and lamenting at funerals, comparing Irish funerary practice to that of ancient Greece.

Website: https://chthonia.netBuy Project Lethe and other books at https://chthonia.net/publicationsPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaSocial media: chthoniapodcast (IG, YouTube, X), Chthonia Podcast (FB)This week we look at the architectural grotesque figure known as the Sheela Na Gig. No one really knows why they were placed on churches, castles, and other secular buildings, but academics have many theories. They seem to originate on the European continent, with later appearances in Ireland and the UK. The lewd image recalls Greek portrayals of Baubo, and the key to understanding these figures might lie in the power of anasyrma (skirt-lifting) to avert evil. But no one really knows!

In this week's episode we discuss the Harpies, creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a monstrous bird that represent storm winds. This episode was created in the wake of a huge storm that knocked my power out for 2 days, so there's discussion of the impact of storms, unpredictability, and sudden change. The name refers to "snatching", and in the myths this refers to the snatching of food, of children--and of souls. Website: https://chthonia.netPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaMerch: https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/Social media: chthoniapodcast

This week we look at the Mexican folkloric figure of La Llorona, the wailing woman eternally searching for her dead children. She is generally seen as a dangerous figure who is alternately a child stealer, someone seducing men to their deaths, or an omen of death. While the image of La Llorona may have its roots in Aztec myth, her story is very much a variant of the European "White Lady" narrative. We explore similarities to myths about the Sirens, the Banshee, the Lamia, and even Macha of Ulster. We also look at keening or wailing as a funerary art. Ultimately the various stories of La Llorona represent a betrayal or misuse of primal Feminine power. Website: https://chthonia.netPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaSocial media: chthoniapodcast (X, IG, and YouTube), Chthonia Podcast (FB)