mythology

This special episode of the Weird World Adventures Podcast features a sneak peak into Malorie & Michael’s new book,“Medicine & Mythology: A Chronicle of Gods and Man.” This talk was recorded at the Cosmos Club in Washington DC via the Explorers Club Round Table lecture series, and the team was blown away with how well…

Hi everyone! We are taking a break this week as Michael and Malorie prepare to present “Medicine & Mythology: A Chronicle of Gods and Man” at the Cosmos Club in Washington DC via the Explorers Club lecture series. Stay tuned as we present this talk via our next podcast episode. My name is Malorie Mackey,…

Today Malorie analyzes the use of Indigenous myths in American Tourism. When is is appropriate? When is it appropriation? How can we be responsible tourists and ask the right questions when it comes to mythology in tourism? My name is Malorie Mackey, and I’ve always had a strong passion for everything dorky and unusual. My…

Werewolves have been the main characters in things from classic horror movies to teenage love triangles. But the idea that a person could transform into a wild animal—a literal wolf—didn’t start in some Hollywood studio. It didn’t even start with Grimm’s fairytales. The roots go way deeper, way older, and honestly, way stranger. Because as…

I know. Giants? It sounds like a story for little kids. But believe it or not, for centuries, stories about ancient, human-like beings who were way taller, stronger, and frankly just… enormous, have popped up in legends around the world. And not just in one place either—we’re talking biblical texts, Native American oral histories, Greek…

Crystal skulls—whether you’ve heard of them or not, chances are you’ve seen them in movies, books, or maybe even at a local metaphysical shop. These mysterious, clear quartz skulls have sparked tons of stories and theories about lost civilizations, ancient prophecies, and mystical powers. But, what’s the real deal with them? Let’s find out What…

If you’ve ever heard a spooky story late at night or talked to someone from Latin America, chances are you’ve come across the legend of El Chupacabra. This creepy cryptid, which translates to “goat-sucker” in English, is one of the most infamous creatures in Latin American folklore. So, let’s learn a little bit more about…

Most of us already know that Egypt is no stranger to ancient mysteries. There are plenty of stories about hidden tombs, lost civilizations, and curses. And we’ve already covered plenty of them here. However, there’s one discovery from 2018 that sent a different kind of chill through the world. In the city of Alexandria, buried…

For decades, archaeologists have studied ancient cave paintings. And for a long time, we believed that these were only proof of the artistic abilities of our prehistoric ancestors. Now, that the paintings in places like Lascaux, France, or Altamira, Spain, have been studied in depth—every brushstroke analyzed, every pigment sourced, every animal identified, we realize…

America has plenty of ghost towns—abandoned mining camps, old railroad stops, and once-bustling settlements that simply couldn’t survive changing times. Most have clear reasons for their decline: economic collapse, natural disasters, or shifting industry. But then there’s Urkhammer, Iowa—a town that didn’t just fade away but vanished completely. No ruins, no records, and no evidence…

Some jewelry is priceless. Some pieces are full of history. And then there are the ones you shouldn’t touch—because everyone who has ever worn them has met a terrible fate. Throughout history, certain cursed jewels have left a trail of misfortune, ruin, and even death in their wake. Some are hidden away, locked in museum…

You know that weird, almost unsettling feeling when you walk into a place you’ve never been before, but somehow, you recognize it? Or when you’re in the middle of a conversation, and you know—down to the exact words—what someone’s about to say before they even say it? That feeling, like you’re reliving a moment you’re…

Imagine you’re alone in an old house. The air feels heavy, the silence is thick, and suddenly—you see something move in the corner of your eye. A shadow? A figure? Your heart sinks to your stomach. You turn, but there’s nothing there. Was it a trick of the light? Your imagination? Or was it something…

Somewhere, buried in the sands of time—maybe even literally—there’s a book that holds the answers to everything. The ancients called it the Book of Thoth, a legendary text said to contain the deepest secrets of the universe. The knowledge of the gods. The power to decipher the language of animals. The ability to see beyond…

It’s no secret that throughout history, religion has shaped civilizations, built empires, and defined human existence. But not all religious traditions were meant to be remembered. Some of them were so secretive, so sacred, or even so feared that they were buried—literally and figuratively—by time, rulers, and changing beliefs. We’re talking about the religious rituals…

We’ve all seen the terrifying zombies shuffling through movies and TV shows—rotting flesh, bloodshot eyes, and an unquenchable thirst for human brains. But here’s the thing: zombies didn’t just show up in Hollywood. Nope, the Zombie Archetype has been around for centuries. They popped up in all kinds of myths, stories, and cultural beliefs long…

Today, we’re diving into the world of unicorns. These mystical, horned creatures have been stealing the spotlight in myths, fairy tales, and even Lisa Frank folders for what feels like forever. But here’s a question: have you ever stopped to wonder if unicorns were ever real? I’m not talking about your childhood daydreams or the…

In the 18th century, grave robbing wasn’t just some creepy thing people read about in mystery novels—it was a real, thriving business. It might sound insane, but it’s true. People were literally digging up graves to sell the bodies. These so-called “resurrectionists” were in high demand during this time, and they were digging up bodies…

When we think about death, it can feel pretty heavy and unsettling. But throughout history and across various cultures, there’s been a fascinating cast of characters that help navigate the often murky waters of life after death. These creatures, known as psychopomps, have played essential roles in mythology and folklore as guides for souls on…

Happy Halloween (and beyond), everyone! In celebration of Halloween (but of course this is also evergreen for after Halloween), we did an exclusive interview with one of the historians at Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle). Hear clips of our interview in the courtyard at Dracula’s Castle (full interview to release with the second…

There’s a bizarre and captivating mystery that dates all the way back to the 12th century in a small English village called Woolpit. If you haven’t heard of it, the story of the Green Children of Woolpit is one that’s equal parts fascinating and head-scratching. It’s a tale that’s left people wondering for centuries: were…

The pass of Thermopylae, often called the “Gates of Hell,” is one of the most famous sites in history. It’s known for the heroic last stand of King Leonidas of Sparta and his small army against the massive Persian Empire in 480 BCE. This battle, though over 2,000 years old, still captures the imagination with…

Mythology from around the world is full of stories about creatures that are part human and part beast. These mythical hybrids have captivated our imaginations for centuries, appearing in everything from ancient texts to modern pop culture. Whether they are symbols of power, protectors of sacred places, or terrifying monsters, these creatures have played a…

You know just how much we love to talk about ancient civilizations. First of all, there’s still so much to learn from them, even today. Secondly, history is just so interesting. Reflecting on the ways in which we used to live really puts our current lives in a different perspective. And do you know what…

Imagine standing on a vast land where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers define the boundaries. This is Mesopotamia, often called the “Birthplace of Civilization.” Thousands of years ago, in what is now modern-day Iraq, some of the earliest human societies began to flourish here. Despite the passage of time, the intelligence and diversity of these…