Myths & Battles: Global History and Mythology

This episode explores Hermes' neutral role as a divine messenger and guide during the Trojan War, detailing his key actions like facilitating the judgment of Paris and aiding Priam.

This episode explores the Mesopotamian myth of Enlil's Flood, where gods attempted to destroy humanity due to unbearable noise, with only Utnapishtim surviving by building an ark, and examines its themes as the ancient world's first apocalyptic narrative.

This episode explores Cerberus, the three-headed dog from Greek mythology who guarded the gates of Hades, detailing its origins, physical description, and mythological significance.

This episode explores the mythological story of Sarpedon, the Lycian king and son of Zeus, detailing his origins, role in the Trojan War, and conflicting accounts of his parentage.

This episode recounts the arrival of Amazon Queen Penthesilea at the Trojan War and sets up her epic duel with the nearly invincible Greek hero Achilles.

This episode explores Set, the ancient Egyptian god of chaos and storms, detailing his violent birth, unique appearance, role in protecting Ra from Apophis, and his complex relationship with his brother Osiris.

This episode explores Hermes' role as a neutral divine messenger and strategist during the Trojan War, detailing his key actions like guiding the goddesses to Paris and assisting Priam and Odysseus.

This episode recounts the origin story of Atalanta, the Greek mythological huntress who was abandoned as a baby, raised by a she-bear and hunters, and grew to master wilderness skills.

This episode explores the biblical four horsemen of the apocalypse from the Book of Revelation, describing their symbolic meanings as harbingers of conquest, war, famine, and death that signal the end times.

This episode explores the terrifying Oni demons of Japanese folklore, describing their appearance, origins, powers, and cultural significance in ancient texts.

This episode explores Crazy Horse's early life, his formative vision that guided his warrior path, and the historical tensions between the Lakota and white settlers leading up to his first battle.

This episode explores the myth of Sisyphus, an intelligent but arrogant king in ancient Greece who defies the gods, setting the stage for his eventual punishment and its relevance to modern challenges.

This episode explores the mythological story of Cycnus, the invincible son of Poseidon who defended Troy against Achilles and was ultimately transformed into a swan after his death.

This episode explores the origins and rigorous training of the samurai, Japan's elite warrior class that emerged in the 9th century and dominated for 700 years.

This episode explores the development, organization, and rigorous training of Inca elite warriors who formed the core military force that expanded the Inca Empire after 1438.

This episode explores the Ziz, a colossal bird from Jewish mythology that blocks the sun, its biblical mentions, and its role alongside Behemoth and Leviathan in cosmic protection.

This episode explores the origin and unique abilities of Chrysaor, the forgotten demigod warrior born from Medusa's blood and fathered by Poseidon in Greek mythology.

This episode recounts the final day of Pompeii, a thriving Roman city that was suddenly destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

This episode explores the Sirens of Greek mythology, describing their bird-like appearance, hypnotic songs that lured sailors to their deaths, and various mythological origins and interpretations.

This episode retells the tragic backstory of Medusa, exploring her transformation from a human girl into a monster before her death at Perseus's hands.

This episode explores the demon Asmodeus from the Book of Tobit and his obsession with Sarah, who lost seven husbands on her wedding nights.

This episode narrates the 1453 Siege of Constantinople, detailing how it ended the Middle Ages and sparked the modern era.

This episode explores the Wars of the Roses, a 30-year civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne.

This episode explores the Battle of Carrhae, focusing on Marcus Licinius Crassus's ambition for military glory amid Rome's expansion.