Five Minute Mythology

What Happens If You Offend an Engkanto? | Ep58

Beneath the emerald canopies of the Philippine jungles, ancient spirits still walk among us. Meet the Engkanto—ethereal guardians of nature whose beauty is as dangerous as it is divine. In this episode, we explore the myths surrounding these elemental beings: their role as protectors of wild places, their powers to bless or curse, and the haunting tales of those who dared trespass their sacred domains. Step lightly—some paths are watched.
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When the Dead Rise: 7 Secrets of Viking Draugr | Ep57

Beneath frostbitten burial mounds, the Draugr stir—undead warriors fueled by rage, greed, and curses that bind them beyond death. Unlike restless ghosts, these towering revenants wear rotted flesh and iron-hard skin, guarding their hoards with terrifying strength. Discover the origins of these Viking horrors, the infamous tale of Glamr and the doomed hero Grettir, and the ancient rituals meant to keep them buried forever. This is a journey into a dark myth where the dead refuse to rest, and the line between life and death twists into something deadly and unyielding.
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Why Were Children Swapped? The Changeling Secret | Ep56

In the shadowy border between the natural and supernatural, the Changeling myth emerges from Northern and Central Europe’s ancient tales. These eerie doppelgangers—fairy or troll children swapped for human babies—carry a mysterious magic and a haunting purpose. More than mere tricksters, Changelings explain sudden changes in children that baffled and terrified communities for centuries. This episode unpacks their unsettling traits, the ancient rituals to expose them, and what these stories reveal about fear, difference, and the human need to make sense of the unexplainable.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

The Boobrie: Scotland’s Shape-Shifting Water Monster Secret | Ep55

In the mist-shrouded lochs of western Scotland, a terrifying shape-shifter stalks both water and land—the Boobrie. Part monstrous bird, part spectral water bull, and sometimes a nightmarish insect, this elusive creature haunts ancient Gaelic lore with tales of savior and scourge alike. From thunderous hoofbeats echoing across the loch to chilling cries that unsettle sailors, the Boobrie’s myth blends natural mystery and supernatural menace. Discover the haunting stories of its deadly appetite, shape-shifting powers, and the ancient secrets that still ripple beneath Scotland’s rugged wilderness.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

What If a Dragon Rooster Steals Your Wealth? | Ep54

In ancient Lithuanian folklore, the Aitvaras is no ordinary spirit. Shifting from a glowing, meteor-tailed rooster indoors to a fiery serpentine dragon outside, this enigmatic creature brings both fortune and chaos. Born from mysterious origins—whether a rare rooster’s egg or a black stallion’s testicle—the Aitvaras sneaks into homes, filling coffers with stolen riches from neighbors. But this stolen prosperity breeds suspicion, envy, and sometimes disaster. Nearly invincible and impossible to banish, its presence warns of the fine line between luck and curse, and the hidden costs of sudden wealth. This episode unpacks the paradox of the Aitvaras: a magical guardian, a thief, and a symbol of the unpredictable price of fortune.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

Zhurong’s Fiery Clash: How Fire Shaped Ancient China | Ep53

In this episode, we dive into the blazing legend of Zhurong, the ancient Chinese god of fire and the south. Explore his epic battle against the water deity Gonggong, a cosmic showdown that reshaped the world’s landscape and symbolized the eternal struggle between opposing forces. Beyond the flames and fury, discover how Zhurong embodies transformation, discipline, and the vital role of fire in the rise of civilization. From celestial lineage to ritual significance, his story illuminates the enduring power and paradox of fire in Chinese mythology.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

What If Japan’s Whistling Sea Spirits Still Guide Us? | Ep52

In this episode, we explore the haunting legend of the Yobuko—ethereal sea spirits born from fishermen’s prayers in ancient Japan. Known for their eerie, melodic whistle that calls fish to nets, these glowing guardians embody the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Through the story of a humble fisherman’s miraculous catch and the fading presence of the Yobuko in a modern world, we uncover a timeless message about respect, reverence, and the fragile ties that bind us to the unseen forces sustaining life.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

Xenu’s Galactic Massacre: Secrets Behind Earth’s Hidden Past | Ep51

Dive into the shadowy saga of Xenu, the ruthless galactic dictator whose desperate bid to control an overpopulated empire led to a cataclysmic event etched into Earth’s very history. Uncover how billions were deceived, annihilated, and trapped in an invisible spiritual prison that echoes through time. This episode peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding one of the most controversial myths in modern lore—a story of cosmic power, rebellion, and the unseen forces believed to shape human existence.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

Werewolves Revealed: 7 Secrets Behind the Curse | Ep50

This episode unpacks the werewolf myth across time and cultures, revealing its origins in ancient Greece, its transformation through Norse and medieval European legends, and its evolving symbolism—from cursed outcast to fierce protector. We explore the terrifying moment of transformation, the legendary powers and vulnerabilities of lycanthropes, and how these stories reflect humanity’s struggle between civilization and wildness. Prepare to journey into the shadowy heart of a myth that still howls at the edges of our imagination.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!

Vila: The Enchanting Warriors of Slavic Myth | Ep49

This episode explores the haunting myth of the vila—ethereal Slavic spirits who embody nature’s wild beauty and fierce power. Known for their shifting forms as women, swans, or storms, vile are both protectors and avengers, bestowing blessings or ruthless vengeance depending on how they’re treated. Through tales of heroic brothers raised by a vila and her deadly demands for respect, we uncover a complex figure who blurs the line between kindness and cruelty. Discover how these enigmatic beings symbolize the delicate balance between reverence and recklessness in the natural world—and why crossing a vila can mean paying a steep price.
Explore more myths and wonders by visiting godsandmonsters.info. Join our free community for a daily dose of mythology at our Substack!