Myth Madness: A Mythology Podcast

Nathan Rutherford
  • 4.8 (4)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Myths from around the world with some history on the people and civilizations that told them.

  1. 1d ago

    Seyavash

    This episode (84) will cover the myth of Seyavash, a large part of the Shahnameh epic poem. Seyavash is presented as a perfect prince – strong, capable, wise, and handsome. But, these qualities are a double-edged sword for Seyavash. Sudabeh, Kay Kavus, and Persia’s enemy Afrasyab are all brought into his story, with tragic results.

  2. Jul 20

    Sudabeh & The Foolishness of Kay Kavus

    This episode (83) features two more stories of the legendary Persian king Kay Kavus’s foolishness as recorded in the Shahnameh. The first involves a woman named Sudabeh, and the second again involves the mischief of divs.

  3. Jul 6

    Sohrab - A Tragedy

    This episode (82) will cover another of the Iranian hero Rostam’s adventures from the Shahnameh, an epic poem composed in Persian around 1010 AD. With the tragic story of Sohrab we begin to see Rostam’s flaws, his actions that come from them, and his despair that results.

  4. Jun 22

    Rostam’s Trials & The Rescue of Kay Kavus

    The Persian ruler Kay Kavus is an utter fool. So when he falls into some serious trouble it becomes the hero Rostam's job to save him. To do so, in this episode, Rostam completes a series of trials. Due to the trials, Rostam is often superficially described as an Iranian Heracles.

  5. Jun 8

    Afrasyab’s Wars Against Iran

    Up to now the Shahnameh largely focused on conflicts between the forces of good and evil with evil being represented by monsters and strange otherworldly creatures. But now, the Shahnameh switches its approach, and the Iranian heroes will struggle against foreign human enemies.  This episode (80) introduces the feud between the neighbouring kingdoms of Iran (Persia) and Turan, and the destruction wrought by the wars between them.

  6. May 25

    Rostam’s Youth & The Family of Gudarz

    In this episode (79) I introduce Rostam, one of the most significant heroes in Persian legends and who is often compared to the Greek Heracles. The Shahnameh covers the story of his birth but for other stories of his youth, we have to look at other epic poems. While sharing from these, I also introduce the close association between Rostam's family and that of another Persian hero named Gudarz.

  7. May 11

    The Romance of Zal and Rudabeh

    This episode (78) covers the romance of the Persian hero Zal (Zaal) and the beautiful princess Rudabeh. While a foreigner, Rudabeh represents the ideal Persian woman - virtuous, beautiful, dutiful, and intelligent. Their romance as presented in the Shahnameh, in the original language, is considered one of the best examples of Persian poetry. Its also just a great story, a bit like Romeo and Juliet if everyone was a good communicator.

  8. Apr 27

    Sam and the Simorgh – The Birth of Zal

    The first part of the Shahnameh focuses on several generations of legendary kings and their conflict with the forces of evil. But during the reign of the king Manuchehr, its heroes - the king’s various commanders - leave the background, begin to play a larger role, and are the stars of their own stories. This episode (77) focuses on Sam, loyal ruler of the region of Sistan and a powerful warrior. I use other sources, like the Samnameh, to introduce Sam and share some of his exploits. Then I move to the Shahnameh to share the story of his son Zal’s birth.

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4.8
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About

Myths from around the world with some history on the people and civilizations that told them.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Rutherford
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Myth Madness: A Mythology Podcast
  • Show Website
    Myth Madness: A Mythology Podcast