S04 Episode 6: Tales from the Amber Sea Part 1, The Sea Queen & The Fisherman

The mythic origin tales of Baltic amber are full of magic, and the pre-history of the golden-umber resin-stone is no less awe-inspiring. This pine-tree resin was fossilized 45 million years ago, during a period of intense warmth that caused the pines to exude huge amounts of sap. There is an inherent enchantment in handling something that warms to the touch and is the remnant of a prehistoric coniferous forest. Even more otherworldly are those pieces of amber that contain the tiny remains of this ancient - and almost mythical - past. Oak leaf bits, tiny twigs, pollen, and other plant detritus found itself preserved in the resin which hardened over millions of years. Even ancient insects have been encapsulated in the golden substance. No wonder then that the Baltics, where this fey stone can be found in particular abundance, was the site of trade for many many thousands of years. In this episode, we will dive into a Lithuanian origin myth for this precious stone.A big thank you to Co-Ag Music and Spanxti for the stunning music in this episode!You can find Co-Ag here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA)You can find Spanxti here on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk1_IxRDcik (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk1_IxRDcik)If you’re wanting a bit more than monthly episodes - and like the sound of engaging with the stories of the folk more deeply and creatively - of restoring the ancient practice of listening to and responding to traditional tales, then the upcoming  'Your Story Heritage' course might be for you - if that’s the case, right now, before you forget, CLICK HERE and then click on the orange ‘register your interest’ button. Consider becoming a PatronYou can also make a one-time donation here: https://www.mythospodcast.com/ (https://www.mythospodcast.com/)

Om Podcasten

This podcast is a storytelling journey through world-folklore. With brief context and analysis in the introductions, the main focus is the retelling of stories themselves. From saucer-eyed spectral dogs to pond-scum haunting child-eating witches - experience the darker side of Britain's folklore in Series 1. Then journey to central and eastern Europe to the world of Slavic folklore, home of Baba Yaga and lurking nature spirits (Series 2). From there, step into the vast world of Nordic Folklore, where creatures abound in the woodlands, mountains and fjords of beautiful northern climes. Look out a series called 'Earth Lore' this autumn/winter to celebrate the natural world and a series on Japanese and Korean folklore next spring.