Ladies of Lore

For centuries, Guinevere has been portrayed as a cautionary tale—the woman whose love affair with Lancelot shattered Camelot. But was she truly the villain of the story, or was she a victim of the patriarchal narratives that have shaped her legend? In this episode, we reclaim Guinevere’s agency, exploring her role as a powerful queen, a woman caught between duty and desire.  Join us in this first...

Here's a little announcement to let you all know what I've been cooking up.  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladiesoflore?_t=ZN-8uPUK8OLW7C&_r=1 Patreon will be live from 1st April at:  patreon.com/LadiesofLore Support the show Join the Patreon! - patreon.com/LadiesofLore Follow me on Bluesky - @ladiesoflore.bsky.social  Follow me on TikTok - @ladiesoflore Join the Discord -  https:/...

From the golden waters of Yoruba mythology to the iconic visuals of Lemonade , Oshun has long been a symbol of love, femininity, and resilience. But how does this powerful goddess connect to Beyoncé’s music, imagery, and artistic evolution? In this episode, we explore the origins and transformations of the Orisha, Oshun and unpack the deep spiritual and cultural ties between Oshun and Queen Bey. ...

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog introduced audiences to Tiana, a hardworking dreamer inspired by the real-life culinary legend Leah Chase. In this episode, we start with a brief look at the classic tale before diving into the remarkable story of Leah Chase, her journey from humble beginnings to becoming the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” her impact on New Orleans, and how her life helped shape Disn...

In this episode, we explore Ala, the powerful Earth Goddess of Igbo mythology. As the guardian of fertility, morality, and the afterlife, Ala plays a central role in Igbo spirituality. Join us as we uncover her significance, sacred shrines, and lasting influence on Igbo traditions. For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool stuff mentioned in this episode: https://phjhds.com/wp-...

I am so sorry for the microphone quality not being amazing this episode! Your girl was riding the struggle bus with it this week. Thank you for listening nonetheless!  I'm really excited to be highlighting Black mythology all throughout February, this week we're kicking it off by diving into the water and learning all about Mami Wata, the African water deity known for her beauty, generos...

Take a step into the spooky unknown and learn all about the creatures that strike fear into the Philippines, The Aswang. We'll discover some of the many forms of the Aswang, where they came from and how these creatures have endured throughout the ages, adapting to the changing social and political landscape of their homeland. For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool Stuff...

In this episode, we dive into the evolution of Belle, the beloved heroine from Beauty and the Beast. From Roman influence, her origins in 18th-century fairy tales to her portrayal in Disney’s iconic animation and live-action adaptations, we explore how Belle has remained a symbol of curiosity, courage, and compassion. Discover how her character has adapted to reflect changing cultural values, insp...

We're back with another bad girl of the Bible this week, Jezbel! Is she misunderstood or was she just a bit power hungry and immoral? Come and find out! For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool Stuff Mentioned In This Episode https://www.gutenberg.org/files/9660/9660-h/9660-h.htm https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jezebel-queen-of-Israel https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/art...

Come and learn all about Amaterasu, the fascinating Japanese Shinto Goddess of the sun. Learn about where she came from and hear tales of her quite dramatic sibling rivalries.  For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool stuff mentioned in this episode: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amaterasu https://mythopedia.com/topics/amaterasu https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g00748...

Come and find out all about the amazing women of yuletide mythology and folklore in this special festive episode!  For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool stuff mentioned in this episode: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/does-mrs-claus-have-a-life-of-her-own https://daily.jstor.org/santa-and-mrs-claus-and-the-christmas-war-of-the-sexes/ http://museumsonthegreen.org/wp-co...

If you thought you knew The Little Mermaid, think again. In this episode, we'll uncover the true story behind Ariel, we will do a deep dive in to the mind of Hans Christian Andersen, the creator of the original tale, discuss the Disneyfication of The Little Mermaid and examine where she can still be found in modern pop culture. Cool Stuff Mentioned In This Episode: https://rictornorton.co.uk/...

In this episode, we'll uncover the true story behind Mulan, we will read the original Chinese ballad, discuss the Disneyfication of Mulan and examine where she can still be found in modern pop culture.  For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Cool Stuff Mentioned In This Episode: https://classicalpoets.org/2018/09/23/the-ballad-of-mulan-a-rhyming-translation/ https://mulanboo...

In this episode, we'll uncover the true story behind Sleeping Beauty, a tale far darker and more complex than the enchanted slumber we know today. From ancient myths of cursed maidens to the harrowing origins in folklore, we'll explore how this story evolved through centuries of oral tradition, literature, and cultural transformation.    Join us as we peel back the layers of this timeles...

If you had the recipe to a highly effective, undetectable poison, how would you use it? To poison the men of course. Check out 2Lives - https://www.2lives.org/ Cool stuff mentioned this episode: https://aspectsofhistory.com/giulia-tofana-power-poison/ https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/giulia-tofana-the-italian-serial-poisoner-who-became-a-legend Support the show Join the Patreon! - patreon.com/Ladies...

Come and jump into Arthurian Legend and find out all about Arthur's half-sister, Morgan le Fay. Was she truly evil or was she just a girl trying to hold her own in a world of knights and wizards? Cool stuff mentioned in this episode: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Morgan-le-Fay https://kingarthursknights.com/arthurian-characters/morgan-le-fay/ https://theconversation.com/morgan-le-fay-how-a...

Come and explore the world of the Erzulie, divine feminine figures in Haitian Vodou.  Cool stuff I mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesofaZoe https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/collections/world-cultures/africa/vodouflags Support the show Join the Patreon! - patreon.com/LadiesofLore Follow me on Bluesky - @ladiesoflore.bsky.social  Follow me on TikTok - @ladiesoflore Joi...

Come with me to Japan to explore the terrifying Kuwazu Nyobo, the silent wife with the mouth in the back of her head. Cool Stuff I Mentioned In This Episode https://electricliterature.com/female-ghosts-and-spirits-from-japanese-folklore-ranked/ https://electricliterature.com/female-ghosts-and-spirits-from-japanese-folklore-ranked/ https://www.iromegane.com/post/japanese-mythology-marriage-between-...

Today's episode is all about Isis, the powerful mother figure who resurrected her husband and built a following (and a phallus) that transcended borders. Cool stuff I mentioned in this episode: https://medium.com/minneapolis-institute-of-art/ancient-egypt-and-the-mystery-of-the-missing-phallus-97db0103ecdc https://www.eoht.info/page/Phallus%20of%20Osiris https://www.britannica.com/topic/ancie...

Today's episode is all about Lilith, the first lady of the garden of Eden, demoness, seductress and feminist icon. Come and find out all about her origins, her departure from garden of Eden, her transformation into the infant slaying demon, and reclamation as a feminist symbol of the power of feminine sexuality. Head on over to 2lives for some more great podcasting! https://www.2lives.org Coo...

Today's episode is all about Hel, the Norse ruler of the underworld and Cate Blanchett lookalike!  Come and find out all about her origins, her place in Norse Cosmology and where you might find her in modern culture.  Cool Stuff I mentioned in this episode:  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hel-Norse-deity https://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/the-nine-worlds/helheim/ https://skjalden.com/hel...

Today’s episode is all about Yennenga, the warrior princess who broke tradition and founded a dynasty! Come and find out all about this amazing woman of mythology who's impact has truly altered history. Cool stuff I mentioned in this episode: https://www.tourhq.com/article/a-travel-guide-to-burkina-faso-the-land-of-honest-people https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/160D/production/_121...

So sorry for my last minute no show this week! But I promise I'll be back next week with a super fascinating episode about a badass woman of mythology. Please let me know if there is anything you'd like me to feature in upcoming episodes! I love hearing your feedback.  Thank you all SO much for the support! Can't wait to talk to you all next week. Support the show Join the Patreon!...

Today’s episode is all about Harpies, the furious and fearsome winged women of Ancient Greek Mythology!  Come and find out all about these terrifying creatures and see how their famous reputation has changed and evolved over time. For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com   Cool stuff I mentioned in this episode: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Harpy https://www.theoi.com...

In this episode we'll explore the fierce, fascinating and fabulous Sumerian Goddess, Inanna. The Queen of Heaven and of getting her own back. Come and learn all about her origins, her impact on other ancient cultures and her enduring legacy as both a trans ally and feminist icon.  For enquiries please email ladiesoflorepodcast@gmail.com Some of the cool stuff mentioned in this episode: https:...