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Embarks on an odyssey to uncover the origins of myths an mythical creatures the world over. What links do dragons, werewolves, vampires, mermaids and unicorns have to natural history? What is the relevance of myths in today's society?
1997
The different kinds of nocturnal monsters and spirits to appear in mythology, with explanations about what they may represent to us.
Different roles of dragons in mythology, with their links to living reptiles and amphibians as well as exploring their relevance in the modern day.
The sea in mythology, including the gods and creatures that live within it.
Many ways that cats appear in mythology, combining both domestic cats and big cats – this includes mythological cat monsters and superstitions about the living animals.
Ancient stories of different doomsdays, exploring why humans come to believe they are destined to be destroyed and comparing these myths to real mass-extinction events.
The stories of metamorphosis between man and animal, with a particular focus on the stories of werewolves, as well as looking at other folklore surrounding wolves.
Different underworlds, with an emphasis on the Egyptian, Greek and Christian versions, exploring the role religion plays in these stories and examining both near-death experiences and the different sources for the creation of the devil.
The appearance and significance of human-animal hybrids in mythology.
The mythology surrounding temperate forests, including the creatures living within it, as well as looking at beliefs about the seasonal changes of the forest environment.
The role of the horse in mythology, including stories about the creation of the horse and creatures with horse-like features.
The role of birds in mythology, including depictions of mythical bird creatures.
Trickster characters and the role they play in human society.
The modern stories of aliens, looking at several notable alien encounters, comparing these creatures to living insects and examining if they are an update of ancient myths or actually inspired them.
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Zoë Wanamaker
Narrator