Misunderstood Monsters Episode 6: The Hydra and Other Serpents

In this episode, it's time to meet some slithering serpentine monsters! We start with the many-headed Hydra, who had the misfortune to be one of Heracles's many targets, but who got the consolation prize of becoming a constellation. Then we'll look at that constellation's story in Mesopotamian mythology and we'll meet an eight-headed serpent-dragon from Japanese mythology. Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 6 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read: Hydra:  At Mythopedia and Perseus at Tufts Original Greek literature quotes about the Hydra Bašmu & Ninurta:  More on Bašmu Ninurta at World History Encyclopedia Enki and Enlil Yamata no Orochi: From yokai.com The Eight-Headed Eight-Tailed Serpent Stuff to Watch: Check out our curated Youtube playlist for this episode!