Season 2, Episode 5
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Soundcloud | Ancient Faith
In the court of Kiev, there are three famous warriors. We’ve already met Ilya Muromets. We haven’t yet met Dobrynia Nikitich or Alyosha Popovich. It’s time for Dobrynia’s story, a mythic tale of a dragon who likes to steal princesses, a young warrior out to clear his name, and a battle that will literally cleave the earth in two.
In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas begins a two-episode exploration of the nature of evil in stories. In particular, three topics are raised: Why does modern culture like to rehabilitate traditionally evil characters? Is evil just a misunderstanding? Is it really more fun to be bad than good?
Original music by Natalie Wilson.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you may also like my essay “A Passport to Russian Fairy Land,” in which I guide you through the opening lines of Russian Fairy Tales, help you interpret cryptic fairy tale phrases, and introduce you to the infamous Baba Yaga herself! Enter your email and I’ll send your passport!