Eggs are an ancient symbol. The magical properties, burial rites and folk beliefs surrounding eggs are many.

In this first episode of Earth Lore, a Mythos series that retells ancient myth and traditional folklore surrounding the cosmos, earth, flora, fauna and natural phenomena, we will look at cosmic origin myths that feature magical primordial eggs.

With a brief introduction, there will then be two retellings of myths from Finland and China.

Music courtesy of Co-Ag music (copyright free music can be found on Youtube)



In Baltic folklore, birds are mediators of heaven and earth, between the living and the dead. Their music is heraldic and their song a prophetic chanting. Birds inhabit and embody the dynamic force of space, soaring through the invisible ether of the atmosphere.

In this story, we will journey to the thrice-three realm, to the garden of a Baltic King, where, amidst bone white birches and tall meadow grasses, there dwells a bird only accessible to the truly wise

Music (Youtube)

This Fascinating World, Co-Ag Music

Siidisulis linnukene' (Silken Feathered Bird), Maarja Nuut

Traditional kokle music variation 1, Laima Jansone

Abandoned 1, Co-Ag Music

Muutuja, Maarja Nuut & Ruum

Edge of Silence, Co-Ag Music

October, in much lore, is a spiritually potent time and the oft stated idea that the veil between worlds is thin at this time holds true in traditional Latvian practice. The living would prepare their homes for a visit from deceased ancestors, with the house cleaned and table laden with food for the occasion. To open this feast, an elder of the home would call the names of all the ancestral dead in living memory, inviting them to eat with the living.

In this story, we follow a young man into a Latvian forest, where he follows yet another tradition - retrieving the ancestors from the forest cemetery in a horse drawn cart.

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Thank you to Co-Ag Music for the excellent soundscapes of this episode.

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

You can find Spanxti here on Youtube: 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.

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In this episode, we journey again to Lithuania: we will go to the noble hall of an ignoble count and to a sylvan lake, to meet a washerwoman of great spirit, whose patrons are full of earth and water magic.

A massive thank you to Co-Ag Music and Jēkabs Zariņš for their permission to use their music.

'Meža diesma,' 'tehniskas variācijas,' and 'Grandparent's Blessing' by Jēkabs Zariņš

'Taste the Fear,' and 'Who will save my soul,' by Co-Ag Music.

Jēkabs Zariņš: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9izFNeuvBR3qt5vfgfBkOw

Co-Ag Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA

It is November in an Estonian village and it is the Time of Souls, when dead ancestors return and roam, visiting homes and enjoying the pleasures of life in the sauna

In this time of extended night, there are forces afoot, and not just those of deceased ancestors. There might be Nututaja: the evil eye, whose envy distresses and disturbs the new-born, and is one amongst a number of supernatural threats around the globe that threaten the infant. Perhaps a symbol of the immense world - with all of its dangers - surrounding the vulnerable little one, the Nututaja’s influence unsettles the baby, who becomes colicky and unable to sleep. In fact, Nututaja’s envy, the evil eye, is so powerful that it creates what seems to be an entity in its own right: Ööitketaja, the Night Wail.

A huge thank you to Maarja Nuut, a stunningly talented Estonian musician whose music seems made for these stories.

Songs: 'Siidisulis linnukene,' 'Veere, Veere, paevakene,' and 'Odangule.'

For more from Maarja, see her website: https://maarjanuut.com/

Introduction Music: Estonian Cradle Song

A quick introduction to the Baltic States and why a journey into the folkloric realms of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is well worth your time.

Welcome to episode 1 of 'Folklorica Baltica' - the fourth season of Mythos focusing on The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

In this episode, follow the journey of a young girl who dares enter the dread Wood of Tontla...and who discovers strange magic and hidden blessings.

Music credit goes to some fine Estonian folk musicians who very kindly allowed me to use their music in this episode. Do explore their music for something beautiful and different.

Kirtana Rasa (artist): Monet Aiad (song) and Leia mind taas (song)

Maarja Nuut (artist): Kargus (song)

Midrid (artist): Meeste Kutse (song)

Rüüt (artist): Orjalaul (song)

Handi Paadimehe lugu (traditional song)