It’s time to finish up our “come back from the Underworld” mini-series! In this episode, we’ll be covering stories of some mythological figures whose trips to the Underworld were… unintentional. And not of natural causes. But they all manage to come back! Just usually with a little outside help. You'll hear two major stories from Egyptian and Norse mythology, and then a couple of lesser-known tales from Japan and Finland.

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 Comeback Kids Episode 8

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!).

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Stuff to Read:

• More on Osiris:
  • At Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia
  • From the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
• A little bit about Demeter, Demophon, and the Eleusinian Mysteries
• More on Baldr:
  • At Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia
  • The Death of Baldr (Norse Mythology for Smart People)
• More on Onamuji
  • From New World Encyclopedia
  • Ōkuninushi, the Master of the Land
• Lemminkäinen at the Finnish Folklore Wiki

Stuff to Watch:

• Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist!

Cool Images:

Statue of Osiris

Osiris and the Egyptian Resurrection (1911 reproduction of ancient tomb wall art)

"Death of Baldr" (c. 1750)

“Baldur’s Death” by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg (1817)

"Each arrow overshot his head" (1902)