Dobrynia Nikitich and the Dragon

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?

Om Podcasten

Deathless villains that can’t help dying, idiots who are wiser than kings, and everyone’s favorite pestle-riding hag… Welcome to the perilous land of Slavic myths and legends, a land of wonder and adventure. In a Certain Kingdom is a podcast where storyteller and award-winning fantasy novelist Nicholas Kotar translates and retells Slavic fairy tales and myths, then delves into the symbolic structure of the story. Featuring original music composed by Natalie Wilson.