Comeback Kids Episode 4: Tefnut and Disappearing Gods

In this episode, we're exploring stories of gods who, for one reason or another, withdrew themselves and their gifts from the mortal world -- but who eventually either came back or at least made sure someone else picked up the slack in their absence. We'll hear about an Egyptian rain goddess who ran away, a Greek agricultural goddess in mourning, a Japanese sun goddess who hid in a cave, and a Yoruba Orisha creator god who is really good at delegation!

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 4

If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here!

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 Tefnut: 
  • Tefnut at Ancient Egypt Online and Mythlok
  • Tefnut, Goddess of Moisture and Rain at History Cooperative
  • A Brief History of the Gods and Goddesses of Egypt from World History Encyclopedia
• More on Demeter: 
  • Demeter at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia
  • Quotes about Demeter from original Greek sources at THEOI
• Amaterasu at Mythopedia and World History Encyclopedia
• Olorun at Mythopedia and Oriire

Stuff to Watch: 

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

Cool Images: 

Relief of Tefnut, Ptolemaic Period. 180-47 BCE.

Stele featuring Osiris, Tefnut and Shu

Red Attic figure of Demeter, c.5th century BCE

Roman statue of Demeter/Ceres

Demeter by Yliade on DeviantArt, 2020

Amaterasu emerging from the cave, by Utagawa Kunisada, 19th century

The Installation of the Sun Goddess, 1925