In a Certain Kingdom
36 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 107 ratingsRetelling of Slavic Fairytales and Myths, and an Explanation of How These Stories Help Us Better See and Live in the Real World
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Episodes
A Special Announcement!
November 14, 2022 19:56 - 3 minutes - 8.22 MBDn. Nicholas will be taking a brief hiatus from his podcast. Click here to find out what he is working on in the meantime!
The Wooden Eagle
October 20, 2022 11:57 - 21 minutes - 50.4 MBA certain Tsar collects artisans like trinkets. And what do you think? Of course they all compete for his attention. But once a goldsmith and a carpenter argue so much they nearly come to blows. The Tsar, never one to avoid an exciting opportunity, orders them to create the greatest work of art ever made. The result? Well, a hero's journey, two thwarted executions, a princess in a tower. And a story that is sure to stay with you for a long time. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas wond...
Prince Ivan, the Firebird, and Koschei the Deathless
September 29, 2022 05:00 - 23 minutes - 53.9 MBIn a variation on a familiar story, Prince Ivan is the only one of his three brothers with the vigilance to find the thief of his father's golden apples. But when he tries to catch the thief - a firebird - he catches nothing but a tail feather. His father, overcome by the feather's beauty, promises riches to the son who brings back the firebird. Ivan repeatedly fails, and only through the help of a speaking wolf can he undertake the most difficult journey of all, through the dark forest of Ba...
Prince Ivan, the Witch Baby, and the Little Prince of the Sun
August 13, 2022 17:20Little Prince Ivan was born dumb, and his parents couldn't wait to have another child. Anything was better than a voiceless future Tsar! But you should be careful what you wish for. They did have another child. A girl. But she had iron teeth. And an unfortunate taste for... well, everything! This strange, wonderful story has some of the most unusual and vivid images in all of Russian folklore. Instead of an analysis section, Deacon Nicholas is soliciting your feedback, dear listeners! Do you...
Just Like Salt and Baba Yaga
July 20, 2022 17:15Today we're happy to share two shorter stories, one called "Just Like Salt" and the other the return of everyone's favorite villain: Baba Yaga. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas recommends a wonderful new book that has some fascinating things to say about early Christian poetry and imaginative fictions. Be sure to check out "She Who Loved Much" by Fr Kevin Kalish, from Holy Trinity Publications.
The Tale of Vasilisa Mikulishna
July 07, 2022 13:13This week we return to the world of mythical Kiev for another tale of the bogatyrs and... their wives? The Tale of Vasilisa Mikulishna is a wonderfully fun gender-swapping tale that puts masculine and feminine tropes on their head... only to put them all back in glorious order by the end. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas offers a real-life example of someone who was conquered by Christ through a life of storytelling.
The Proud Bride
June 23, 2022 06:30In "The Proud Bride," we see the classic trope of the shrewish bride who is impossible to marry off (think King Thrushbeard and the Taming of the Shrew) being tamed by a trickster figure of a groom. But this time, it's the Russian fairy tale version. In the analysis, Deacon Nicholas reflects on some of the difficulties of the creative life by reading a wonderful essay by Ivan Ilyin on "A Wasted Day." Sounds depressing, perhaps, but in the beautiful words of Ilyin, it's a truly comforting re...
The Three Sons Serbian
June 09, 2022 11:55When a mysterious old woman visits the house of three brothers, unexpected gifts begin to abound. But the greatest gift is sometimes the smallest, least expected thing... In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas continues his examination of the poetry of St Gregory the Theologian and finds some unexpected insight in a poem... about poetry.
Ivan the Peasant’s Son
May 26, 2022 18:38 - 31 minutes - 73.7 MBIvan, the third son of a peasant family, refuses to be left behind when his brothers go to war against a dragonish monster. And a good thing, too! For his brothers prefer snoring to swordplay. After coming into a land scorched by the attacks of the monster, Ivan becomes the last man standing between the monster and the people of the Rus. But the trouble is, there's not one... but three dragonish monsters! And they have dragon-brides too... And a great dragon-mother, the most dangerous serpent...
Ivan the Peasant's Son
May 26, 2022 06:38Ivan, the third son of a peasant family, refuses to be left behind when his brothers go to war against a dragonish monster. And a good thing, too! For his brothers prefer snoring to swordplay. After coming into a land scorched by the attacks of the monster, Ivan becomes the last man standing between the monster and the people of the Rus. But the trouble is, there's not one... but three dragonish monsters! And they have dragon-brides too... And a great dragon-mother, the most dangerous serpent...
The Third Son
May 12, 2022 17:01The Third Son, a Carpatho-Russian fairy tale, starts like the well-known parable of the talents. But this time, we're looking at it from the perspective of the lazy, third son who did nothing with the talent given to him. What happened to that poor son? Well, in this tale, he goes on a transformative journey where his own adventures and redemption ends up saving an entire land from the scourge of dark powers. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas begins his apology for imaginative storyte...
Season 3 Trailer
April 28, 2022 13:14After a long wait, In a Certain Kingdom is back! And thanks to the show's patrons, it will now be an ongoing bi-monthly podcast with no limit to the number of episodes. Not only that, but Nicholas Kotar is going to include stories not only from Russia, but from Ukraine, Carpatho-Russia, Georgia, Romania, and maybe a few others. In addition, wonderful composer Natalie Wilson has written new music for this season that is the most beautiful so far! Look for In a Certain Kingdom to return with fu...
The Return of Ilya Muromets
October 28, 2021 13:42As the Tatar horde lords it over Kiev, Ilya slowly digs himself out of his prison. There is no one else left between Batu-khan and total domination. Batu decides to try to woo Ilya, instead of keeping him imprisoned. But Ilya will have none of it, and Batu orders him to be executed. At the place of execution in the field of Kulikovo, the rebirth of the Rus begins. Be sure to listen to the end of this episode to find out Nicholas Kotar's plans for the future of this podcast.
Ilya Muromets and Batu Khan
October 21, 2021 08:50Ilya Muromets's fateful words to Vladimir prove true. A massive army led by the terrifying Batu-Khan approaches Kiev, intent on destroying it and feasting in its streets. Vladimir, in his terror, agrees to let the Tatars into the city, in return for his life. But Ilya Muromets will have none of it. He attacks the army on his own, and almost defeats it singlehandedly. But Batu Khan is a trickster. He has one last trick up his sleeve, and even the great Ilya Muromets may find himself powerless...
Ilya Muromets Quarrels with Prince Vladimir
October 15, 2021 16:25After the untimely death of Sukhmann the young warrior, Ilya Muromets is furious with Vladimir of Kiev. He plans to take revenge on the prince, but Vladimir manages to pacify him for a short time. But the boyars of Kiev are at it again. Jealous of Ilya's preferred position in court, they slander Ilya Muromets to Prince Vladimir. The hot-headed prince does the unthinkable: he imprisons Ilya, just as he did Sukhmann. But a new threat is on the horizon: King Kalin, a new leader of the Tatars. A...
Sukhmann the Young Warrior
October 07, 2021 14:51When Sukhmann the young warrior comes to Vladimir's feast, he feels a sudden desire to thank his host with a special gift. A white swan caught with his own two hands. But his hunting does not go at all as he planned. Unexpectedly, he is faced with a new enemy of the Rus. A never-before seen fighting force called the Tatars.
The Daughter of the Tsar of the Sea
July 07, 2021 11:54Sadko is a young musician. The best in Novgorod! But he's also one of the poorest. This is the lot of the true artist. No one understands him, he feels. No one except the beautiful river near his city. Well, it turns out that the river does understand him. Not only that, but she (yes, she!) is intent on marrying him! There is no analysis this week, as the Kotars are expecting the imminent coming of their fourth child. Feasting will no doubt ensue. Later.
The Wedding of Dobrynia, son of Nikita.
June 30, 2021 09:14Dobrynia, son of Nikita, fresh off his victory over the dragon, finds a mysterious set of hoof prints in the forest. He follows them, and finds a mysterious warrior. But who that warrior actually is, he could never have guessed... In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas reads an email from a listener that adds some interesting nuance to the ongoing conversation we've had on this podcast concerning the nature of evil in stories and how best to depict the battle between good and evil in a way...
The Story of Nikita the Tanner
June 16, 2021 10:14In our second dragon-themed tale, Kiev the great city's perfect existence is darkened by a terrible dragon. It promises not to destroy the city, but only if the people offer it a beautiful maiden once a month. Finally, it's the princess's turn. Her only hope of avoiding a terrible death is a humble tanner living in obscurity outside the city. But he wants to have nothing to do with dragons... In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas offers some thoughts about how evil can emerge in reality, ...
Dobrynia Nikitich and the Dragon
June 03, 2021 08:39In 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 moder...
The Story of Volga Vseslav’evich
May 27, 2021 01:38 - 20 minutes - 16.7 MBAfter Ilya Muromets was healed by the three wanderers, they warned him against ever picking a fight with several famous fellow-warriors. One of those was Volga Vseslav'evich, renowned for his strength, but even more for his cunning. This is his story, a tale filled with deep magic, deeds of renown, and the triumph of virtue over power. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas reads a short essay by Ivan Ilyin about the failures of modern culture, and how a renewed attention to a life of the ...
The Story of Volga Vseslav'evich
May 26, 2021 13:38After Ilya Muromets was healed by the three wanderers, they warned him against ever picking a fight with several famous fellow-warriors. One of those was Volga Vseslav'evich, renowned for his strength, but even more for his cunning. This is his story, a tale filled with deep magic, deeds of renown, and the triumph of virtue over power. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas reads a short essay by Ivan Ilyin about the failures of modern culture, and how a renewed attention to a life of the ...
Ilya Muromets and Nightingale the Outlaw
May 20, 2021 11:08Ilya Muromets comes home after his harrowing encounter with Svyatogor in the mountains. After receiving a blessing from his parents, he goes out into the world for the first time. Immediately, he saves a city from an army, to the acclaim of everyone. But a sinister force lies between him and Kiev, the capital city of Rus. In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas discusses the need for a new heroic paradigm in stories for our time. Perhaps neither Tolkien nor George R R Martin can provide us...
Ilya Muromets: Part 2
May 13, 2021 16:41Ilya Muromets, fresh from his healing at the hands of the mysterious wanderers, goes to Krasnoiar the great smith to receive his first set of arms and armor. But no matter how much Krasnoiar tries, he's unable to make Ilya a sword. So Ilya travels into the holy mountains to encounter Svyatogor, the giant warrior. But is this giant warrior any different from the monster Kalivan? During a fateful encounter with a strange magical object, Ilya comes face to face with a terrifying truth about wha...
The Childhood of Ilya Muromets
May 06, 2021 08:28A peasant couple, though happily married, have a hidden grief. They haven't been given any children. So when their first son is finally born, they expect great things from him. But what they get instead is a cripple, a child unable to walk or do anything for himself. So how did this sickly child become the greatest legendary warrior old Russia has ever known? In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas does a deep examination of the idea that Christ used stories as the primary vehicle for trans...
Season 2 Trailer
April 23, 2021 07:04Nicholas Kotar presents a teaser for the new season In a Certain Kingdom, which will begin on Thursday, May 6.
The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish
November 05, 2020 12:44This classic, which was written down in verse by Alexander Pushkin, Russia's greatest poet, is a cautionary tale about the danger of desiring too much. No villains or heroes in this one, just some unexpected magic from a talking fish... and the surprising lengths to which some people will go when given a bit of power. Perhaps, in a way, this is a perfect story for election season. In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar reads a short essay from Ivan Ilyin on the necessity for everyone, in ...
The White Duck
October 29, 2020 11:14A prince marries a princess. Yes, that's actually the beginning of this story! But he has to go away on a long journey. As though he could tell that terrible things would happen, he warned his new wife never to leave her room. But there couldn't be anything wrong about walking in the garden, could there? Especially with this wonderful new friend of hers who appeared out of nowhere? Of course not! Except, it turns out her best friend is actually a witch, and she wants to marry the prince herse...
Sister Alionushka and Brother Ivanushka
October 22, 2020 13:21Two orphans wander the wide world. At every turn, danger lurks. But little Ivanushka just can't get over his thirst! In spite of his sister's warning, he drinks the water... and turns into a goat. But that seeming tragedy sets into motion a series of events that will lead to the ultimate happily ever after. In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar discusses why this seemingly depressing and dark story is actually the most Christian of them all. Goats, magic water, and evil witches... are you...
The Red Flower
October 15, 2020 13:06A merchant has three daughters, whom he loves dearly. Before leaving on a long journey, he offers them to choose any gift they desire, and he promises to give it to them. But the third daughter asks the impossible: the most beautiful red flower in the world. The merchant searches and searches, but can't find it—until, by accident, he happens upon a magical castle with the most beautiful gardens he has ever seen. And what should he see in the garden, but the most beautiful red flower in the ...
The Frog Princess
October 08, 2020 06:14A king has three wonderful, princely sons. But none of them has a bride! So the king decides to fix the problem, and test their virtue at the same time. Each of them must shoot an arrow up into the sky. Wherever it falls, there they will find their bride. Poor Ivan, the third son, shoots his arrow straight into the swamp. But not only does he find a bride there, he also gets more than he ever bargained for... In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar explores the strange, but compelling fact th...
Vasilissa the Beautiful
October 01, 2020 15:47A young girl loses her mother, and her father marries the stepmother from hell. Sound familiar? But this version of Cinderella has Baba Yaga, magical talking dolls, and a happily-ever-after to beat them all. In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar introduces the idea of moral imagination and talks about how good stories help cultivate it in the heart of both children and adults. He also discusses how, yes, in some cases, stories can be very dangerous for you indeed . . .
Finist the Bright Falcon
September 24, 2020 06:06The third daughter of a poor villager has a secret. No one suspects this quiet, unassuming girl of being betrothed, much less to Finist, a falcon by day and a prince by night. But when her sisters find out, they put knives on her windowsill . . . Instead of an analysis section, Nicholas Kotar talks with Natalie Wilson, the composer of the podcast's wonderful music, about womanhood, spiritual and physical hardship, and how the ritualistic nature of fairy tales reflects reality on a far deepe...
Marya Morevna, the Wondrous Queen: Part 2
September 17, 2020 15:57Prince Ivan has come back to life after Koschei the Deathless chops him into pieces. But he still has not rescued his wife, Marya Morevna. To do so, he'll have to brave everyone's favorite villainess, Baba Yaga herself. But if he's not careful, he'll lose his head a second time! In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar concludes his exploration of Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" by examining why escapism isn't as bad as some people say it is, and how good fairy tales are actually closer to scrip...
Marya Morevna, the Wondrous Queen: Part 1
September 17, 2020 15:55Prince Ivan has lost his parents, and now must take care of his three sisters. After marrying them off to an eagle, a falcon, and a raven, he sets out to find a wife for himself. He finds one in the great warrior-queen Marya Morevna. But he also finds more than he bargained for. And it just might lead to him being chopped into pieces . . . In the analysis section, Nicholas Kotar leads us through J.R.R. Tolkien's excellent essay "On Fairy Stories," exploring why now, more than ever, we need t...
The Tale of Prince Ivan and the Grey Wolf
September 17, 2020 15:21In this classic tale, a king and his sons are disturbed by a thief who steals their magical apples, then disappears without a trace. The first two sons fail to catch him, but the third does, but in the process he enters a strange and magical world of shapeshifters and magical creatures, where every action can lead to wealth and prosperity, or his own sudden death. In the analysis section, fantasy author and Orthodox deacon Nicholas Kotar explains why, according to Russian philosopher Ivan Il...