The Three Snake-Leaves, A Fairy Tale From Germany About Devotion and Betrayal; And A Winter Solstice Surprise; Episode 13A of Fireside Folklore with Hades

Persephone: Hello listeners! Today, we have a little treat for you. See, my husband, the lord of shadows, is so strict, he didn’t want to take a break from the podcast, even for the winter solstice!  So we gods decided to surprise him. I told him I was running late so I could make preparations. My family got a bit carried away, but don’t worry: it all works out in the end. 

[Intro music fades out as Hades speaks.] 

Hades: Greetings, navigators of the supernatural and surveyors of the dramatic. You’ve entered the realm of imagination where mystery and mythology collide, and echoes from the past linger, filling the air with their haunting melodies.

[Needle scratch.] 

Zeus: Now see here! Hades, I have a bone to pick with you! I’m beginning to suspect that this podcast of yours is a front for something more sinister than sharing tales. 

Hades: [Chuckles] Sinister? I assure you, brother, that this podcast is merely a way to educate and entertain our listeners. It serves as a vehicle to open their eyes to the many cultures of the world. 

Hestia: I have heard that the mortals listening to it have begun offering their creative works to you by making you the superstar in their fiction. 

Hades: Dear Hestia, if mortals choose to show appreciation through offerings of creativity, it is their prerogative. The aim of my tales is not worship, but to share the wisdom and intrigue of our ancient stories. I see no harm in that. 

Hermes: So you admit it, then, uncle? They have been offering their worship to you via their creativity? We gods haven’t been worshiped in centuries and you … well, a video game was named after you several years ago, and this podcast of yours … it seems to be taking off. We have listeners in faraway places like Germany and Brazil. I can’t help but think that there’s something more than stories being woven with your words.

Hades: Hermes, my intention has never been to seek worship or fame. This podcast is merely a bridge between the past and the present, a way to keep our stories alive in the minds of mortals. If it finds an audience far and wide, it speaks to the power of our myths, not to any hidden agenda of mine.

Demeter: And speaking of influence, Hades, I cannot help but notice Persephone's continued allegiance to your endeavors. It’s unlike her to be so... engrossed. You haven’t, by any chance, used some form of enchantment on my daughter, have you?

Hades: Demeter, you know as well as I do that Persephone's will is her own. She joins me in this podcast out of shared interest and passion for these tales, not because of any bewitchment. Our work here is to share knowledge, not to wield power over one another.

Ares: And now, let's cut to the heart of the battle, shall we? Hades, lord of the underworld, master of shadows – isn't it true that this podcast is but a clever ruse? A stratagem for domination, perhaps? Are you marshaling an army of listeners, weaving words not just into stories, but into banners of allegiance? Are we to expect legions of podcast devotees marching to the beat of your ominous tales?

Hades: Ares! This is preposterous! To suggest that I would use tales – our shared heritage – as a means for such... such manipulation is an affront to everything I stand for. I've tolerated enough of these absurd accusations. For the sake of preserving whatever semblance of respect remains among us, I ask – no, I demand – that all of you leave now!

[The gods leave silently.] 

Persephone: I’m afraid that didn’t go quite as planned, dear listeners. Still, my husband’s resolve is as steadfast and unyielding as Cerberus’s guarding of the Underworld’s gates. Let’s give him the time and space to gather his thoughts and emerge, renewed. 

Hades: My apologies, listeners. That was an unexpected detour my Olympian family compelled me to take. I think I’ll put aside today’s planned episode for something more comforting to me. Let’s see, now … ah yes, here we go. Nobody can say the lord of the Underworld doesn’t have friends.

[Hades picks up his rotary phone. A dial tone can be heard. He dials then the ringback tone in Europe plays three times before being answered.] 

Osiris: Hades? It’s been a long time since I’ve heard from you! How have you been, my friend? 

Hades: I’ve been quite well, thank you, brother. 

Osiris: And your folklore podcast? How has that been faring? 

Hades: You know about that? 

Osiris: Of course! Our brother, Lord Yama, told me about how you had him on during Episode 11. 

Hades: Well, since you asked, I was wondering if you might be able to … 

[Phone conversation fades out.] 

Persephone: Always so resilient! That’s my husband for you. Ever determined to ensure the show goes on. Now let’s have a peek at the rest of the Greek pantheon. What might they be doing now, I wonder. 

Zeus: It’s a shame, really. Our jests went too far and now, in addition to surprising him for winter solstice, we’ll need to apologize. I didn’t realize just how much this podcast meant to him.

Apollo [With a light chuckle] Well, you know how it is with our dear Hades. Much like a true Scorpio, ruled by Pluto - his Roman counterpart - he's not one to easily let go of a grudge. We might need more than just apologies to warm the chill of the lord of the Underworld’s heart.

Hermes: Perhaps we should consult the stars on this one. It might take a favorable alignment to bring back his good spirits.

Athena: Let's make sure our surprise truly shows our appreciation for him. It's high time we acknowledged the depth of his commitment.

Ares: All right, let’s come up with a plan of attack. First, what is his favorite kind of music? 

Demeter: I’m pretty sure that Persephone told me he enjoys reggae. 

Dionysus: Reggae? Surely you jest! The Lord of the Underworld would never sway to the dulcet melodies of island tunes.

Poseidon: What if we brought a bit of that tropical paradise right into the Underworld? We could erect some palm trees, sand, sea glass, and ocean waves.

Athena: And who is going to clean that up? I’m sure Hades will want a spotless palace after such an affair. 

Persephone: And so, my family began to plan in earnest. Meanwhile, my stalwart lord of darkness prepared to record his podcast — albeit with a twist. 

[Intro music fades out as Hades speaks.] 

Hades: Greetings, esteemed apprentices of arcana. You’ve wandered into the web of spellbinding enchantment, spun with the strands of stories, interwoven from many cultures, a haven better known as "Fireside Folklore with Hades". This is the podcast where ancient myths are rekindled and the echoes of legends are breathed anew into the minds and hearts of the modern world. I am your undaunted host, Hades, guardian of spirits and keeper of the sacred flame of lore. Tonight, we travel to Germany, the country which brought us the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, to tell the story of “The Three Snake-Leaves”, collected by the Brothers Grimm. Gather close and let the flickering firelight paint otherworldly shadows which enchant and delight. Friends, let the storytelling begin.

Hel: Greetings, listeners. I am Hel, the Norse goddess of the dead. I am delighted to be helping my good friend Hades here with telling this well-known German tale. I’ll be playing a princess, something I never thought I’d do. Hades, my dear, you’re far too dour. We all gather tonight and you won’t even smile? 

Hades: [chuckles] Touche, Hel, but first, Osiris, Egyptian ruler of the Underworld, let’s hear some fun facts about Germany. 

Osiris: Of course! Listeners, let’s pull back the veil from the country which you all know as Germany. 

Welcome to A Zoo Lover’s Paradise! Have you been to one of Germany’s over 900 zoos? That's right, Germany has one of the highest numbers of zoos in the world! Wander through the Berlin Zoological Garden—spanning more than 80 acres and hosting 18,600 animals. Or visit Tierpark Hagenbeck in Hamburg where naturalistic enclosures immerse you in environments from jungles to icy beaches. And let's not forget Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoo, an enchanting combination of a zoo and botanical gardens, perfect for experiencing the diversity of life.

Journey to the Land of Bread (and Breads) and Bratwursts! Tempt your taste buds with Germany’s incredible variety of over 3,000 types of bread. With each region offering distinctive specialties from dense pumpernickel to delectable pastries—you’ll want to try them all! And if you’re a sausage enthusiast, you’re in luck, with over 1,500 types to choose from. Immerse yourself in the flavors of classic bratwurst, delicate weisswurst, and Berlin’s very own currywurst.

Embark on an Adventure in Germany’s Lush Forests! Germany's woodlands and forests cloak nearly one-third of the nation's lands. Step into the storybook realm of the Black Forest, explore the serenity of the Bavarian Forest with its pristine lakes and mountains, or behold the spectacular Saxon Switzerland National Park—a treasure trove of dramatic rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views.

Hades: Thank you, my friend. Now, before we hear the tale for tonight, let’s all rise as we hear Germany’s national anthem, “Deutschlandlied”. 

[The national anthem plays.] 

Hades: Very stirring! Now let us read the tale of “The Three Snake-Leaves”, a German fairy tale which was made famous by the Brothers Grimm. As this episode was entirely unplanned and only conceived with a pinch of quick thinking and a pound of stubbornness alongside my fellow deities of the dead, we’ll be doing things a bit differently. You see, we shall dive directly into the original text of “The Three Snake-Leaves” by the Brothers Grimm. Think of it as raw folklore, unfiltered and unscripted, much like the waters of the Styx.

Expect a journey that’s a touch more... rugged than our standard fare. Without my scripting, the tale might have a few more edges, a bit more shadow. But isn't that in keeping with the spirit of the solstice, and indeed, with the nature of all things under my purview?

So, as we venture forth into this impromptu odyssey, let us savor the unadorned essence of myth. And if the narrative feels somewhat abrupt or unconventional, well, consider it a reflection of the whims of fate — unpredictable, yet endlessly captivating. 

As she already pointed out, Hel will be playing the role of our princess; Osiris, the Egyptian lord of the Underworld, will be playing the role of the youth; and our good friend Lord Yama, the Hindu lord of the dead, will be playing the king. There was once on a time a poor man, who could no longer support his only son. Then said the son, 

Osiris: Dear father, things go so badly with us that I am a burden to you. I would rather go away and see how I can earn my bread.

Hades: So the father gave him his blessing, and with great sorrow took leave of him. At this time the King of a mighty empire was at war, and the youth took service with him, and with him went out to fight. And when he came before the enemy, there was a battle, and great danger, and it rained shot until his comrades fell on all sides, and when the leader also was killed, those left were about to take flight, but the youth stepped forth, spoke boldly to them, and cried, 

Osiris: We will not let our fatherland be ruined! 

Hades: Then the others followed him, and he pressed on and conquered the enemy. When the King heard that he owed the victory to him alone, he raised him above all the others, gave him great treasures, and made him the first in the kingdom.
 The King had a daughter who was very beautiful, but she was also very strange. She had made a vow to take no one as her lord and husband who did not promise to let himself be buried alive with her if she died first. 

Hel: If he loves me with all his heart, 

Hades: said she, 

Hel: of what use will life be to him afterwards? 

Hades: On her side she would do the same, and if he died first, would go down to the grave with him. This strange oath had up to this time frightened away all wooers, but the youth became so charmed with her beauty that he cared for nothing, but asked her father for her. 

Yama: But dost thou know what thou must promise? 

Hades: said the King. 

Osiris: I must be buried with her,

Hades: he replied, 

Osiris: if I outlive her, but my love is so great that I do not mind the danger. 

Hades: Then the King consented, and the wedding was solemnized with great splendour.

They lived now for a while happy and contented with each other, and then it befell that the young Queen was attacked by a severe illness, and no physician could save her. And as she lay there dead, the young King remembered what he had been obliged to promise, and was horrified at having to lie down alive in the grave, but there was no escape. The King had placed sentries at all the gates, and it was not possible to avoid his fate. When the day came when the corpse was to be buried, he was taken down into the royal vault with it and then the door was shut and bolted.

Near the coffin stood a table on which were four candles, four loaves of bread, and four bottles of wine, and when this provision came to an end, he would have to die of hunger. And now he sat there full of pain and grief, ate every day only a little piece of bread, drank only a mouthful of wine, and nevertheless saw death daily drawing nearer. Whilst he thus gazed before him, he saw a snake creep out of a corner of the vault and approach the dead body. And as he thought it came to gnaw at it, he drew his sword and said, 

Osiris: As long as I live, thou shalt not touch her,

Hades: and hewed the snake in three pieces. After a time a second snake crept out of the hole, and when it saw the other lying dead and cut in pieces, it went back, but soon came again with three green leaves in its mouth. Then it took the three pieces of the snake, laid them together, as they ought to go, and placed one of the leaves on each wound. Immediately the severed parts joined themselves together, the snake moved, and became alive again, and both of them hastened away together. The leaves were left lying on the ground, and a desire came into the mind of the unhappy man who had been watching all this, to know if the wondrous power of the leaves which had brought the snake to life again, could not likewise be of service to a human being. So he picked up the leaves and laid one of them on the mouth of his dead wife, and the two others on her eyes. And hardly had he done this than the blood stirred in her veins, rose into her pale face, and coloured it again. Then she drew breath, opened her eyes, and said, 

Hel: Ah, God, where am I? 

Osiris: Thou art with me, dear wife,

Hades: he answered, and told her how everything had happened, and how he had brought her back again to life. Then he gave her some wine and bread, and when she had regained her strength, he raised her up and they went to the door and knocked, and called so loudly that the sentries heard it, and told the King. The King came down himself and opened the door, and there he found both strong and well, and rejoiced with them that now all sorrow was over. The young King, however, took the three snake-leaves with him, gave them to a servant and said, 

Osiris: Keep them for me carefully, and carry them constantly about thee; who knows in what trouble they may yet be of service to us!

Hades: A change had, however, taken place in his wife; after she had been restored to life, it seemed as if all love for her husband had gone out of her heart. After some time, when he wanted to make a voyage over the sea, to visit his old father, and they had gone on board a ship, she forgot the great love and fidelity which he had shown her, and which had been the means of rescuing her from death, and conceived a wicked inclination for the skipper. And once when the young King lay there asleep, she called in the skipper and seized the sleeper by the head, and the skipper took him by the feet, and thus they threw him down into the sea. When the shameful deed was done, she said, 

Hel: Now let us return home, and say that he died on the way. I will extol and praise thee so to my father that he will marry me to thee, and make thee the heir to his crown. 

Hades: But the faithful servant who had seen all that they did, unseen by them, unfastened a little boat from the ship, got into it, sailed after his master, and let the traitors go on their way. He fished up the dead body, and by the help of the three snake-leaves which he carried about with him, and laid on the eyes and mouth, he fortunately brought the young King back to life.

They both rowed with all their strength day and night, and their little boat flew so swiftly that they reached the old King before the others did. He was astonished when he saw them come alone, and asked what had happened to them. When he learnt the wickedness of his daughter he said, 

Yama: I cannot believe that she has behaved so ill, but the truth will soon come to light,

Hades: and bade both go into a secret chamber and keep themselves hidden from every one. Soon afterwards the great ship came sailing in, and the godless woman appeared before her father with a troubled countenance. He said, 

Yama: Why dost thou come back alone? Where is thy husband? 

Hel: Ah, dear father, 

Hades:  she replied, 

Hel: I come home again in great grief; during the voyage, my husband became suddenly ill and died, and if the good skipper had not given me his help, it would have gone ill with me. He was present at his death, and can tell you all. 

Hades: The King said, 

Yama: I will make the dead alive again, 

Hades: and opened the chamber, and bade the two come out. When the woman saw her husband, she was thunderstruck, and fell on her knees and begged for mercy. The King said, 

Yama: There is no mercy. He was ready to die with thee and restored thee to life again, but thou hast murdered him in his sleep, and shalt receive the reward that thou deservest. 

Hades: Then she was placed with her accomplice in a ship which had been pierced with holes, and sent out to sea, where they soon sank amid the waves.

Persephone: Now, let’s see what the gods have gotten up to. They should be just about ready to surprise Hades by now. 

Hephaestus: Are we absolutely sure this is going to work? You all did go a bit too far. I haven’t seen Uncle Hades get so angry in millennia. The last time was when Hera asked Heracles to take Cerberus to the Upperworld for his final Labor. 

Aphrodite: A heartfelt apology along with our surprise should soften his heart. And if it doesn’t, I could always have Eros help us with one of his arrows. 

Artemis: Aphrodite! This needs to be genuine! Hades is astute. He would know if you shot an arrow into his implacable heart.

Zeus: Hades prizes sincerity. If we are genuine in our remorse and express understanding and appreciation for his work, I’m sure we’ll be able to make amends. 

[Fades out.] 

Hades: All right, now, listeners, we have a special treat this evening. Hel will be giving us a recipe for something I spoke of early in this episode: Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. 

Hel: Let's Bake Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte: an iconic cake from Germany!

• Get ready for an adventure in baking, because today we're making a yummy German Black Forest Cake! Imagine rich chocolate layers soaked in sweet cherry syrup, fluffy whipped cream swirls, and juicy cherries hiding inside. It's a treat fit for royalty, but don't worry, it's easy enough for the whole family to make together.
• Here’s what you’ll need:
• For the chocolate cake:
•      1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•      3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
•      1 teaspoon baking powder
•      1/2 teaspoon salt
•      1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
•      1 cup granulated sugar
•      3 large eggs
•      1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•      1/2 cup milk
• For the cherry filling:
•      1 (15-ounce) can pitted sweet cherries, drained with juice reserved
•      1/4 cup cherry juice
•      1 tablespoon cornstarch
•      2 tablespoons sugar
• For the whipped cream:
•      1 cup heavy whipping cream
•      1/4 cup powdered sugar
•      1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the decorations:
•      1/2 cup chocolate shavings
•      Maraschino cherries (optional)

Let's get baking!

• 1. Prep your team and workspace: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Wash your hands and gather your ingredients - let's make a mess (the good kind!).
• 2. Choco-tastic cake batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
• 3. Fill those pans! Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• 4. Cherrylicious syrup: In a saucepan, combine cherry juice, cornstarch, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the drained cherries and let cool.
• 5. Whipped cream wonderland: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Don't overwhip, or it will get clumpy!
• 6. Time to assemble! Cut each cooled cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers. Place one layer on a serving platter. Brush with some cherry syrup, then spread with a layer of whipped cream and top with some cherries. Repeat with the remaining layers, ending with whipped cream and cherries on top.
• 7. Chocolatey finale! Sprinkle the top and sides of the cake with chocolate shavings. Add a few maraschino cherries for an extra festive touch.
• 8. Slice and celebrate! Now comes the best part - dig in! Share this delicious Black Forest Cake with your family and friends, and tell them all about your baking adventure to Germany.

Tips for junior bakers: 

• Let grown-ups handle the oven and hot tools.
•  You can help measure ingredients, stir the batter, and sprinkle the toppings.
•  Be careful not to eat the raw batter - it's not safe!
•  Most importantly, have fun and get creative! Decorate your cake with chocolate curls, whipped cream swirls, or even edible flowers.
• Remember, baking is a journey, not a race. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the delicious reward at the end!

Hades: Listeners, although we normally have a sponsor, things took an interesting twist this time so I couldn’t—

Zeus: Brother! We came here to sponsor the podcast and to apologize. You see, when we told you that we thought something was afoot with your podcast, we were speaking in jest, but it’s clear that our ribbing went too far. 

Demeter: Hades, I know you have been a rock in Persephone's life. You have been both loyal and kind to her. That really is all that I, as her mother, could ask for. 

Ares: Uncle Hades, as the god of war, I'm more accustomed to brandishing a sword than offering apologies. But even I can recognize when a battle has gone too far. I admit, my warrior's zeal sometimes overshadows my judgment. But seeing you navigate the storm we stirred with such masterful strategy and unwavering resolve... it commands my respect.

In the heat of battle, the clashing of swords and the roar of victory are what I live for. Yet, in this moment, I realize that true strength isn't always found on the battlefield. Sometimes, it lies in the quiet act of extending an olive branch, in the wisdom to seek peace over conflict.

We gods might revel in our immortal skirmishes, but today, I stand before you not as a conqueror, but as a comrade seeking reconciliation. I've learned, perhaps a bit late, that the most formidable battles are those waged within our hearts. And the courage to admit one's faults, to offer an apology, is a testament to true bravery.

Your tactical prowess ensures our myths continue their journey across the airwaves, unscathed by our foolhardy jests. For this, you have my admiration and gratitude.

So, Hades, I ask for your forgiveness. Not as an admission of defeat, but as a vow to march forward together in solidarity. To uphold the honor and legacy of our stories with the respect and camaraderie they deserve. Let's continue to share the rich tapestry of our myths with those mortals who cherish them, as one united pantheon. 

Hades: Apology accepted, Ares. But as the patron god of Scorpio, I have to warn you – cross me again, and you might find yourself playing the role of Ivan the Fool.

Ares: Ivan the Fool? Is he kidding me? After my heartfelt apology? He's still holding a grudge?

Hermes: Ah, don’t worry, Ares. Our Uncle Hades loves to keep us all guessing. Ivan appears foolish but is the hero in folklore. Besides, if he really was holding a grudge, he wouldn’t say a word. 

Ares: Hmm. If you say so, brother. 

Hades: Well, before we end this show for the evening, what's this about you sponsoring the podcast?

[Caribbean music plays throughout this entire sequence through till the outro music begins.]

Zeus: Glad you asked, brother. This week's episode is brought to you by the Underworld Caribbean Retreat, a collaborative effort of your favorite deities! We figured you deserve a break, so we decided to surprise you with a winter solstice holiday. Consider your Underworld palace transformed into your own personal paradise.

Hades: And who's cleaning this up?

Athena: Ha! See, I told you he'd need convincing.

Zeus: Don't be a grump, Hades! It's the Underworld Caribbean Retreat - a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the luxury of the tropics in your own realm.

Poseidon: I've personally brought the sand, the surf, and the sunshine of the Caribbean right onto your doorstep! Crystal-clear waters, gentle waves, and enough coral reefs to make me jealous.

Apollo: And I've orchestrated the perfect soundtrack to your seaside bliss. Imagine warm breezes carrying the sweet melodies of steel drums and ukuleles, punctuated by the laughter of nymphs and the rhythmic dance of palm fronds.

Aphrodite: Speaking of dancing, my personal touch brings you the fiery rhythms of salsa and the sensual sway of merengue. Get ready to unleash your inner island god, Hades!

Demeter: But what's a holiday without delicious food? I've conjured up a feast fit for an Olympian king - jerk chicken, grilled pineapple, and mango rum cake, all bursting with tropical flavors.

Hephaestus: And of course, I haven't forgotten your entertainment, Hades! I've built a volcano-powered tiki bar that erupts with refreshing cocktails and fiery bartenders. Get ready for flaming shots and volcanic margaritas!

Artemis: Don't worry about missing the hunt, Hades. My enchanted arrows have brought the thrill of the Caribbean chase straight to your backyard. Think stingrays, manta rays, and maybe even a playful dolphin encounter.

Dionysus: And what's a celebration without libations? I've stocked your bar with the finest Caribbean rums, fruity cocktails, and enough ambrosia to make you forget you're even in the Underworld.

Zeus: So, what do you say, Hades? Ready to ditch the scepter and trade your helm for a hammock?

Hades: Hmm, you've gone to a lot of trouble. Fine, I'll give it a shot. But don't expect me to turn into a beach bum.

[Outro music fades in.]

Hades: Well listeners, you heard my family. It looks like there will be a celebration of the winter solstice here in the Underworld, although I must admit I never thought we’d be celebrating winter by lazing on a personal Underworld Caribbean beach. we hope you enjoyed this unexpected detour on our journey through the world’s folklore. Next time, we really will be looking for “Buried Treasure” in Mexico. And that I can promise you upon the River Styx.

Persephone: Goodnight everyone! 

Hermes: Goodnight everyone! Stay curious! 

 [Outro music fades out.]