Welcome!
Hello Friends!
First, welcome to all the new people who followed or subscribed to Mythological Africans (MA) in the last couple of days. It’s always a bit of a shock to my system when there is an uptick in people signing up. There is so much going on in the world right now. So much. I’m thrilled you’re here, though, and hope you’re liking the podcast episodes, essays, and everything else. If nothing else, I hope my offerings serve as a reminder that the depth of the world’s evil is matched, surpassed even, by the good. That humans have a long history and an even longer story. That even though the powers that be might break our bodies, hearts, and minds, and scatter the pieces to the four corners of the earth, we know who we are, we know our stories, and like Isis, we know how to re-member.
Quick Intro!
My name is Helen. I was born and raised in Cameroon (West/Central Africa) but I now live in the US. Curating MA is a passion project through which I scratch my storytelling and research itches, respectively. Here at MA, I make space to explore and celebrate the African experience of wonder, enchantment and mystery as captured in myths, folktales and legend. I do this with wider human experience of wonder, enchantment and mystery in mind because I believe connecting African stories and ideas to stories and ideas from around the world is an exercise in remembering the belonging that is inherently ours, the wholeness we already possess.
These days, I try to keep things easy going with MA. I aim to publish weekly 10 - 30 minute podcast episodes, monthly (or bi-monthly) newsletters, and quarterly long form essays. I don’t always meet these goals so if you must have your African mythology fix, I’ve also been fortunate to publish two books on African mythology and folklore, and contribute to a few others. Check out my work here.
As some of you may know, this year, we’re looking at African myths, folktales, and legends through the lens of Jungian archetypes. We defined some key concepts in February’s episodes which you can listen to here, here, and here. All five episodes for the month of March will focus on the different facets of the ruler archetype with examples from across the continent.
I no longer actively curate MA as an online community, so you will not see me on Substack Notes or anywhere else, unless I need to make an announcement or share a quick thought. I will reply to comments, tags (if warranted), and some emails.
Thank you again for being here. You honor me with your attention and support.
Be well,
Helen