In the bustling streets of Florence, Italy, during the early 1400s, a young boy named Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici was about to change history. Giovanni was not born into a family of great wealth or royal blood. His father, Averardo de’ Medici, was a merchant, and his mother, Jacopa Spini, was a middle-class woman. They lived in a small house, but it was filled with love and laughter.

Giovanni was a curious child, always eager to learn about the world around him. He often wandered the markets of Florence, listening to traders and merchants as they haggled over goods. From silks and spices to artworks and armor, Florence was a city thriving with trade, thanks to its location in the heart of Italy.

When he was just a teenager, Giovanni’s father took him on a business trip to Rome. It was there that Giovanni’s saw his first bank. When people needed to move money to a far away place, they could give their money to the bank who would give them a letter with a number showing the amount. Then they could travel to the faraway place and use the letter to get their money. This was much safer than trying to move large amounts of money  by wagon or on their horse – especially since the roads at that time could be very dangerous. Thieves were known to stop people and take their money. Banks could also be used to keep your money safe and to buy things in faraway places. This not only made trading easier but also safer. Giovanni saw all of this going on and was fascinating.

Returning to Florence, Giovanni decided to start his own bank. With a small amount of money saved up and a loan from a family friend, Giovanni set up a tiny banking in the local market. It was just a simple table in the market where people would come to him to trust him with their money. He was friendly and wise, offering to keep people’s money safe and help them transfer money to different cities without risk.

Banks and banking seem like a simple ideas now, but it was very new at the time and Giovanni wanted to be the one who had the biggest, most trusted, and wealthy bank.

Giovanni’s reputation grew. People trusted him because he was fair and kind. His bank began to grow. He also made money on trade. Trade is when you buy items and then sell them for more. He did this all over Europe along with helping people move and save their money. 

But beyond banking, Giovanni wanted to do more than just make money; he wanted to help Florence, the city he loved. He started lending money to artists so they could buy materials to create beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other crafts. This was the time of the Renaissance when artists were trying new styles and painting more realistically than before. 

The Medici Bank, as it was now known, became the largest bank in Europe!  Giovanni had branches of his bank in many major cities, including Rome, Venice, and even distant London. His success allowed him to support not just his family but also the city’s artists, architects, and thinkers. Florence blossomed into a center of the Renaissance, a golden age of art and science in part thanks to the money spent by Giovanni.

One of Giovanni’s proudest moments was praying for the construction of the famous dome of the Florence Cathedral. He hired Filippo Brunelleschi, a genius architect who proposed a daring design. Many were skeptical that such a grand dome could be built, but Giovanni believed in Brunelleschi’s vision. The completion of the dome was a marvel and remains one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Giovanni also believed in giving back to his community. He supported the construction of hospitals, schools, and libraries. Thanks to him, many young Florentines received education and health care, which were rare in those times for anyone but the rich.

As Giovanni grew older, he trained his sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo, to take over the bank. He taught them everything he knew, not just about banking, but also about being wise leaders and generous supporters of art and culture. Giovanni knew that wealth was not just about gold and silver; it was about making the city better for everyone.

Cosimo, Giovanni’s oldest son, was a quick learner, but he loved art more than banking like his father. He loved to stroll through the workshops of sculptors and painters, watching them turn blank canvases and rough stones into breathtaking art.

As Cosimo grew into a teenager, Florence was blossoming into the center of the Renaissance. It was during these years that Cosimo developed a vision for his city. He saw Florence not just as a center of commerce but as a shining light of culture and learning.

When Cosimo took over the Medici Bank from his father, he was ready to use his wealth to transform Florence. He believed that beauty and knowledge were as valuable as gold and silver. He started investing in art and buildings even more than his father. He became a “patron” of the arts, which means he paid to have them created.

Cosimo’s love for architecture led him to pay for the construction of the San Marco monastery in Florence. He invited architects to design a building that would reflect the elegance and spiritual depth of the city. The finished building was a peaceful place that became a home for scholars and artists. 

He also established the Platonic Academy, a school where philosophers gathered to discuss ideas. With Cosimo as the patron, this academy became a center for learning in Europe, attracting scholars from all over the continent. It was here that the works of Plato and other ancient philosophers were studied and preserved.

But life in Florence wasn’t easy for Cosimo. Even though he gave a lot to the city, he also used his money to control some of the leaders. Many people believed he and his family had too much power over Florence and their use of their wealth to run the city was unfair. One of the competing families, the Albizzi, found enough people to go against them that Cosimo had to leave the city for a time. He was devastated to leave the city he loved. The Albizzi didn’t run Florence as well and eventually the people asked Cosimo to come back. 

Back in Florence, Cosimo paid for the construction of public libraries, making knowledge accessible to more than just the elite. He also paid for public projects like aqueducts, which carried clean water through the city. These projects improved daily life in Florence, making it one of the most advanced cities of its time.

Like his father, Cosimo taught his children the value of art, culture, and community. When Cosimo passed away, Pietro took over the Medici Bank and leadership of Florence. We’re not going to spend as much time learning about Pietro but he did carry on his family’s legacy of running the bank and keeping the finances in order. Cosimo’s rule had been very expensive from all of his spending on art and architecture and Pietro was able to focus on the banking again and increase the family’s wealth.

His son, Lorenzo, grew up surrounded by scholars, artists, and poets. From a very young age, he was taught not only about banking and politics but also the value of art and knowledge. Lorenzo had a powerful personality and was very intelligent like his father and grandfather, with a natural ability to lead and inspire those around him. 

In 1469, he was barely 20 years-old when his father passed away and he was left in charge of the family bank. He paid for great art like his grandfathers, Cosimo and Giovanni, but with even greater enthusiasm. He surrounded himself with poets and scholars, too, who helped him turn Florence into the intellectual and artistic capitol of Europe.

One of the most famous artists and inventors of the Renaissance was Leonardo da Vinci. Lorenzo was a patron to Leonardo and Michelangelo, two of the most famous artists in history. He became known as “Lorenzo the Magnificent” for all of his different qualities.

He was also a very skilled politician. This means he knew how to work with leaders in the government. Often the way he worked with leaders was unfair, because he used his money to pay for who was in power and how they voted. He was like a king of Florence, but he did it in a secret way by using his money to make things go his way.

At the time, many of the different cities in what is now Italy competed for power. Cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples and Genoa. Because all of these cities were competing for power, Lorenzo’s reign as leader of Florence was not without its challenges. In 1478, someone tried to assassinate him during church in the Duomo of Florence. Lorenzo survived, but the attack left scars that would affect his leadership and the safety of his family.

As Lorenzo grew older, running Florence became harder and harder. The bank wasn’t as powerful as when his father was in charge and his building projects and art became too expensive for their family to pay for. He died in 1492, yet, the world has Lorenzo and his father and grandfather to thank for much of the beautiful artwork and buildings you can still visit in Florence today.

The Medici Family, through its generations, showed both the good and ill that come with great power. They were patrons of the arts and education, and helped keep Florence stable. However, their leadership also included times of extreme control, corruption, and abuses of power. Despite this, the Medicis left a significant mark on history, transforming Florence into a center of the Renaissance that still shines brightly today.

The story of the Medici family, from Giovanni to Cosimo to Lorenzo, teaches us that with great power and wealth comes the responsibility to foster culture, knowledge, and beauty. Their legacy reminds us that we all have the capacity to contribute to a better society. Their story inspires us to think of how we, too, can make our own mark in the world, creating something magnificent that could last generations.

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Theme park rides like Thunder Mountain Railroad and others are a blast to ride and experience, but how do these rides come to be? Who designs them? Who builds them and creates all of the environments and machines that are required to make them work? Today we’re going to talk about none other than the world famous Disney Imagineers!

The magical world of Disney theme parks has captivated the hearts of millions around the globe for decades. Behind the scenes of this enchanting experience lies a rich history marked by creativity, ingenuity, and a team of visionary individuals known as Imagineers. The roots of Disney’s theme park legacy can be traced back to WED Enterprises and the birth of Imagineering. 

When Walt Disney first decided to build a theme park, after his wild success as an animation studio, Disney created a group called WED Enterprises. This was in 1952 and Disney formed the group because he knew he would need a crew of very talented people to help design and engineer his theme park, which was still just a thing of his dreams and imagination. 

WED Enterprises included artists, engineers, architects, and designers who would bring Walt Disney’s dreams to life. They were known for having more than just one skill, such as being an architect or an engineer. They had to have BIG imaginations and be ready to think outside the box. At heart, they were storytellers, responsible for creating immersive narratives that would become park rides and other experiences. Their mission was to blend creativity with cutting-edge technology to create an enchanting world for park visitors.

In 1986, WED Enterprises changed its name to Walt Disney Imagineering. Imagineer is the combination of the words engineer and imagine! Imagineers are expected to not only have the skills to do their job but to think creatively and come up with new, bold ideas as they tell their stories in the form of attractions. In fact, one of the Imagineers first principles is “It all begins with a story.” 

Next, let’s dive into the life of some of the most famous Imagineers! Marc Davis was born in Bakersfield, California and from a very young age loved drawing and art! He practiced during his free time and eventually went to college in Kansas, where he further developed his skills. In 1934, Marc joined Disney as an animator and helped illustrate for animated classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Bambi. He worked closely with Walt Disney to create these films and when it came time to start designing Disneyland, Walt Disney knew Marc would be the perfect fit to help bring his dreams to life. 

One of his first projects was designing characters for The Haunted Mansion. Marc had a great sense of humor and was able to bring it to life through art as he designed characters such as The Hitching Ghost and the ghostly bride Constance Hatchaway. He also worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and many of the humor pirates you can see and experience throughout the ride. Marc also helped design the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Jungle Cruise, and EPCOT’s Journey into Imagination.

Another early imagineer was Harriet Burns. Harriet was born in San Antonio, Texas and early on had a passion for art and design. She started at Disney in 1955 as a set painter for many of the rides. She became one of the first female Imagineers and helped design and paint characters on the Disneyland Railroad, Its a Small World, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Harriet was also known for her strong will and personality. When she had a vision for how someone should be done, she worked hard at it and made her opinion known until she got results!

The history of Disneyland Imagineers wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Tony Baxter, whose first job at Disneyland was actually an ice cream scooper at age 17. He loved being at the park and was determined to help make it an even more fun and enchanting place. He went to school and studied landscape architecture and later theater design. At this time, he also started helping with construction projects at Disneyland.

In 1970, Tony officially became an Imagineer. His dream job! He helped redesign Fantasyland, then later came up with the idea that became Splash Mountain. Splash Mountain showcased Baxter’s ability to combine storytelling with groundbreaking ride technology. The attraction became an instant classic, enchanting generations with its whimsical charm.

Baxter’s gift for adventure and storytelling reached new heights with the creation of the Indiana Jones ride. Opened in 1995, this dark ride blended film and theme park elements, plunging riders into the heart of an ancient temple filled with scary sights! The attraction’s success showed Baxter’s ability to translate movie magic into an immersive and exhilarating theme park experience.

Other famous Imagineers worth mentioning are the artist Mary Blair, X Atencio, Wing T. Chao, Alice Estes Davis, Yale Gracey, Bob Gurr, Joe Rohde, and Marty Sklar. Because Disney parks are worldwide, Imagineers of many different nationalities, races, and backgrounds are now part of the Imagineering team!

Something else exciting about Imagineers is that as they are working on new rides, they often invent entirely new technologies that are used not only at Disney but in other theme parks and attractions around the world.

One of their most famous innovations are audio-animatronics. These are the life-like robots that become characters on the different Disney rides. They often look very realistic and move in real ways that make the parkgoers feel like they are experiencing the characters and the environments for real! The animatronics on some of the rides were ahead of their time. To date, one of the most advanced and realistic animatronics is the Shaman on the Na’vi River Journey at Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. Animatronics like this require many designers and engineers to figure out how to make them move in life-like ways. You’ll have to check out a video for this one, because you won’t believe your eyes!

Many of the vehicles for Disney’s rides also feature very advanced designs in order to move guests around through the attraction. This includes trackless rides that use magnets to orient them along the path. Another example is the jeep in Indiana Jones that makes passengers feel like they are bumping up and down on a wild ride, which has the flexibility to move many different directions.

Using RFID wristbands, guests are able to open their hotel rooms, enter parks and even make purchases using radio frequencies. Many of these technologies feel like magic when they are being used, but under all of the electronics a smart engineer had to design every piece of the advanced equipment to make it work. 

Other technologies include projection mapping, augmented reality, and virtual reality simulators… all with the goal of making guests feel like they have been transported to a different place and time and are living the actual experience. Pretty amazing, right?

Does becoming an Imagineer sound interesting to you? If so, be sure to look up their principles of design and think of ways you can apply them to your own interests. Do you like to be creative? If so, think of the kind of ride you would create if you were a Disney Imagineer. Draw up a plan and maybe even make a miniature version of it using cardboard and other materials. You might even simulate how it works using a space in your backyard or living room. Be sure to run it by your parents first, of course, but remember that all of these Imagineers were once kids like you who were passionate about art and design and had BIG imaginations! 

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You decipher the cryptic symbols and follow the clues left behind, each step taking you closer to the hidden treasure you seek. As you journey deeper, the sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a magical glow on the path ahead. 

And then, as if by some stroke of luck, you stumble upon a clearing bathed in golden light. Before your eyes lies a sight straight out of a dream—a magnificent city with towering temples dressed with dazzling jewels and vibrant golden pillars stretching toward the heavens. 

The cobblestone pathways shine with gold, illuminating each step you take. Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires create a mesmerizing display of colors atop each building.You can hardly contain your amazement almost in disbelief. This is it. This is the lost city, the legendary El Dorado.” 

Have you ever heard of the legend of the City of El Dorado? It’s a tale that has captured the imagination of people for centuries and has even made its way into popular culture, including the animated Dreamworks movie called “The Road to El Dorado.”

This city of gold has become a symbol of adventure and riches, inspiring many stories, books, and movies.

But what is the true story behind the legend of the Golden City? Is it really out there? El Dorado was a mythical city that people believed was hidden deep within the unexplored lands. 

Imagine a place with streets made of pure gold, temples that glimmered like the sun, and mines filled with sparkling gold and silver. People couldn’t resist the thought of this unimaginably rich city, and adventurers from all over Europe set out on daring expeditions to find it.

From the 1530s to around 1650, brave explorers ventured into the dense jungles, vast plains, towering mountains, and winding rivers of South America, all in search of the mystical El Dorado. They were determined to discover its hidden secrets and claim the incredible treasures for themselves. But the journey was perilous, and many explorers even lost their lives in the pursuit of this legendary city.

Some believe El Dorado was nothing more than a product of people’s wild imaginations! The city has never been found, making El Dorado one of history’s greatest mysteries.

The roots of the El Dorado myth can be traced back to the gold discovered in Mexico and Peru during the 16th century. The Spanish conquistadors played a role in the creation of this tale. 

Do you know what a conquistador is? Spanish conquistadors were explorers and soldiers from Spain who lived a long time ago. They embarked on daring adventures to discover new lands and find treasures in the Americas, across the ocean from their home. When these conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they encountered different civilizations, such as the Incas and the Aztec Indians.

In 1519, a Spanish conquistador named Hernán Cortés led an expedition to Mexico where he captured Emperor Montezuma who was the King of the mighty Aztec Empire, after he captured Montezuma he stole all of his gold! The conquerors gained large amounts of gold and silver, becoming very wealthy when they returned to their homes in Spain. Their successes inspired others to dream of riches in the Americas.

In 1533, Francisco Pizarro embarked on a journey that led him to the Inca Empire in the Andes of South America. Following in Cortés’ footsteps, Pizarro captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa, holding him for ransom. Holding someone for ransom is when a person is captured or taken against their will, and the captors demand something in exchange for their release. Usually, they ask for something valuable, like money or treasures. They wanted something valuable, like gold or silver, to be given to them in exchange for the release of the captured Atahualpa. Through this cruel act, Pizarro became very wealthy.

Other civilizations in the New World, such as the Maya also had treasures that the Spanish Conquistadors wanted. The tales of these conquests gave birth to the legend of El Dorado. 

As a result, many European adventurers traveled to the New World eager to discover gold. Although they were very poor, these daring individuals possessed immense ambition. However, many of them were men driven by violence, greed, and ruthlessness, with nothing to lose; their ultimate goal was to gain riches through the discovery of gold in the New World, even if it meant risking their lives. 

These hopeful conquerors flooded to the Americas and followed even the smallest rumors about where it might be hidden.

Like any legend, there is often some kernel of truth in the wild stories. In present-day Colombia, there was a group of people called the Muisca. Their kings had a special tradition. They would cover themselves in a sticky sap and then sprinkle golden powder all over their bodies. 

The king would then get into a canoe and go to the middle of Lake Guatavitá. Thousands of people would watch from the shore as the king jumped into the lake and came out completely clean. Afterward, everyone would celebrate with a big festival.

When the Spanish explorers arrived in 1537, the Muisca had stopped practicing this tradition. But rumors about it had already spread among the greedy explorers in cities all across the continent. 

The Spanish explorers started calling this king “El Dorado,” which means “the gilded one” in Spanish. It was because he covered himself in gold. 

Once the land of the Muisca was taken over by the Spanish, they became very interested in finding the legendary gold of El Dorado. They thought they would discover huge amounts of gold when they looked in the Lake Guatavitá. While they did find some gold, it wasn’t as much as they had hoped for. So, they thought maybe the Muisca people weren’t the true kingdom of El Dorado. They believed that somewhere out there, the real El Dorado was waiting to be found.

So did explorers ever find El Dorado? Well, the answer isn’t very straightforward. The conquistadors followed stories about El Dorado to a place called Cundinamarca, but they didn’t believe they had found the legendary city, so they kept searching. What they didn’t know was that the Muisca civilization was the last major native culture with riches. The legendary El Dorado they were looking for after 1537 turned out to not exist. But they didn’t give up easily. Many expeditions continued to explore South America and while they didn’t find gold, they did uncover many ruins and we now realize that the Maya and many of these civilizations were huge, complex, and very powerful. At some point, they did probably have large amounts of gold, but as the cities turned to ruin, the riches disappeared.

The legend of El Dorado has remained a popular folktake. People love the idea of lost cities of treasure, just like they seek out lost pirate treasure and sunken ships.

Archeologists still hunt for these places today, although the goal is to learn more about ancient people and how they lived, not in search of gold!

The post The Legend of El Dorado for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

In history, there are heroes and villains. What makes someone a hero? Maybe they helped make the world a fairer place. Or they stood up when somebody was being hurt. Heroes inspire us. We love to root for them. We want to be like them.

What makes somebody a villain? Sometimes, it was because they were violent. Or they were mean and ruthless. History is full of famous villains. 

But sometimes, it isn’t that simple. A lot of the people we read about in history books are both. Most people aren’t entirely good or entirely bad. Napoleon Bonaparte is a perfect example.

Napoleon is a very famous person from history. Many people would call him infamous. Infamous people are usually remembered for being a villain. But that’s not really fair. Napoleon’s life is a lot more complex than that. Sure, he did some terrible things. But he did some heroic things, too. In fact, he spent his whole life constantly jumping back and forth over the line that defines heroes and villains. 

History has pretty much decided Napoleon was a villain. But how about you? How will you judge him?

Napoleon Bonaparte was born about 250 years ago in 1769 on an island called Corsica in Europe. When he was born, the island was ruled by the King of France. This meant that Napoleon was born French. 

He left home to attend schools in France. This helped him learn to speak French. It also meant he could go to the best military schools. He must have done well, too, because he became an officer in the French army when he was only 16 years old. 

There was a lot going on in France at this time. In 1789, there was a big revolution. The French people did not like their king. He was living an extravagant life filled with food, wine, and gold, while they were starving in the dirty streets. Most people were angry that he wasn’t taking care of them like somebody in charge should do, so they overthrew him. 

Napoleon wasn’t in France while this was happening. He was taking a break from his career in the military and living back home in Corsica. But he was still paying attention. He listened to all of the political discussions going on around him. He started to agree with those who hated the king. He adopted their radical, revolutionary ideals. 

Eventually, Napoleon returned to Paris which was the center of the French government. The new leader of France, Maximilien Robespierre, needed Napoleon’s clever mind to lead his troops. You see, while France had been busy the past few years with their king, other countries saw this as an opportunity to invade. 

Under its new leader, France needed to prove to the world they were strong, that they were not a country to mess with. Napoleon was just the guy to send that message.

Maximilien Robespierre put Napoleon in charge of protecting France and its people from invasions. But there was a slight problem. The French army wasn’t in the best shape. In fact, it was pretty pathetic.

But Napoleon wasn’t worried. He knew he could lead them to victory. And he did. Not only did he defend France, he expanded it. In 1793, while he was fighting different battles around Europe, Napoleon was promoted three ranks in the French army within 4 months. 

He was proving to be a fierce leader. He was winning impressive battles. He became famous for his military tactics. Robespierre, the leader of France at the time, made sure everybody knew how much he appreciated Napoleon. He was fast becoming a hero to France.

However, while Napoleon was away fighting wars with other countries, things weren’t so great back home in France. Robespierre was turning out to be even worse than the king he’d replaced. He created some strict laws, and anybody who broke them was publicly executed. It was horrible. Overall, more than 17,000 French people lost their lives during his short period of rule. In fact, his rule from September 1793 to July 1794 was named the Reign of Terror because people were pretty much terrified of him. 

So history is pretty clear with this one: Robespierre was definitely more of a villain. 

But the French had just ditched a king that had been a lousy ruler. They knew what had to be done and how to do it. So they overthrew Robespierre, too. This was great for the French people but not so great for Napoleon. 

He had done all that work building strong troops, winning tough battles, and planning attacks. Unfortunately, he had done it all for Robespierre. And the whole country was now very unhappy with Robespierre.

Napoleon was now labeled as a villain, too, and he was put on house arrest. After about a year of being stuck at home, Napoleon was freed. Now he needed to earn back the trust of the new people in charge of France. 

Another new government was being set up in Paris. This time, they wanted a group of people in charge and a constitution, like the one we have in the United States. This would be a set of fair rules and laws to keep all French people safe. They planned a convention where the new leaders would meet to write the constitution.

Not everybody agreed with this, though. Some people even wanted a king back. These people were getting ready to attack the new government. 

Napoleon saw this as his opportunity to show all the new leaders of France how valuable he was. He showed up at the convention ready to protect anybody who wanted to attack it. And he did a great job. He thwarted the rebels outside and saved the new government of France. 

Once again, Napoleon was back on the hero list. He was given new positions and power in the military. He had control of French armies. Instead of staying back to help with the government, Napoleon knew that he belonged out on the front lines helping fight battles against other countries. 

Napoleon was pretty much a genius on the battlefield. He knew how to organize and rally troops brilliantly. He used smart tactics to turn a small, weak army into a powerful and victorious one. 

Napoleon was also very clever in deciding where and when to attack. He and his troops even went all the way to Egypt in order to prove just how strong they were. 

Even though he’d spent a lot of time away, the people back at home were celebrating Napoleon as a hero for all of his victories against their enemies. Napoleon was earning territory for his country and respect for himself. But outside of France, his popularity wasn’t soaring. The people and places he was conquering saw him more as a villain. They were victims of his violent and large-scale attacks.

But in 1799, Napoleon returned home to Paris triumphant. He was the man who couldn’t lose. He hoped to secure his place on the Hero List of History. But there was a slight problem.

Remember all the fighting and arguing about who should be in charge of France? Well, it was still happening when Napoleon got back. The leaders who had created a Constitution with Napoleon’s help were losing power and control. 

What should he do? Support the government that he’d backed three years ago? Or once again, side with the people.

Napoleon decided the time was right to really show everyone he was boss. And well, that he was ready to be the boss. Everybody loved him. They celebrated all of his brilliant victories. So, with the help of some close friends, Napoleon overthrew the French government…again. And he put himself in charge.

At first, he called himself the First Consul of France. This basically meant that he was a dictator. A dictator is somebody who rules over a country, kind of like a King, but they have all the power. No one has the ability to make decisions other than the dictator. 

A dictator is usually not a well-liked person because they have so much power over everybody. But Napoleon wanted to use his power to help the people in France. Most importantly, he wanted to make the country stronger than it had ever been. After all they’d been through, Napoleon wanted to make France better. 

Napoleon’s first actions as dictator were very positive. He made peace with the countries he’d been battling with. He also created a set of rules called the Napoleonic Code. Many of the things that Napoleon set up are still used in many parts of Europe today. 

Napoleon created public education, so that young people in France could go to school even if they had no money. He gave people religious freedom. Systems for businesses, banks, laws, and police were created. Napoleon was doing a lot of good! He was doing the kind of stuff heroes do. 

The rules in the Napoleonic Code promised some hints of democracy across Europe! Napoleon wanted the best people in charge. He wanted power to go to those with experience and ability instead of those with money or popularity. 

These reforms were good. People liked them. They liked Napoleon. In fact, Napoleon was starting to crave more and more power. He wanted to control everything happening in France. 

Eventually, Napoleon wasn’t happy with being just First Consul of France. Five years later, in 1804, Napoleon crowned himself as the Emperor of France. And he made sure to put his own crown on himself!

Like a king or a dictator, emperors have total power and control. However, by making himself an emperor, Napoleon changed two things. First, it meant that his children would inherit his power whenever he died. Second, it meant that Napoleon was most likely planning on invading surrounding countries to turn France into an empire. 

Napoleon was ready to get back on the battlefield and put his tactical mastermind to the test. He went up against the Austrians, the Russians, and the British in different battles across Europe. And most of the time, he won.

These battles are known as the Napoleonic Wars because his armies were fighting and invading many of the countries around them. At one point, Napoleon’s French empire spread across almost all of Europe. 

For close to ten years, Napoleon ruled successfully over a growing French empire. At this time, he was becoming known as both a hero and a villain. French people loved him, but all the other leaders in countries around France feared him. 

Then he made one really bad decision. He decided to invade Russia during the winter. His army was prepared for battle, but they were not so prepared for freezing cold temperatures. Many of them starved to death in the cold before they even met the enemy. 

Eventually, Napoleon and his army were outsmarted by the Russians, who were much more prepared for their own winter storms than he was. With no food, no supplies, and a depleting amount of men, Napoleon was forced to return home. 

Napoleon had lost many of his loyal men to the Russian winter. That wasn’t such a popular thing back home in France. There was nobody left to defend him within his own country. And the world outside of France already considered him a villain.

Those countries saw this as their chance to take him down once and for all. They invaded France. Napoleon had no army left. He was helpless to defend himself.

Napoleon’s enemies exiled him to a tiny island called Elba. Instead of an empire, now all Napoleon had was a small island. Of course, this wasn’t enough for him. About a year into his exile, Napoleon decided he would try once again to get back on that Hero List.

He escaped the island and sailed back to France with some of the supporters he still had. He marched into Paris. Crowds lined the streets, cheering for him to welcome him back. They missed his great success as emperor of France. Maybe he could still be a hero.

Napoleon easily took back control of the country and started building a new army for France. Though, this time, his enemies were prepared for him. They had all teamed up against him.

Napoleon’s great return to France only lasted 100 days before he was once again defeated by enemies and placed back into exile. He was exiled to a British controlled island much further away, so they could make sure he wouldn’t escape anymore. 

This time Napoleon stayed in exile. He died only six years later at age 51.

Napoleon did quite a lot in his short life. He was a general, a commander, a dictator, an emperor, a hero, and a villain. 

Next time you’re learning about all the people from history, think of Napoleon. Think of all the different things that he did. Think about how a French person would have written about him, and think of how one of his enemies would have written about him. Depending on who’s telling it, the story of a person can change a lot. 

So, what do you think? Was Napoleon a hero or a villain? Or maybe he was both? Either way there’s a lot we can learn from him. He saw the value of public education. He advocated (at times) for a fair government. But maybe the most important lesson? Never invade Russia during the winter!

Sources:

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That is why, through the centuries, most rulers were men – men who charged into battle on a thundering war horse wearing thick armor and carrying heavy swords. They kept their crowns many times by facing their foes on the field of battle.  

One such king was King Henry VIII of England.  He became king in 1509 at the age of 17. He was a big, powerful man standing over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a fighting spirit.  He was a fierce competitor in battle against the French, Scots, Irish, and even enemies within his own realm.  He ruled England for 38 years and had six wives, but the one thing he didn’t have was a slew of sons to inherit the throne.  At that time in history, the crown was generally passed down to the males in the royal family.  But King Henry VIII had two daughters, Princesses Mary and Elizabeth, and only one son, Prince Edward, who was sickly and weak.   

Both Mary and Elizabeth had an unhappy childhood due to the whims of their father.  King Henry divorced Mary’s mother, Queen Catherine, because she could not produce a son.  He sent her into exile and she eventually died alone and abandoned by the king and court.  

King Henry did something worse to his next wife, Queen Anne Boleyn.  He tired of her manipulations and inability to birth a son.  He ordered her executed based on false accusations concocted by her enemies at court.  Their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, was just 2 years old when she lost her mother.  King Henry then declared that Elizabeth was “illegitimate” – not a true royal princess or heir – and sent her away to live in the country.  Elizabeth quickly learned that life can change in an instant:  one minute she was a princess and the next she was abandoned by her father and kicked out of the line of succession, meaning she would never sit on the throne.  She determined that she must study and learn all she could to survive in this world.  She practiced many languages, including French, Latin, Italian, Flemish, Welsh, Cornish, Scottish, Irish, German, Spanish, and Greek.  She studied people and their personalities, learning valuable skills about diplomacy and public relations.  She cultivated her charm, poise, cunning, and intelligence.

When she was 10, her father changed his mind about Elizabeth and restored her princess title and her succession to the throne behind Edward and Mary.  He died four years later and Elizabeth, then 14, was sent to live with his last wife, Catherine Parr, and her new husband.  Unfortunately, Catherine’s husband was a scoundrel and used to tickle, tease, and corner Elizabeth when she was alone or asleep.  Elizabeth tried to dress very early in the morning, or have her servants around her at all times, so that her stepfather would not try something tricky, like marry her in secret, in the hopes of becoming king if Elizabeth ever became queen.

King Henry’s son, Edward, was now king at only nine years old.  But Edward was very sickly and died when he was 15 from tuberculosis. Before he died, Edward, a Protestant, drafted a will to make his cousin, Lady Jane Grey, also a Protestant, the next ruler instead of his older sister, Mary, who was a Catholic.

Lady Jane Grey was then proclaimed queen against her wishes and thrust on the throne based on Edward’s will, plus the manipulations of powerful men in her family and at court.  She knew in her heart that Edward’s oldest sister, Mary, should be the rightful queen.  And Mary thought so, too!  Mary quickly gathered troops and rode to London, throwing Jane off the throne and locking her in the Tower of London.  Jane Grey lost her life at only 16 years old on Mary’s orders due to her nine days on a throne she never wanted.  As you can see, kings and queens in those days did not sit easily on a throne.  Anything could happen to throw them off of it – angry enemies, untrustworthy family members, manipulative counselors, or faithless friends.

Mary then took the throne and became Mary I.  She was a very strict queen and had many people burned at the stake for their religious beliefs, thus gaining the nickname “Bloody Mary.”  She was an ardent Catholic and wanted everyone to practice that religion, but she knew that many in her kingdom were Protestant, including her younger sister Elizabeth.  

Elizabeth, now 19, possessed a charming personality and keen intelligence.  Mary grew very jealous of Elizabeth and thought Elizabeth was plotting to overthrow her and take her crown.  Mary ordered that Elizabeth be taken captive and rowed by boat in the pouring rain to the Tower of London and imprisoned.  Elizabeth passed under “Traitor’s Gate” proclaiming her innocence.  She was held in the Tower for two months before she was released and sent to a country home, where she was held under house arrest.

Queen Mary I only ruled for five years before dying of stomach cancer at the age of 42.  At the time, she was married to Prince Philip of Spain, but they had no children.

Thus, on January 15, 1559, Princess Elizabeth, age 25, was crowned Queen Elizabeth I in Westminster Abbey.  She arrived at the Abbey a young beauty in an elaborate gold gown, shimmering jewels, ornate crown, and fur-lined robe.  No one thought that the little, red-headed toddler, the only child of King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn, a traitor’s daughter, would one day be queen.  Through her intelligence, iron will, and perseverance, Elizabeth survived a tyrannical father, the execution of her mother, abandonment by her family, imprisonment and false accusations by her half-sister, and a sly stepfather, to survive and thrive.  She became the ruler of a powerful nation as a single woman in her own right.  She never married nor had children.  She ruled for 44 years, much longer than her siblings, or even her all-powerful father.  She survived several assassination attempts, foiled the Spanish Armada, and thwarted various plots to overthrow her.  One of these plots was allegedly masterminded by her own cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Her reign was called the “Elizabethan Era” and saw literary achievements by William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlow, plus successful sea exploits by Sirs Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake.  She was called “The Virgin Queen,” “Glorianna,” and “Good Queen Bess.”

In honor of this historic queen and her coronation in January, consider visiting your local library to find a book about her life and reign, or listen to our prior episode, “History of the Spanish Armada and Queen Elizabeth.”  This young princess-turned-queen lived in a world of men and rose to the highest position of power and prestige during a ruthless time in history.  She knew that if she married, her husband would assume control over her and her country; therefore, she never married and kept her power.  Throughout her life, she had few people she could trust.  Everyone around her, including her own family members, courtiers, counselors, and other rulers, plotted against her for power, position, or property.  Being a queen during that time was one of the loneliest jobs in the world.  And with no children, she had no one to love or mentor as the next monarch.  

Today, British monarchs no longer make laws or act as the sole ruler of the United Kingdom.  They are considered a “figure head” – or symbol – of their nation, while their parliament rules the kingdom and makes the laws.  Kings and queens today approve bills, appoint Prime Ministers, and open Parliament every season.  They no longer make laws, start a war, or order their enemies imprisoned or executed. Instead, they tour the country speaking with their countrymen, listening to their concerns and shining a spotlight on organizations and causes.  They conduct outreach to other nations to foster peace and goodwill.  Their life is much different in many respects than the kings and queens of the past. Today, a monarch’s power rests not in their swords but in their statesmanship.  They work for the betterment of their people and promote their interests.  In many respects, the weight of the crown today is much lighter and the risks much fewer.

What do you think of Queen Elizabeth I and her rocky road to the throne?  Would you have liked to live as a king or queen during that time in history?  Does her story change your opinion of royalty?  If so, how?  Do you live in a country with a king or queen?  If so, where?

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For many long centuries, animals and man have roamed the earth in a quest for survival.  Both hunted constantly to fill their needs for food, water, and shelter.  And as animals and man roamed the forests and plains, they came into contact with each other – first as predators and later as trusted companions and friends.  And as both of these species evolved through the centuries, so did their relationship to one another.  So today, let’s talk about service animals.  When you think of a service animal, you may think about dogs.  And you would be right!  However, we must not forget that there are many other service animals who continue to help mankind.  Can you guess some of them?  Well, I can think of horses, oxen, yaks, cats, and camels.  And then there’s elephants, falcons, mongoose, and even carrier pigeons!  So, let’s take a deeper dive into some of the wonderful service animals around the world.

The most long-lasting and popular service animal around the world is arguably the dog.  And you may wonder how the dog gained this honored position.  Well, we must go back 200,000-400,000 years ago when grey wolves, called “wolf-like canids,” roamed the Earth.  Man was evolving at this time and was hunting, building fires, and starting settlements in caves and wooden structures in the same areas as the wolf-like canids.  Man and canids started coming in contact with each other.  Maybe these canids attacked man and man hunted the canids.  They both acted as wary predators.  But slowly over time, the canids came closer and closer to man’s settlements in search of easy food – maybe scraps left around the fire or small animals kept in cages like pigs and sheep.  The canids slowly became more accustomed to the sight and smell of humans, and humans became more accustomed to canids, sometimes leaving out scraps of food for them to build trust or stop attacks. The canids and man started to form a symbiotic – or helpful – relationship: the canids would use man for protection against larger animals and for food, and man would rely on the canids to alert them to danger or nearby food and water sources. 

Over many years, some of these canids became more accustomed to, and friendly with, man while the others stayed wild as wolves.  These friendly canids produced offspring who were then raised around man. And man would treat these special canids with care and attention, slowly gaining their trust and training them to do tasks like hunting and retrieving, or guarding their homes and animals.  Over the centuries, the canids’ descendants became the domesticated dog breeds we see today.  Man then trained these dogs to be herd dogs like border collies and Australian sheepdogs, guard dogs like German shepherds, bird dogs like golden retrievers, hunting dogs like hounds and terriers, sleigh dogs like huskies, or mountain rescue dogs like Saint Bernards. On every continent, specific breeds of dogs developed based on the terrain, people, and needs in that area.

Ancient Egyptians revered dogs as hunters, guides, protectors, companions, and even friends in the afterlife.  Egyptian Pharaohs had their loyal dogs’ images carved on their tombs, a symbol of the strong bond they had formed with their trusted furry friends.

Monks in the Middle Ages trained their dogs to retrieve items and turn the spit on the fire while roasting their meat.

Then in the 1500’s, the first reported incident of a dog guiding a blind man occurred when a German physician saw a dog guiding a blind man around the streets of Nuremburg.  By the early 1900’s, man harnessed the incredible abilities of dogs – their intelligence, adaptability to training, and empathy – to become guide dogs for the blind, with organizations popping up in the United States and the United Kingdom.  

At the same time, World War I was brewing in Europe and dogs were sent into battle, doing everything from running messages between battle stations, carrying supplies, guarding equipment, and providing comfort to soldiers.  Later, during World War II, dogs were again called into service as messengers, guards, and companions, but also for digging tunnels and hunting for food in the jungles.  

More recently, service dogs’ abilities have evolved even further than hunting, herding, protecting, and retrieving.  They now provide hearing assistance for the deaf, mobility support for the disabled, medical alert notification for diabetics and epileptics, mental health companionship, search and rescue assistance, and end of life comfort.  People now use them during flights to curb panic attacks or to paw them when they are about to experience a blood pressure drop or a seizure.  The dogs fetch bottled water, pills, and blankets.  Support dogs lay on the beds of the sick and dying in hospitals offering love and comfort.  And dogs have been used around the world in numerous search and rescue operations, digging through rubble, listening for voices, and barking alerts.

Dogs have also become an invaluable resource to law enforcement, acting as police K9’s chasing and detaining criminals.  They sniff out hidden bombs, people, and substances.  And dogs have even been sent into space to test the safety of space exploration for humans, with Russia sending dogs into space 71 times between 1951 and 1966!

But even though dogs certainly take a large share of the service spotlight, there are many other wonderful creatures around the world helping man every day.  

Horses have been an amazing helper to man for many centuries.  In ancient Rome, they pulled golden chariots around dusty racetracks or into battle, their sturdy hooves thundering past at tremendous speed.  They plowed fields in humble hamlets or raced across plains carrying fierce Indians hunting buffalo.  They thundered hundreds of miles across the United States delivering mail for the Pony Express, and pulled carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches over multiple continents, delivering passengers, packages, and food.  They charged into brutal battles and raced through the night on historic rides by Paul Revere and Sybil Ludington.  European nobles trained their beautiful steads in the art of dressage – prancing and rearing in beautiful and artistic performances for fascinated crowds.  The mighty horse was once the most popular form of transportation before trains, motorbikes, buses, and automobiles came on the scene.  Today, they are still an important service animal to many people and communities, carrying people, food, and packages, working as law enforcement horses, competing in dressage, track races, and Olympic events, and even working as therapy animals in jails and hospitals.

Another very popular service animal is the cat.  For centuries, the cat has been honored or hated, depending on the time in history.  The ancient Egyptians honored cats as gods who offered protection against serpents, while other civilizations considered them the helpmates of witches.  In the last couple of centuries, cats have come back in favor as service animals due to their hunting skills and uncanny night vision.  They quickly eliminate rats, snakes, and mice from houses, streets, cities, and even battleships, thus curbing the spread of deadly diseases and keeping mankind safe and healthy!  I have even seen videos where electricians use cats to carry wires through tunnels since cats are so curious and love to explore dark caves and hidey-holes.

Of course, the amazing yak has been a helpmate to man in the Himalayans and other remote, mountainous regions for centuries.  Their large bodies, strong backs, and big lungs make them perfect for carrying heavy loads across large distances and at high altitudes.  Plus, their milk is a favorite ingredient in meals, just like we enjoy cow or goat milk.  Most climbers rely on yaks to help them reach tremendous mountains such as Everest and K2 and bring all their gear to base camp – everything from tents and food, to hiking gear and medical supplies.  If man had to do this all by himself, he would be too exhausted to hike the mountain once he reached it!

And just like the sturdy yak, mighty oxen have been helping man through the centuries, plowing fields, pulling wagons, and dragging heavy beams, bricks, and blocks across many continents on Earth, helping man to grow life-sustaining food and build amazing structures and monuments.

And we must not forget our fluffy, flying friends.  In the medieval ages, falcons were used by the nobility as hunting birds due to their incredible speed, strength, and eyesight.  Falcons were trained to hunt and retrieve rabbits, birds, and other small creatures to add food to man’s table.  And pigeons have been used to carry secret messages across many miles and through historic battles.  Man found that pigeons’ long flying ability and instinct to return home made them very useful when other forms of secret communication were not available – such as telegrams, letters, and phones.

Camels and elephants have been used in service for centuries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  They can travel long distances and their bodies are strong and sturdy, allowing them to carry heavy loads of supplies, timber, and men for thousands of miles across vast deserts, thick jungles, and high mountain ranges.  They have been used by kings, sultans, Bedouins, and common folk for transportation and load carrying throughout history and to this day.  

In Europe, Africa, and Asia, the wily mongoose is man’s best friend when it comes to the slippery, slithering cobra!  While most animals and people are frightened of cobras and their deadly bites, the mongoose has a natural component in their DNA that makes them resistant to the snake’s deadly venom.  Looking like a small cat or a large, furry rat, they are quick and agile with strong teeth and sharp claws – the perfect match for the striking cobra.  In ancient Mesopotamia – or Asia – the mongoose was revered as a god and prayed to for protection against serpents.  The mongoose has been celebrated for its life-saving abilities in stories and films from Disney’s “The Jungle Book” to Sherlock Holmes’ mystery, “The Adventure of the Crooked Man.”

I hope you have enjoyed this episode about animals who have served man throughout history.  If you would like to learn more about amazing animals, listen to our other episodes including: “The Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington,” “Unsinkable Sam, the Battleship Cat,” “Jeep, the Flying Coyote,” “The Life-Saving Dog Sled Race,” “Bobbie, the Wonder Dog,” “Gunboat Judy: The Heroic Dog of WWII,” “The Horse’s Impact on History,” and “The History of Cats and Crows at Halloween.”  There is something for everyone, from dogs, cats, and horses to coyotes and crows!

I would love to hear from you and learn about the service animals in your life.  Do you have a special cat, dog, horse, or other animal?  What do you call your pet?  What are your pet’s special talents?  If you could have one service animal, what would it be and why?

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Well, thanks to sailors, fishermen, marine biologists, submarine crews, and other explorers, we know a lot more about the sea and what’s in it than at any other time in history.  We have discovered underwater cities and sea life and shipwrecks.  We have found fossils, treasure chests, and planes that disappeared decades ago.  We have developed amazing things like sonar, radar, and underwater vessels to dive deeper and explore further.  But to this day, we have not reached the bottom of some of the deepest seas in the world and we haven’t discovered all there is to see in this vast underwater kingdom.

So, that means: where there is the unknown or a mystery, there is folklore!  Since the beginning of time, man has been connected to the sea.  For ancient man, the sea must have seemed very big and mysterious and scary indeed.  People eventually built boats and started sailing across these seas. They saw strange creatures jumping out of the water or bumping into their boats. They heard spine-tingling screeches on the wind or witnessed large shapes bobbing on the waves.  What could these things be?  Were they ghosts or monsters or gods?  

Well, since ancient man didn’t have any means to go deep under the sea to discover these answers, they had to find an explanation using what knowledge they had.  And that is where sea legends and folklore began.  People crafted stories and carved images to make sense of the sea.  Over time, these tales, myths, legends, and images spread around the world and became part of folklore on every continent.

And one of the earliest and most enduring tales of all time is that of the mystical mermaid.  Many people across the world can describe a mermaid: a beautiful creature, half woman/half fish, with long flowing hair and glittering scales.  And we know this because images of them have been carved into stone in ancient temples or sketched in books dating back centuries.  As far back as the 19^th century B.C., people believed that life came from – and started in – the sea. In the city of Babylon (which means “Gate of the Gods” and is now part of Iraq), people prayed to a half human/half fish sea goddess called “Atargadis” who was the ruler of life and fertility.  They carved her image on stone templates wearing a “mural crown” – a crown shaped like towers, walls, and fortresses instead of flowers, arches, and crosses like crowns that came later.  Sometimes she was carved with a human face on a fish body; other times as half human/half fish.  Atargadis was married to a god named Hadad and they were the gods who protected the city of Babylon.  Atargadis also ruled over the city’s religious and social life, as well as the creation of new life. 

But how did Atargadis come to have the form of a fish?  Well, one ancient myth states that the goddess originally had a human form but then drowned herself in a lake, thus turning into half woman/half fish.  She was ashamed for having fallen in love with a handsome man and giving birth to a baby girl – something that was, apparently, forbidden for divine, non-human goddesses.

Over the ensuing centuries, people traveled and traded with people in other cities and countries.  The myth of Atargadis spread throughout the Middle East and Europe.  The early Greeks, who had originally depicted their goddesses as birds with human faces, later changed their goddess images to mermaids.  

Thus, the mermaid legend grew and more tales blossomed.  Mermaids gained nicknames like “sirens” or “water nymphs.” Their image changed into dangerous sea maidens luring unsuspecting ships and sailors to their doom.  They were no longer the praised city protectors of the past.  But like the original goddess Atargadis, they still possessed magical powers and liked music and song.  Early sailors reported hearing strange sounds like otherworldly music on the waves and guessed it must be mermaids singing.  Who or what else could it be?  Today, we might suggest the sounds were coming from pods of whales.  But since the ancient sailors didn’t know about whale communication or have sonar recording devices, they believed in singing mermaids instead.  However, unlike the goddess Atargadis, mermaids of legend were said to be mortal.  The lived about 300 years, had no soul, and eventually turned into sea foam instead of going to heaven.  

And since mermaids were depicted as beautiful creatures, it was assumed they must be vain.  Artists painted beautiful scenes of mermaids lounging on rocks surrounded by objects of vanity, such as hairbrushes, combs, and mirrors. Myths soon popped up stating that if a human captured and hid these mermaid objects, the mermaid would become human and could be tricked into marriage.  However, if the mermaid found the hidden objects, she could transform back into a mermaid and return to the sea.  

Perhaps because of these myths of humans stealing the mermaid’s items, luring them into human form and marrying them, mermaids then gained the reputation for spitefulness against humans. Tales stated that, if provoked, mermaids could cause floods, storms, or other sea disasters.  A mermaid spotted during a sea voyage was considered an omen of shipwreck. Other legends told of mermaids luring men into the water where they drowned or were forced to live under the sea forevermore, never returning home.  Some myths, however, stated that mermaids could also show compassion.  If something nice was done for them, such as rescuing them from a net, they could bestow gifts or blessings.

And it wasn’t just rum-soaked sailors who reported seeing mermaids out to sea.  Famous explorer Christopher Columbus reported seeing mermaids while sailing in the Caribbean.  Today, we might guess he saw manatees instead, which can nurse their young like female humans and, from afar, can look to have a human face.

Mermaid folklore was still going strong in 1837, when Danish author Hans Christian Anderson wrote a book called, “The Little Mermaid” and it became an instant classic.  Approximately 150 years later, Walt Disney made a film by the same name, popularizing the mystical mermaid for a new generation of children worldwide.  

Today, you can see mermaids depicted on modern day coat of arms, including those in Britain, Warsaw, and Germany, as well as the University of Birmingham.  However, if you see a mermaid with a serpent tail, two fish tails, or wings, it is called a Melusine and is very common in French folklore.

So, now we know about mermaids, but what about mermen?  Well, mermen are not as common in folklore as mermaids and they can either be shown as handsome or grotesque.  The legend of the merman started in Babylon and became connected with the sea god Ea, the god of water, wisdom, culture, and civilization.  He was also the creator and protector of man and the world.  However, some state that the merman legend refers to Ea’s servant.  Ea was shown as half man/half fish, while some images show him as a man wearing a fish robe.

Later the Greek myth of Triton was born.  Triton was a sea god and the son of Poseidon.  Poseidon had a human form, but Triton was half man/half fish, holding or blowing a conch shell.  Sometimes he held a three-pronged trident.  He lived in a golden palace at the bottom of the sea with his parents and acted as Poseidon’s messenger.  Triton was called both a mighty and dreadful sea god and could blow his conch shell so loudly that it raised or flattened waves and scared away mythical giants. He was said to have green hair and blue skin with barnacles on his mighty shoulders.  However, around the 1500’s several artists started depicting Triton with a fish tail, man’s body, female’s chest, devil’s horns, and thick legs with webbed feet.  People started calling Triton a “sea devil,” “sea monster,” or “sea satyr.”   That was not a good time for the mighty sea god!

And speaking of Greek myths, there is a legend about another merman name Glaucus who started life as a human fisherman.  He noticed that when he caught fish, they would struggle to get back into the water when he placed them on the grassy shores.  Glaucus thought that the grass must give the fish special

powers, so he ate the grass.  He then had an overwhelming desire to jump into the sea and never return.  The sea gods under the waves heard his wish and turned him into a sea god just like them, and Glaucus never returned to land.

Various Scandinavian countries, including Iceland and Norway, have legends about mermen with black hair, long beards, and dusky skin with a man’s torso and a fish tail.  One British folklore writer stated her opinion that mermen were “often uglier and rougher in the British Isles” although how she came to this conclusion is unknown.  In Irish folklore, a merman named Coomara is depicted as a hideous creature with green skin, hair, and teeth, slitted eyes, and a big red nose.  And in Cornish folklore there is a merman named Bucca with hair of seaweed and the skin of an eel who looks for offerings of fish left along the shore.  

Mermen tales can be found around the world, including Europe, China, Japan, Greenland, Canada, and even the Amazon.  

Today, mermen are depicted in comics, movies, and films as handsome, strong, and courageous, such as in the TV show, “Man from Atlantis” and the super hero movie, “Aquaman.” They are featured in the popular game, “Dungeons and Dragons” and in the hugely successful “Harry Potter” movies where merpeople live in a lake near Hogwarts.

So, what do you think about the legends of mermaids?  Do you know of any legends where you live?  If you could have one special power as a mermaid or merman, what would it be?

The post History of Mermaids: Myth, Mystery and Legend for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

If I asked you this same question about 70 years ago, you would have had a lot fewer options to pick from. And one thing’s for sure. You would have almost surely named a male athlete. This is because, in the 1950s, the greatest sports legends, and basically the only sports legends were men. 

It was very rare for women to play professional sports. When they did, they were told that they weren’t as competitive or fun to watch as the men playing the same sport as them. This meant that young girls had nobody to look up to. They had no Naomi Osaka or Alex Morgan to dream of becoming. 

A young girl named Billie Jean King was growing up in those days. She loved sports. She was born in California in 1943 into a family of athletes. Seriously, at least one of her family members had excelled at just about every sport you can think of. Her mother was a swimmer, and her father did basketball, baseball, and track. Her younger brother played baseball, and he even became a pitcher in Major League Baseball. 

Today, we might think that  Billie Jean was born to be an athlete. But this was 70 years ago. So, it was something of a surprise when Billie Jean wanted to follow in her family’s footsteps and be an athlete. 

Her family’s skills meant that she had high expectations and big shoes to fill. But, it didn’t take long before Billie Jean was proving she was every bit the talented athlete as the rest of her family. 

She started in softball. And she was really good at it. So good that when she was only 10 years old, she was playing with teenagers. It didn’t matter that they were bigger and stronger. She was still a strong competitor. 

After seeing one of her friends playing tennis, though, Billie Jean traded her softball bat for a tennis racquet. With that first swing at 11 years old, Billie Jean swiftly showed that she was definitely made to be a tennis player. 

She even told her mom that she was going to become the best tennis player in the world. Not the best women’s tennis player, not even the best women’s athlete, but the best tennis player in the world. 

There was one slight problem. Nobody really paid much attention to women’s tennis players, or really any women playing professional sports. So Billie Jean didn’t have anybody to model her career after. She had no female superstar athletes paving the way for her. Nope, she was going to have to do it all herself. Young Billie Jean had lots of challenges ahead of her. She was definitely going to have to prove that she was a tough opponent on the court.

But what she didn’t know was that some of her toughest battles would be off the court.

Still, Billie Jean knew in her heart that tennis was her sport. She was ready to start training. She was ready to start the path to become the best tennis player in the world. Not so fast, said reality! Her first off-court opponent was quick to show up. And it  stopped Billie Jean in her tracks. 

At the time, tennis was a pretty expensive sport. Her family didn’t have a lot of money, and her parents didn’t think they would be able to afford all of the equipment that she needed to start playing tennis. Billie Jean was used to overcoming an opponent with skill or endurance. That couldn’t help her this time.

But what could help her was persistence and hard work. Billie Jean decided that she would earn the money herself. She asked her neighbors if she could do jobs for them. Slowly, she ended up saving the money to buy herself her first racquet.

One opponent down. She had a racquet. She was ready to start practicing. She took free tennis lessons offered in her hometown of Long Beach, California. 

After a couple years of practice, Billie Jean was getting better and better. At age 14, she even won a championship tournament in Southern California! She was proving to herself and everyone around her that she was an athlete. And a great one.

But more opponents popped up off the court.  People criticized the way she played. They said she played too aggressively for a young girl. Billie Jean couldn’t help that she was a girl. No matter how well she performed, the boys around her were getting much more attention and praise. Billie Jean was frustrated. 

The criticism that she faced because of her gender continued to build. Then, as a teenager, she played in a big tennis tournament. At the end, they gathered all of the players for a photo.   Except for Billie Jean.

Why was she excluded from the photo?  At that time in tennis, women played in a traditional skirt. Billie Jean wore shorts. She was more comfortable and could play better in them. But she wasn’t allowed to be in the photo. Not unless she wore a skirt. Like girls were supposed to wear.

She felt like many people were rooting against her. The people in charge of tournaments didn’t want her to be noticed for her success. Despite this little loss, she kept playing throughout all of high school, and by the time she was ready to go to college, Billie Jean was ranked as one of the best women’s tennis players in the whole country. 

Even though she was winning almost every match in every tournament she joined, she made less prize money than the men who won the exact same tournaments. The people around her told her that she was a very good tennis player…for a girl. 

The college she went to wouldn’t even give her a scholarship just because she was a girl! She won every match she could, but still she felt that her gender was the one rival she would never be able to vanquish. 

Billie Jean was starting to realize that her childhood dream of being the best tennis player in the world was going to be much more difficult than she thought. She accepted that it would be difficult, but she did not accept that it would be impossible. 

Billie Jean was already fighting hard on the court. Now she was ready to start fighting back just as hard off the court. When she thought about her childhood dream, she didn’t just want to be the best tennis player in the world for herself. She wanted to be the best player in the world so she could make sports equal for all the girls who followed in her tennis-playing footsteps. 

To do this, Billie Jean would have to start playing more and bigger tournaments. So that’s exactly what she did. In 1961, when she was 18 years old, she competed in her first Wimbledon tournament. Wimbledon is an annual tennis tournament held in London, and it’s basically the World Cup of tennis. It’s one of the biggest and most watched tournaments all over the world every year. 

Billie Jean and her tennis partner Karen Hantz Susman became the youngest pair to ever win the Wimbledon women’s doubles title. After that, she didn’t stop. She kept winning. For the next 20 years almost, it seemed like Billie Jean won every match she played. 

In 1966, she won her first major singles championship at the Wimbledon tournament. And then she won again in 1967. And again in 1968. She went on to win a record-winning total of 20 Wimbledon titles in her career, which she still holds the record for today. 

Her victories spanned the whole world. From 1961 when she won that first Wimbledon, until 1979, Billie Jean won 13 titles at the major tennis tournament in the United States, four at the one in France, and two at the one in Australia, and 20 – yes, 20 – from Wimbledon.  

Even without doing the  math, we can all agree that those added up to a lot of wins for Billie Jean. Most importantly, she achieved that special goal that she told her mother about when she was a young girl. For a total of 6 years, Billie Jean King was ranked as the best women’s tennis player in the world. 

She’d made a name for herself. Now Billie Jean wanted to use the fame and reputation she’d earned on the court to start tackling some of the challenges and problems she’d dealt with off the court.

She first created an association specifically for women playing in tennis. She wanted to make the sport equal between mens and womens players, not only for herself, but for the women she was competing against, and for the thousands of young girls who might one day break the records she was setting. 

With this new Women’s Tennis Association, Billie Jean started a campaign to make prize money equal for both men and women at all these tournaments. At one point, Billie Jean even said she would stop playing in tournaments that would not offer the same amount of prize money. Unless they offered up some equality off the court, Billie Jean would not play. And without Billie Jean, less people came to see these tournaments.  

So the United States Open in 1973 became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to both men and women thanks to Billie Jean. This was a big deal! It’s rare, even today, for male athletes and female athletes to earn the same amount of money. Billie Jean’s hard work and international success was changing some people’s minds. 

Of course, not everybody was happy with these changes. One of them was an older men’s tennis player. His name was Bobby Riggs. Bobby was especially upset with Billie Jean. He insisted that men’s tennis was better than women’s tennis. He boasted that he could beat any of the best female players, Billie Jean included. Even though he had been retired from the sport for almost 20 years, he challenged Billie Jean to a tennis match. The winner would get $100,000! And almost as importantly, they would get bragging rights. 

Billie Jean had never been one to back away from a challenge. She had changed the game of tennis and made it better for women. She had paid for her own equipment, been excluded from tournament photos, and spent decades training. Was she going to back down now? Of course, she accepted. 

People were very excited. They nicknamed the match the “Battle of the Sexes.” They put it on TV for the whole country to watch! It was the most watched tennis match ever. This meant that the stakes were even higher for Billie Jean. Could she beat a male tennis player? Could she show everybody watching that women were just as good at sports as men? 

On September 20 in 1973 Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs very easily. But it wasn’t her only victory. Her tougher victory was the respect she won for women by the thousands of viewers across the world. People were starting to agree with 11-year-old Billie Jean. Finally, it seemed that Billie Jean could claim the title of the best tennis player. 

Since then, Billie Jean has retired. She set up the Women’s Sports Foundation and a co-ed tennis team to make sure women would always have a place in professional sports. She continues to advocate for women in professional sports.

Billie Jean’s victories are one reason that we have many successful women’s athletes that we can look up to today. People like Simone Biles, Alex Morgan, and Serena Williams aren’t great athletes in spite of being women. They are the greatest athletes because they are women. And that’s something that Billie Jean worked hard to prove.  

So the next time you hear someone say, “They’re pretty good . . . for a girl,” remind them of Billie Jean King. Who was a pretty good athlete. Period. 

Sources: 

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Billie-Jean-King/630675

https://kids.kiddle.co/Billie_Jean_King#Early_life

https://kidskonnect.com/people/billie-jean-king/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-the-Sexes-tennis

The post The Story of Billie Jean King for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

Our story begins in the early 2000s with two wizards of the Internet named David Baszucki and Erik Cassel. These visionary friends loved building and creating, and they dreamt of a place where everyone could let their imagination run wild. Together, they set out on an epic quest to create a platform where people could build their own games and play together.

In 2004, they used computer coding to create DynaBlocks. It was a virtual land where players could build and explore, creating their own adventures and challenges. 

Their chosen tool for their game idea was Lua, a scripting language known for its simplicity and versatility. Lua provided the foundation for David and Erik to weave the intricate code required to create a platform where users could unleash their creativity.

The development of DynaBlocks and its evolution into Roblox was no small task. David and Erik, armed with their coding expertise, spent several years refining and expanding their creation. The process was marked by many hours of dedication, trial, and error. As they encountered challenges and made changes, the two founders tirelessly worked to improve the user’s experience and build a platform that would capture the imagination of millions.

David and Erik hired a team of skilled programmers to get the job done. This collaborative effort brought many talents and perspectives into the mix, enriching the game design process. The team worked worked together to deal with technical challenges, optimize performance, and introduce new features that would contribute to the Roblox’s growth. As the team expanded, so did the complexity and depth of system, demonstrating the power of teamwork and innovation in the world of computer programming.

By 2006, Roblox officially became the digital space we know today, where players could build, play, and make friends from all corners of the globe.

As more adventurers joined the Roblox world, it started to sparkle with millions of games created by imaginative minds. You see, Roblox was designed so even the players could learn how to code and use graphic design to create their own games using the Lua programming language! How amazing is that? It means the possibilities for Roblox were endless! The popularity of Roblox soared, and soon it became a global sensation, enchanting players young and old alike.

In Robloxia, the virtual land of Roblox, players can embark on incredible quests and adventures created by fellow players. Some of the most popular games include “Adopt Me!”, where players can adopt virtual pets, and “Brookhaven,” a magical town where everyone can become anything they imagine.

The developers behind these games, like Adopt Me!’s DreamCraft and Brookhaven’s Wolfpaq, are like modern-day sorcerers. They spend hours waving their digital wands to create magical experiences for players to enjoy. These games became so beloved that they attracted millions of players, turning the once-small Robloxia into a bustling metropolis of creativity.

Now, let’s talk about some young adventurers who turned their dreams into impressive games. Players like Alex “builderman” Balfanz, made their fortunes by crafting games that captured the hearts of millions. Alex created “Jailbreak,” a game where players can choose to be cops or robbers in a thrilling chase. His creativity didn’t just entertain, but he was also able to earn money from his game, turning him into a legendary figure in the Roblox world.

In the magical land of Robloxia, some young creators have discovered a path to riches. Take, for instance, the young adventurer Andrew “badcc” Bereza. His game “Bad Business” became a sensation, and as players flocked to experience the excitement he crafted, Andrew found himself with a treasure trove of Robux, the currency of Roblox. 

Some of the young creators were able to earn enough to pay for their college education, which is pretty impressive!

In the world of Roblox, not all heroes wear capes – some wear headphones and sit in front of computers. Let’s delve into the tales of two creators who warmed the hearts of players everywhere.

One such gamer is EthanGamerTV, who started creating Roblox videos at a young age. His enthusiasm and love for the game resonated with many, turning him into a beloved figure in the Roblox community.

Another popular player is “Work at a Pizza Place,” Dued1. His game, where players can experience the joys and challenges of working at a pizza joint, became a beloved classic. Dued1’s journey from a humble creator to a celebrated figure in Robloxia showcases the power of imagination and hard work.

What do you think of the story of the creation of Roblox? It always amazes me to think of the small beginnings of projects like this. I mean, that’s how my podcast started, too. The idea for Roblox started in the minds of David Baszucki and Erik Cassel and with lots of hard work, talent, and determination led to the game we know today that is played by millions of creators and gamers around the world.

If you were to create your own game or app, what would it do? If you have an idea, write it down, draw some pictures to describe it, and use websites like Canva or Fiero Code or Scratch to learn how to design and code and bring your creation to life. Like Roblox, every big idea has to start somewhere!

The post History of Roblox for Kids appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.

It had been a year since Tenzin had joined the monastery, he thought back about his life before climbing up the mountain and starting his new life as a Buddhist monk.

Tenzin had been born to humble parents in the village of Gyalpo. His family had been devoted practitioners of Buddhism for generations. Tenzin’s earliest memories were of prayer and the comforting presence of the nearby monastery. His parents, recognizing the spiritual interests of their son, encouraged him to explore the teachings of Buddhism from a young age.

As a child, Tenzin was drawn to the temple. His curiosity came out in the form of many questions posed to the village monks and visiting pilgrims. The elder monks, seeing his earnest desire for knowledge, began to guide him in the basic teachings of mindfulness and compassion.

One day, as Tenzin explored the village outskirts, he encountered a wandering monk named Kelsang. The old monk, with a flowing white beard and eyes that sparkled with ancient wisdom, recognized something special in Tenzin. Kelsang saw in the young boy a kindred spirit yearning for a deeper understanding of life.

Over a simple meal of tsampa and butter tea, Kelsang shared his own journey to enlightenment. He spoke of the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the joy that accompanied a life devoted to mindfulness and compassion. Tenzin hung on to every word.

In that moment, Tenzin decided to become a monk like Kelsang. Kelsang offered to guide him to the monastery high in the mountains. Tenzin’s parents knew they would miss their son, and Tenzin knew he’d miss them, but they recognized the calling within Tenzin and gave him their permission to start the journey.

Under the guidance of Kelsang, Tenzin made the difficult hike to the monastery, where he was welcomed with open arm. 

Tenzin focused back on the present moment, waking in the monastery. He stretched, yawned, and noticed that his friend, Lhakpa, hadn’t awoken yet.

“Hey, it’s time to get up!” Tenzin said, shaking Lhakpa’s shoulder. 

“Ok, ok,” Lhakpa said groggily. His head was shaved just like Tenzin’s and the other boys.  

“I’m getting up.” Their other friend, Sonam, was already up, getting dressed and preparing for the day. 

Together, they walked across the hard wood floor to the dining room where other boys sat around a low table on the floor. They enjoyed a simple breakfast of tsampa, a traditional Tibetan staple made from roasted barley flour. As Tenzin ate, he listened to the rhythmic chants of the monks from the nearby monastery, a sound that echoed through the valley like a soothing melody. After his meal, Tenzin and his friends headed to the temple where he would spend the day learning the way of mindfulness and meditation.

The temple, perched on the mountainside, overlooked the village below. Its weathered stones and ancient prayer wheels told stories of generations seeking wisdom and enlightenment. The temple’s exterior was adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Tibetan prayer flags, vibrant and fluttering, adorned the eaves, imbuing the air with a sense of sacredness. A pair of heavy wooden doors, marked the entrance. Above them, a gilded canopy sheltered a trio of prayer wheels, waiting to be set in motion by the touch of a devoted pilgrim. 

Together, the boys entered the temple with a sense of reverence and anticipation. Inside, the air was thick with the earthy scent of incense. The flickering butter lamps cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a setting of peace and tranquility. Their teacher, Lama Dorje awaited them. He was a wise and gentle monk with a flowing red robe. His head was shaved like the boys, his eyes were dark and piercing, and he always had a smile of his face. Lama Dorje lived the teachings of compassion and patience. His goal was to guide the minds of the young boys toward the path of enlightenment.

The morning rituals began with prostrations, a humble gesture expressing devotion and humility. Tenzin, Lhakpa, and Sonam bowed to the images of Buddha, their bodies moving in a fluid rhythm. The repetitive motions served as a physical expression of their dedication to the spiritual journey ahead.

Following the prostrations, the boys engaged in mindful breathing exercises. Lama Dorje instructed them to focus on each in breath and out breath, grounding their minds in the present moment. Tenzin closed his eyes, feeling the cool mountain air fill his lungs. And as he exhaled, he released the any stress from within.

After the morning session, the boys gathered for a simple lunch of lentil soup and steamed vegetables. The act of eating itself became a practice in mindfulness, with every bite savored and appreciated. The boys shared stories and laughter, fostering a sense of friendship that would support them on their spiritual journey.

In the afternoon, the boys explored the temple’s garden. Colorful flowers decorated the landscape, and the smell of blooming jasmine filled the air. They stood still and listened to the gentle rustling of leaves and distant chants from the temple. As they strolled along the winding paths, Tenzin embraced the beauty of the moment around them, practicing what he learned every day about fully living in the moment and appreciating what was happening in the now.

The boys walked a little further to the center of the garden to a Bodhi tree. This was the same type of tree Buddha was said to have received enlightnment. Under the shade of the Bodhi tree, Lama Dorje guided the boys in walking meditation. With each step, they connected with the earth beneath them, giving them a deep sense of gratitude for the interconnectedness of all life.

As the sun dipped below the towering mountains of Tibet, the boys returned to the temple for the evening session. Lama Dorje led them in a chanting ritual, the vibrations of the bell and their voices resonating through the ancient walls. The words carried prayers for the well-being of all living beings, the core Buddhist belief in compassion.

The day ended with a meditation session overlooking the majestic mountains. The boys sat in silent contemplation, their minds settling like a calm mountain lake. The fading sunlight painted the landscape in shades of lavender and indigo.

As they opened their eyes, Lama Dorje shared a simple yet profound teaching: “In the stillness of the mind, one finds the path to enlightenment. Embrace each moment with gratitude, for it is a step closer to understanding the nature of existence.”

Tenzin and his friends left the temple that evening with hearts full of inspiration. The teachings of mindfulness and compassion had taken root in their young minds, shaping the foundation for a life dedicated to the pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment.

In the quiet of the night, Tenzin stood on the temple balcony, gazing at the starlit sky above the mountains of Tibet. The vastness of the universe matched the depth of his new understanding. The journey was long, but with each step, Tenzin walked a path illuminated by the wisdom of the ancient teachings, a path that led to the serenity of the mind and the boundless compassion within the heart.

The post Finding Peace: A Buddhist Monk’s Journey appeared first on Bedtime History: Podcast and Videos For Kids.