Deep in the vast, untamed jungles of South America lies one of history's most enduring mysteries: El Dorado, the legendary Lost City of Gold.

But was El Dorado ever a city at all? Or did the legend begin with a single man, covered from head to toe in gold dust, sailing onto a sacred lake to perform an ancient ritual?

In this episode of Mythic Albion: The Americas, we journey back to the age of the Spanish Conquistadors, when rumours of unimaginable wealth drew explorers into the mountains, rivers and impenetrable rainforests of South America. From the golden ceremonies of the Muisca people at Lake Guatavita to the perilous expeditions of Gonzalo Pizarro and Francisco de Orellana, we follow the men who risked everything in pursuit of a dream.

As Orellana's expedition descends into the immense Amazon river system, the search for gold becomes a desperate struggle for survival. Hunger, disease and exhaustion haunt the men, while the jungle itself seems to conceal something far stranger than they could have imagined. We explore the eerie folklore of the Amazon, including tales of mysterious river spirits and the terrifying Mapinguari, a creature said to lurk beneath the forest canopy.

We also follow the legend as it grows, drawing adventurers such as Sir Walter Raleigh into the search for the fabled golden kingdom of Manoa. Their expeditions bring suffering, obsession and death, yet the promise of El Dorado refuses to disappear.

But modern discoveries have begun to reveal a different story. Using advanced LiDAR technology, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements, roads and sophisticated societies hidden beneath the Amazon's dense vegetation. Although no legendary city made entirely of gold has been found, these discoveries challenge the old image of the rainforest as an untouched wilderness.

At the heart of the mystery lies the Muisca tradition that may have inspired it all: a sacred ritual transformed, through rumour, ambition and greed, into a legend that consumed generations of explorers.

Was El Dorado merely a myth born from the hunger for gold, or does the truth behind the legend still lie hidden beneath the jungle?

Join Mythic Albion as we uncover the history, folklore and enduring mystery of the Lost City of Gold.

And next time, we travel to Mexico to explore the Day of the Dead—a remarkable tradition of memory, family and the enduring connection between the living and those who have passed beyond.

Walk wisely, and beware the promise of something bright within the depths of something dark.

Mythic Albion – Exploring the myths, legends and folklore of the world.

0:11 - Introduction

1:28 - Part 1: The Man in Gold

5:30 - Part 2: The First Expedition

6:57 - Part 3: The River

12:07 Part 4: The Great Crossing

14:33 - Part 5: Further Expeditions and Dreams

18:37 - Conclusion

With music by Palace on Wheels, Edgar Hopp, Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, Lennon HuttonStefan Ekstrom and Alcone Negros.

Music and sound effects licensed via Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com).

All audio elements under active subscription licence. All art is original and produced by AI. Special credit given to works of William Blake.

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Trailer for a new Podcast about Britain's Legends, Folklore and Sacred Landscapes! Launching 19th October 2026 on your favourite listening platforms, with new episodes every two weeks, on the Monday.

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There are stories under the ground, if you know how to listen..

Long before England had kings, the ancient island of Albion was said to be ruled by giants. But according to medieval legend, a new age was about to begin.

In Episode 20 Part 2 of Mythic Albion, we continue our journey into the legendary origins of Britain with the extraordinary story of Brutus of Troy—the man destined to become the founder of Britain and the first king of the Britons.

From before his birth, Brutus is surrounded by prophecy. We follow his remarkable lineage and the tragic events that lead to his exile from his homeland. His journey eventually takes him to Greece, where he encounters thousands of Trojan descendants living as slaves. Determined to free them, Brutus gathers an army and begins the quest that will ultimately lead him towards the mysterious island foretold by destiny.

Along the way, Brutus discovers an ancient temple and encounters the goddess Diana, who reveals the fate that awaits him across the western seas. He also meets Corineus, the legendary warrior who will become one of his greatest allies.

Their journey takes them across the ancient world and into Gaul, where Brutus and his followers face new enemies before finally setting sail for the mysterious shores of Albion.

But the island is not empty.

Albion is inhabited by a formidable race of giants—the descendants of the legendary Albina. Brutus and his Trojan followers must fight for their right to settle the island, culminating in a legendary confrontation with the giant champion Gogmagog.

From prophecy and exile to slavery, ancient temples, giants and epic battles, this is the story of how Brutus of Troy supposedly arrived in Albion and began the legendary foundation of Britain.

The age of the giants is coming to an end.

The age of Britain is about to begin.

Mythic Albion — where history, folklore and legend meet in the shadows.

0:10 - Introduction: Prophecy of Brutus

1:33 - ACT I: Brutus frees the slaves from King Pandrasus

8:25 - ACT II: Temple of Diana and Corineus

13:32 - ACT III: Gaul

17:31 - ACT IV: Albion and Gogmagog

26:51 - Conclusion

With music by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, Jo Wandrini, Jakob Ahlbom, Aks & Lakshmi, Dian Shuai, Stefan Ekstrom, Edgar Hopp, Johan Landqvist and Odyssey Orchestra

Music and sound effects licensed via Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com).

All audio elements under active subscription licence. All art is original and produced by AI. Special credit given to works of William Blake.

Please follow is on: http://www.instagram.com/mythicalbion

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Support Mythic Albion and future folklore episodes at: paypal.me/MythicAlbion