383: Monkey King: Food Fight (part 2 of 2)
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is dead. For real. He was eaten by a lion and is gone for good because we can all trust Pigsy because he's so honest and not looking for a reason to cut and run. The creature is Ugallu, a demon from Babylonian mythology, who might be your hero. --- Our new Discord server! https://myths.link/discord Updates for Myths and Legends and feed status, no logins required...
44m Sep 04, 2024
44m
382: Sun Wukong: A Good Death (part 1 of 2)
We're back in the story of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King and the Journey to the West, where Monkey goes undercover as a demon and defeats a whole army with a math equation. The creature is Tsuchi-gumo, the reason you don't want to be too good at your job. Especially if your job is eating people. --- Our new Discord server! https://myths.link/discord Updates for Myths and Legends and feed statu...
43m Aug 28, 2024
43m
381: Japanese folklore: Lend Me Your Ears
Two stories from Japan about the stories we tell one another. On the first, it's a not-so-famous musician who gets a massive new audience for the legend he has been telling. For the second, it's a man who needs to do his duty...which means doing something terrible to someone he loves. The creature is to Totoima, a boar with a stomach ache...from devouring his children... The Tale of the Heike...
40m Aug 21, 2024
40m
380: British Legends: I Loathe that for You
The story of the laidly worm is all about the costs and benefits of kissing dragons on the mouth. The creature is Topielec, and it might just make or break your video game franchise and/or book. Discord won out for the place to connect on the poll from a few weeks back, so I set up a server. Check it out here: https://myths.link/discord. Don't expect too much activity, though. I literally jus...
34m Aug 14, 2024
34m
379: Norse Sagas: Forsaken (part 2 of 2)
We finish up the story of Bard with that of his son, Gest, which includes bloody Christmas parties, fun new games for you and your friends will try* and what happens when you forsake everyone and everything you know and love (spoiler: it doesn’t go well). The creature is Sega, a cute little bird who is very, very angry. Disclaimer: https://myths.link/379 Source: https://myths.link/bardsaga D...
56m Aug 07, 2024
56m
378: Norse Sagas: Snowfell (part 1 of 2)
The first part of the story of Bard, a medieval Icelandic dad who goes full Batman. The creature is Stallo. It's made of turf and magic, but it takes half your remaining life as soon as it's born, so it's kind of like a real human child in that way. Links: Poll/disclaimer: https://myths.link/378 Source for these episodes: https://myths.link/bardsaga --- Sponsors:  BetterHelp: Myths and Le...
42m Jul 31, 2024
42m
377: 1001 Nights: Science and Geometry
A story from "One Thousand and One Nights" about three wondrous gifts: a clock, a security system, and a fake horse that can fly. Bet you can't guess which one wins the prize at the king's big science and geometry fair. The creature is the Tangie! It'll be your friend, but only if you want to do crime. -- Sponsors: BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visithttps://Bette...
42m Jul 17, 2024
42m
376: Danish folklore: Sweet Pea
Three stories from Denmark about learning from your mistakes. Or not learning, and donating six full bags of gold to the local thieves. The creature is the swamfisk. It's horrible, horrible smell is a personal choice. Dwarves fighting cranes in Greenland: https://myths.link/376 Dustache dustpan: https://myths.link/dustache --- Sponsors: GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep...
45m Jul 10, 2024
45m
375: Monkey King: The Eyes Have It
We're back in the story of the Monkey King and the Journey to the West where maybe this monastery is different and not haunted and infested with monsters? Maybe? Please? Also, we'll see if Xuanzang is old enough to go beg for food on his own without a bodyguard. The creature is Storsjöodjuret, and it's open season on cat-headed snake monsters. --- The Storsjöodjuret video: https://www.youtub...
46m Jul 03, 2024
46m
374: European Fairy Tales: Mermaider (part 2 of 2)
Undine the water elemental has a soul. And an evil uncle. And a friend who is in love with her husband. And about a thousand family members who want to see that everything works out for her. Her story, and that of Sir Huldbrand's, is far from over. The creature is Sore-Gus, who's actually pretty sore. Because he's missing both a chunk of meat from his side. Membership: https://www.mythpodcast...
48m Jun 26, 2024
48m
373: European Fairy Tales: The Elements (part 1 of 2)
The story of Undine, by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué, is a direct precursor to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" and comes inspired by the soulless elemental creatures some alchemists thought populated our world. Really they just want to marry you and are mostly nice. The creatures this week are the Sirena, the Boa, and more - extremely dangerous snakes who just want to drink way ...
32m Jun 19, 2024
32m
372: Greek Myths: Things as they Are
The story of Demeter from Greek mythology is one of finding her place in the world. A world run by her terrible siblings, but it's ok. She's her own person and she can weather anything as long as she has her daughter Persephone by her side. As long as nothing happens to Persephone. The creature is the Ya-Te-Veo, a story told by people who traveled Central and South America in the 1800s. Discl...
45m Jun 12, 2024
45m
371: Flemish folklore: Stuck
Two stories from Flanders (the region of Belgium, not Homer Simpson's annoyingly nice neighbor) about people who are stuck. One is a married couple who wants their long awaited dream to come true. The other is people who are literally stuck to a thing they shouldn't be touching in the first place. The creature is the Asanbosam, a pink Batman with great legs. Membership! https://www.mythpodcas...
41m Jun 05, 2024
41m
370: Aesop's Fables: State of Nature
It's fable time on Myths and Legends...despite fables being neither myths nor legends... They're fun, though, and you might just learn some of the wisdom of the ancients, like how you should never question the king. The creature is a very wise dragon. So wise that you should get all your answers from him. Namely the answer to the question: is that dragon dangerous? The answer, of course, being...
37m May 29, 2024
37m
369: Japanese folklore: Pilgrims
Two stories from Japan. On the first, a former samurai's wife is up to something and he's going to figure out what. On the second, we'll see that kindness matters most...but only if you're absolutely forced into doing it. The creature is the salamander! It'll turn you into a spicy human burrito! Want to support the show? https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership A TED-Ed video of the second stor...
33m May 22, 2024
33m
368: Indian Fairy Tales: Eye Love You
When your seven spouses all have the same dream on the same night and ask you not to do the thing they dreamt would lead to problems for all of you...maybe don't immediately do that thing. The creature is Sæhrímnir from Norse myth, AKA ham sandwiches. Dog wigs: https://myths.link/dogwigs Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: MeUndies: Get 20% off your first order,...
35m May 15, 2024
35m
367: Irish folklore: Daft Monk
The madcap story of what happens when a monk decides he doesn't want to be a monk anymore. He wants to make way more money...as a poet. Also, why it might be weird if you're eating several cows for breakfast. Back shaver: https://myths.link/backshaver Irish source: https://myths.link/anier1 English source: https://myths.link/anier2 --- Sponsors: Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com (...
36m May 08, 2024
36m
366: Monkey King: Roadblock
Back in the Journey to the West and Monkey has a fan club, the Tang Monk teaches an impromptu class, and Pigsy finds his calling: sitting and eating. The creatures are the Ruslaki, and they're very easy to break up with. Shrok Pillow: https://myths.link/shrok --- Music: "Germaine" by Blue Dot Sessions  "Lush Arborio" by Blue Dot Sessions  "Sparkling Craft" by Blue Dot Sessions  "Simple Asid...
38m May 01, 2024
38m
365: Korean folklore: Goblin
Two stories of goblins (도깨비) from Korean folklore and how, if they stop by, you'll want to have drinks on hand because it might just save your life. The creature is Ratatoskr, the greatest* squirrel in Norse myth. *only Disclaimer and list of Dokkaebi: https://myths.link/365 --- Sponsors: Quince: Upgrade your wardrobe and enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at https://Quince.com/legend...
35m Apr 24, 2024
35m
364: English folklore: Of Mice and Men...and Frogs...and Birds
When your parents get you three tiny men in a golden box as a going away present. The creature is the Neugle, who will drown you but feel super bad about it. AI Bird feeder that you probably shouldn't buy: https://myths.link/birdfeeder -- Sponsors: Style for everyone and unmatched comfort—that’s MeUndies! Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at https://MeUndies.com/legends Can ...
46m Apr 17, 2024
46m
363: Slavic Folklore: One High Five Man
The story of Yaroslav is one of growing up and figuring out who you are...so you can stop accidentally killing people with your deadly high-fives. The creature is the Pombrero, a sleazy, muscly little hobbit who might already be in your house. --- Sponsors: Can you crack the case? Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://www.wooga.com/games/junes-journey This episo...
43m Apr 10, 2024
43m
362: Chinese folklore: Broken
Two stories from Chinese folklore about broken things. A broken pot, a broken future, and how things can come together to heal. And why you shouldn't go to work drunk or else you might have to arrest a tiger. The creature is the tooth tyrant, the Odontotyrannos, and it's not an angry dentist. Links: Uncle Jim's Worm Farm: https://myths.link/liftinjimmy --- Sponsors: Ready for a more comfort...
35m Apr 03, 2024
35m
361: English folklore: In a Pickle (jar)
Two stories from English folklore about perspective, and how you can't get something for nothing, but you can absolutely get nothing for something. The creature is an outlandish, bizarre, and strange creature known as an "ostrich." Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar: https://myths.link/vinegar The Bogey Beast: https://myths.link/bogeysonyourtail Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Sponsors: ...
38m Mar 27, 2024
38m
360: Leprechauns: Lucky
The saga of Fergus mac Léti is, apparently, the first time leprechauns make their appearance in folklore. It's also the first time leprechauns try to kill a guy, get stuck in porridge, and offer some magical menswear. The creature this time is the Oyaleroweck, who's thriving in the absence of knights in Canada. We actually merged two stories of Fergus. Here's one translation of the overarchin...
35m Mar 13, 2024
35m
359: Celtic Folklore: A Berry Good Day...for Murder?
Munachar and Manachar are two friends out for a fun day of berry picking, but when one commits the only unforgivable sin of hogging all the berries, the only response is swift, murder-y justice. Time to recruit some accomplices The creature is the nain, and it will help you know if you're making terrible life choices (and also encourage you to learn a foreign language!) --- Munachar and Mana...
36m Mar 06, 2024
36m
358: Monkey King: Winded
Back in the Journey to the West where Monkey and the gang are actually having an easy time of it and WHY IS IT SO HOT? The creature is Muirbech who is not a sea bee, and while it should get in trouble for false advertising it is already in jail until Judgement Day? --- Sponsors: Make a healthy choice today and try Field of Greens. Get 15% off your first order plus free rush shipping with pr...
48m Feb 28, 2024
48m
357: Icelandic Folklore: Dog Days
A lost prince, a magic TARDIS barrel, and a talking dog take us to Jötunheim and back in the story of Prince Ring from Icelandic folklore. The creature is mouse deer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrotain) who just wants to dance and hopefully not kill anyone. --- Links: Ring source: https://myths.link/princering Glitter drink why would you do this: https://myths.link/glitter Membership:...
43m Feb 21, 2024
43m
356: 1001 Nights: Nifty Fifty
A story from 1001 Nights about how to get rid of that annoying babysitter and what to do if your husbands keep getting killed (the answer is, apparently, to keep getting married). The creature is the sea monk, neither a monk nor a sea creature, but a horrifying Cthulhu mash-up. Creature pictures: https://myths.link/356 Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: Thrive ...
44m Feb 14, 2024
44m
355: Greek/Roman myth: There's Something About Ares
The stories of the creation from Roman/Greek mythology, the first werewolf, and Pygmalion, and also some Ares stuff because this is his week I guess. The creature, the Bonnacon (or, as cultured people say, Bo-nacho), has fiery diarrhea. Insert spicy food/White Castle joke here. Disclaimer: https://myths.link/355 Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Inflatable cow for some reas...
43m Feb 07, 2024
43m
354: Japanese folklore: Cursed
Two stories about finding people who like you for you. Not because you wear a rice bowl on your head. Or because you spend way too much time looking in the mirror. It's the stories of the Black Rice Bowl and the Mirror from Kyoto, from Japanese folklore. The creatures are real life magpies, chaos birds. Praying mantis eggs: "Each Egg Pod Contains 20-500 Babies!" https://myths.link/mantis Memb...
39m Jan 31, 2024
39m
353: Irish folklore: Beggars Belief
The story of a storyteller who can't think of a story to tell, and how a stranger solves that problem by getting him fired and taking him on wacky adventures with too many beheadings.
34m Jan 24, 2024
34m
352: French folklore: The Darling Formerly Known as Prince
How do you ensure your children grow up to be good people? You work with a fairy to design jewelry that stabs them, of course!
39m Jan 17, 2024
39m
351: Dragons: Alternate History
A mother and son are surviving at the end of the world, while monsters prowl the wasteland all around. And now, one of them wants to leave. The creature is the Kudan (件), a human-faced bovine who wants you to have its poster up in your home. A lot of posters, actually. Source: https://myths.link/georgie Lion bites: https://myths.link/lionbitesDisclaimer: https://myths.link/351 --- Sponsors...
41m Jan 10, 2024
41m
350: Korean folklore: Ghosts and Goblins
Three(ish) stories from the Korean peninsula about ghosts and goblins. Kind of. Some are actual ghosts and goblins (도깨비). Some are the ghosts of happier times and the lives we thought we wanted. Some goblins literally beat us up when they cheat at board games. There's a lot to learn this week.
42m Jan 03, 2024
42m
349: Monkey King: My Own Worst Enemy
We're back in the stories of the Monkey King on the Journey to the West and we'll see that not everyone who is mean to you is a demon. They might be a murderous bandit! Also, try to make friends that can tell the difference between you and your evil doppelgänger.
45m Dec 27, 2023
45m
348: World Folklore: Untitled Goose Episode
Two myths and a lie! Two stories this week are tales from world folklore. One is a tale created by us for this episode. Check out the poll in our Instagram stories (https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends) or vote on the site if you're not on Instagram (https://myths.link/348) to let us know which one you think is the lie! -- Sponsors: BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsore...
45m Dec 20, 2023
45m
347: Viking Legends: Fool Me Once
The story of Ketil Trout is about growing up and learning to be your own person. It's a coming-of-age tale with giant fights, dragon slaying, and outlaw who know way to many trout facts.
45m Dec 13, 2023
45m
346: Athena: Friends in Need
Tales of everyone's favorite Olympian in charge of warfare, wisdom (& crafts!): Athena. Well, everyone's favorite except for anyone who has been led to a grisly adventurer fate by her. Or been turned into a monster by her. Or has adopted a snake from her. Or...
44m Dec 06, 2023
44m
345: Welsh legends: Fetch Quest
The story of Culhwch and Olwen is that of a thousand quests and why it's probably ok to name your baby after the place they were born...but maybe not if they were born in a literal pigsty.
41m Nov 29, 2023
41m
344: Armenian folklore: Giants, Giants Everywhere
The story of Mirza, from Armenian folklore, and why it pays to be a heavy sleeper. Also, if you find your incredibly angry, stinky uncle chained up in a closet...it's probably best to leave him there. If you can.
42m Nov 22, 2023
42m
343: British Legends: Mr. Nice Knight
A knight learns that generosity for those in need is good. Generosity to the point where you're in a worse spot than those you're helping? Maybe it's time to make a budget. Also, why you should follow that very, very stinky man in the woods. The creature is the Hobyah! Despite their fun sounding name, they're horrible. Their victims, sadly, are not much better.
34m Nov 15, 2023
34m
342: Japanese folklore: Lord Long Legs
Lord Long Legs is a spider daimyo with ruthless mantis samurai. Sazaye has an impenetrable shell that will always keep him safe. An eel grilling couple discovers a secret in their midst. Three stories collide on this week's episode.
34m Nov 08, 2023
34m
341: Greek Mythology: The Huntress
What happens when you mix chastity, violence, and absolutely zero private baths? The history of the Olympian Artemis...and a whole lot of problems.
44m Nov 01, 2023
44m
340: Halloween: The Night that the Skeletons Came to Life
A Halloween story about the specter bridegroom. A bridegroom. Who's also a specter...and the bride who's actually really ok with that.
36m Oct 25, 2023
36m
339: Norse Legends, Part 2: Fjord of the Rings
The story of Frithiof and Ingeborg is rife with evil trolls, good trolls, sea witches, land witches, and how to move on when the tragedy of the past has changed you (into an actual troll). The creatures this week are Havman and Havfrue, Danish mer-people who might mer-der you or just give you a nice mer-ssage to relax. Mer.
43m Oct 18, 2023
43m
338: Norse Legends, Part 1: Mr. Viking, the Viking
Viking is a Viking. His dad was either not very creative when it came to naming him, or had a very specific plan for his life. In his story we meet evil giants, awesome mythological dwarf dads, and the only Viking ball game that doesn't turn deadly...during the ball game. It kind of does immediately afterward, though.
36m Oct 11, 2023
36m
337: Greek Mythology: The Oracle
For the god of healing, Apollo sure does a lot of the exact opposite. Born to a mother on the run from a giant snake, Apollo's life only gets more chaotic and destructive from there.
50m Oct 04, 2023
50m
336: Monkey King: The Golden Cicada Bachelor
Xuanzang, the monk leading the Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy on their journey to the west doesn't want to get married. The city full of women who want to marry him don't really care.
39m Sep 27, 2023
39m
335: Indian folklore: Got Your Nose
Two stories from Indian folklore where we learn that you should always know your exact weight in mangos...because it might help you outrun those eight guys trying to murder you. Also, being a parent is difficult, especially when your clever ideas to punish your kids just make them more awesome.
41m Sep 20, 2023
41m
334: Arabian folklore, part 2: The Enemy of my Enemy is my Enemy
The story of Fatima is a long one with many twists and turns. There are genies, evil wizards, massive battles, and a world-wide trek to make sure evil pays for its crimes, but at the center is Fatima, a woman who won't back down no matter the opposition, and who always stands for what she knows is right. The creature is a hairy naked man (another one!) but you actually might want to make this ...
51m Sep 13, 2023
51m