293-Hans Christian Andersen: The Little Things
Two stories, two small things making enormous problems. We have "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Red Shoes". For two stories about young women learning and growing, they contain kind of a lot of dismemberment. The creature is Striga! And she's the reason to put on that extra loaf of garlic bread and leave pig bones all over church. -- Disclaimer: https://myths.link/293 Fictional! https://...
40m Oct 26, 2022
40m
292-Germanic Legends: Dwarf Fortress
Magic swords, Viking legends, dwarves, ice queens, and enchanted rose gardens, this story of Dietrich of Bern and the Dwarf King Laurin has a bit of everything. The creature this week is the Samodivi, the reason why you should be going out to the club each night. -- Scoundrel! New episode of Scoundrel out about Black Bart, the Gentleman Outlaw. Check it out at https://myths.link/scoundrel --...
54m Oct 19, 2022
54m
291-Japanese Folklore: The Monsters
Three stories of monsters from Japan. We have a tanuki, the monsters that lurk in the civilized places, and monsters that might be under your home right now. The creature is a decapitated man who loves hugs. -- Scoundrel! https://myths.link/scoundrel -- Sponsors: Indeed: Start hiring now at http://Indeed.com/LEGENDS SimpliSafe: Get a free indoor security camera plus 20% off with Interact...
46m Oct 12, 2022
46m
290-Indian Folklore: Hiss and Make Up
A story from Kashmir folklore about love, marriage, and murder. Kind of a lot of all those things, actually. The creature is a Jaculus, the snake that will kill you with kindness. And its sharp javelin head. -- New Scoundrel out today! https://myths.link/scoundrel Pickle Bath Salt: https://myths.link/picklebathsalt -- Sponsors: Bombas: Get 20% off your first purchase at http://Bombas.com...
38m Oct 05, 2022
38m
289-Viking Sagas: Half the Man
If you don't like being burned alive...and also do absolutely nothing to avoid the completely avoidable fate of being burned alive...can you even call yourself a man?
38m Sep 28, 2022
38m
288-Viking Sagas: The Pillage People
The Saga of Half and His Heroes from Icelandic folklore starts with Odin spitting in a family's ale and only gets stranger from there. The creatures are the Ellyllon, the flower glove wearing, grocery-store-visting, fungus eaters. -- Links! Scoundrel! https://myths.link/scoundrel That comic book villain podcast we have: https://www.nextpod.com/botw The shocking potato thing: https://myths...
38m Sep 21, 2022
38m
287-Korean Legends: Sob Story
What to do if your teen spends three years crying. Or, for the teens out there, how to get back at your dad because all he did was threaten you while you cried for three years.
37m Sep 14, 2022
37m
286-Japanese folklore: Cat Dad
Tokutarō is not going to be tricked by fox monsters. He's just not. Also, a dad has a big problem with the new pet cat. Two stories from Japan about things not being what they seem (or things being exactly what they seem). -- New Scoundrel out this week! Some of the most famous paintings in the world are now publicly visible only because a woman tried to have her own son murdered! https://m...
40m Sep 07, 2022
40m
285-Romanian Folklore: Grin and Bear It
The story of Harap Alb (Povestea lui Harap Alb) from Romanian folklore has it all. Like, it really does try to jam as many fairy tale tropes in as possible, but it actually works. It's a fun story with a little bit of everything. Oh, and talking lettuce. The creature is the Iwana bōzu (岩魚坊主) a priest who loves fish and has a seeeeecrettttt. -- Sponsors: Indeed: Visit http://indeed.com/legen...
42m Aug 31, 2022
42m
284-Grimm: To the Point
I mean, if you style your beard to a point so that it looks like an enormous bird's beak, you can't really fault an insult comedy pro princess for taking some shots at it. It's "King Thrushbeard" by the Grimm brothers. The creature is a giant whose career path involves working for kings, hermits, and, oh yeah, the devil. -- Get your links. Hot and fresh. Scoundrel. Learn how two sisters in ...
34m Aug 24, 2022
34m
283B-Indian Folklore: To the Victor
We see if Victor the jackal can come out on top using the power of stories…for murder?
41m Aug 17, 2022
41m
283A-Indian Folklore: King of the Jungle
What happens when a lion and his prey become best friends? Or when a monkey starts messing around on a worksite? Or a weaver pretends to be a god to woo a princess? The Panchatantra happens. An eclectic, free-flowing anthology of short, funny, sometimes brutal stories that are meant to teach people wisdom...but might all be part of a long-con to gain control of a kingdom. The creature is the N...
35m Aug 10, 2022
35m
282-Gawain: All Knight Long
King Arthur and his best knight, Sir Gawain, have to answer the age-old question: what do women want? Oh, and if King Arthur doesn't find the definitive answer within a year, he'll be executed. Hijinks ensue. The creature is Nalusa Falaya, an evil porcupine who will turn you into an unwitting sleeper agent against your own family. -- The Salt Shooter: https://myths.link/saltshooter The memb...
36m Aug 03, 2022
36m
281-Grimm: Beyond the Grave
Two stories from the Grimm brothers with people going beyond death. On the first, it's a prince and princess who find love...after they swear a terrible and toxic oath to one another. On the second, if your guest sees ghost children in your house, maybe you should listen to them? The creature is the Leyak, a witch who likes munching on some human entrails and turning into a monkey with golden ...
37m Jul 27, 2022
37m
280-Korean Folklore: Family Matters
Three stories from Korean folklore about family with terrible frog sons, angry imps beating guys with sticks until their arms get tired, and a mayor who just doesn't know when to quit. The creature is the Leanhaum-Shee, and if someone wants to set you up on a date with an invisible person...maybe pass. And also run away as quickly as possible. -- Links! Disclaimer: https://myths.link/280 S...
46m Jul 20, 2022
46m
279-Norse Sagas: Prince Ali
The story of Spotted Ali, from the Icelandic sagas, has werewolves, ogre battles, and witch curses. It also has parents doing the right thing (and then the wrong thing for way too much cash), enemies becoming friends if they can keep on doing enemy stuff, and why you should always be polite to people who help you out: you don't know which ones might be actual trolls. The creature this week is ...
46m Jul 13, 2022
46m
278-Oscar Wilde: Skyrockets in Flight
Two literary fairy tales from Irish writer Oscar Wilde. On the first, we'll see that even fireworks need spa days. Is that what wallowing in the mud with animals is? Probably, right? On the second, it's a story of love. Cynical, brutal love. The creature is the Joseung Saja (저승 사자), a dapper grim reaper who's all business. -- Disclaimer: https://myths.link/278 -- Sponsors: June's Journey...
34m Jul 06, 2022
34m
277-1001 Nights: Kiss the Cook
The story of the cook and the warlock, from 1001 Nights, where you see how a hot tub can change your entire life's course. The creature is the Murghi-i-adami, a buff peacock with a lot to say. -- Disclaimer & vizier bit: https://myths.link/277 Scoundrel! Check out the worst (as in least talented) counterfeiter in US history: https://myths.link/scoundrel -- Sponsors: Check out June's Jour...
38m Jun 29, 2022
38m
276-Swiss Horror: Along Came a Spider
An adaptation of a Swiss horror novella "The Black Spider" by author Jeremias Gotthelf (AKA Albert Bitzius), about a town with a knight problem, so they make a deal with a very suspicious man to help them in their time of need. The creature is the Kanbari nyūdō, that creepy hairy guy watching you go to the bathroom on New Year's Eve. -- The disclaimer: https://myths.link/276 -- Music: All...
53m Jun 22, 2022
53m
275-Tibetan Folklore: Free Bird
A prince, chased by seven evil wizard roommates, seeks help from a hermit. This leads him on a journey of discovery that entails ghosts, mythological creature kidnapping, and many, many blisters. The creature is the Lioumere, and you'll see that clowns aren't just for children's birthday parties! They're also for doing dental work on dangerous ogresses. -- The strange, sad life of Bernarr Ma...
45m Jun 15, 2022
45m
274-European Folklore: Murky
Two stories from Eastern Europe where we see why mythological water monsters aren't a great way to discipline your kids. On the second, if a wizard is mumbling something outside your house, you're in for a bad time unless you talk to a witch. The creatures are the Devil's Dandy Dogs! They're not dandy, not the devil's, and they're barely dogs! -- Disclaimer: https://myths.link/274 Newts! Th...
40m Jun 08, 2022
40m
273-Robin Hood: The Good Thief
You would think, if you're the most wanted person in Britain, you would probably want to lie low for a little while . Robin doesn't.
45m Jun 01, 2022
45m
272-Egyptian Folklore: Imposter
The story of a young man who decided that he would do anything to live the life of his dreams...but how far is too far? The creature is the Minata-Karaia, basically ents who snack on their armpit fruit. -- Mitos y Leyendas: https://myths.link/mitos Best of the Worst, another show we have that's basically creature of the week but with comic book villains: https://myths.link/botw Fictional i...
36m May 25, 2022
36m
New Podcast: Myths and Legends, now in Spanish!
Sonoro and Nextpod (that’s Jason and Carissa Weiser!) present Mitos y Leyendas. The acclaimed podcast about mythology and worldwide folklore, now in Spanish. Listen, learn, and subscribe today on your favorite podcast platform to catch all the episodes every week. Available now! To listen directly on Apple Podcasts: https://play.sonoropodcast.com/LFm7oyx7 Nextpod.com (http://nextpod.com/) S...
8m May 23, 2022
8m
271-Korean folklore: A Friend in Need
Three stories of people helping people from Korea, including helpful monsters, deadly Pictionary, and why you should shove strangers down hills. The creature is the Glashtin, a creature with sticky hands, but in the murdery way and not the stealy way or ice creamy way. -- Sonoro and Nextpod (that's us!) present Mitos y Leyendas. It's this podcast, now in Spanish! Listen to the trailer and fi...
33m May 18, 2022
33m
270-Greek Myths: Cloud Cuckoo Land
The Olympians meet their end.
42m May 11, 2022
42m
269-Hans Christian Andersen: What We Do With the Shadows
A story from Hans Christian Andersen about becoming your best self…after that self completely separates from you and leaves you as merely a shadow. The creature this time is the invincible bear monster your ghost grandpa warned you about. — Scoundrel: All new this week! https://myths.link/scoundrel Fictional: All new tomorrow! https://fictional.fm/subscribe — Sponsors: BOMBAS: Suuuuper c...
39m May 04, 2022
39m
268-Viking Legends: Hride or Die
Norse toilet zombies and misunderstandings abound in two stories from the Icelandic Sagas.
39m Apr 27, 2022
39m
267-Dragons: The Horse and his Boy
A story of believing in yourself and finding your own way in the world...by imitating Pokemon and Hodor and wearing flashy suits from your best friend's stone safehouse. From a story from what's now Czech Republic and Slovakia, called "Prince Bayaya." Coming to a garden near you, the creature is the Jidra, from Medieval Europe. You might think you're a fantastic gardener, what with growing a p...
34m Apr 20, 2022
34m
266-1001 Nights: Good Night and Good Luck
Scheming advisors, hapless kings, evil genies, and free honey cakes make up the last of Scheherazade's stories to her king and husband.
46m Apr 13, 2022
46m
265-Monkey King: Out of Your Gourd
A super-powered monkey from Chinese folklore meets more than he bargained for: a sloshing hollow gourd full of pus. The creature is the Mikaribaba (箕借り婆) from Japanese folklore, a great reason not to shower (because she will literally gouge out your eyes). -- Scoundrel! New episode of Scoundrel this week. Check it out: https://myths.link/scoundrel New episodes of Best of the Worst out, too....
54m Apr 06, 2022
54m
264-Korean folklore: On the Mountainside
Five stories from Korean folklore all woven together to tell a grand narrative of the lives of normal people (and animals...and trees) on a mountainside in medieval Korea. The creature is the Iara, from Brazil, a vampire mermaid who isn't thrilled to be a vampire mermaid but hey, it was the best her fish friends could do for her a the time. -- Best of the Worst! Check out our (other other) n...
35m Mar 30, 2022
35m
263-Celtic Folklore: You Can't Take it With You
Three stories of things worth more than gold from Slavic, Celtic, and Chinese folklore. Also, why you shouldn't eat gold (it will literally kill you), why you should dig into that road cake early on, and why you should remember where you put stuff before getting the authorities involved. The creature is a cow's stomach with bone melting eyes! Who hates it when evil barons are evil! -- New Sc...
40m Mar 23, 2022
40m
262-Japanese Folklore: Fatal Attraction
Three stories from Japan about love gone wrong. On the first, the fairest youth in all the land is set to marry the daughter of a rich noble. The problem? His father kind of oversold his looks... On the second, we'll see why moths and other nighttime bugs go toward the light, and on the third, a lovelorn samurai meets a woman from his past he thought was long gone. The creature just wants you ...
41m Mar 16, 2022
41m
261-Jewish Folklore: Mirror, Mirror
Two stories of King David's magic mirror. One actually involves a folklore version of the Biblical king facing off against an enemy from his past...and maybe turning into a balloon? The second involves a rabbi, a murderous sorcerer, and a magic battle dinner party. The creature is what happens when you stay too long as a vampire. You turn into what's basically an angry George Costanza with sev...
37m Mar 09, 2022
37m
260-Norse Sagas: Norse Code
Heidrek the wise...was not actually all that wise. He took ownership of a cursed sword for one. He also got in a riddle battle with Odin, which is never a good idea. In fact, if you want to be wise, it might be a good idea to just look at Heidrek's life, and do the opposite. The creature is the Kaibaan, and he's that guy hanging out with his guitar on the quad trying to meet girls. You can spo...
44m Mar 02, 2022
44m
WE HAVE A NEW PODCAST! SCOUNDREL: HISTORY'S FORGOTTEN VILLAINS IS AVAILABLE NOW!
From Jason and Carissa Weiser, the hosts of Myths and Legends, comes Scoundrel: History's Forgotten Villains. History consists of heroes and villains (and, I suppose everything in between)... but it's usually the villains who are the most interesting: Their flaws, their quirks, the voids in their hearts that force them to do the unthinkable. These are the characters that fascinate us, that pull...
14m Feb 23, 2022
14m
259-Egyptian Folklore: Butter
This story has a little bit of everything: genies, sorcerers, insecure kings, true love (with two practice marriages beforehand that the king insists do not count don't count those), and, of course, dancing houseplants.
45m Feb 23, 2022
45m
258-Icelandic Legends: Welcome Back, Cotter
Signy has a shot at the good life. Unfortunately, that shot involves camping out in a cave with giants, tone deaf swans, and magic flying beds. Oh, and some light kidnapping.
41m Feb 16, 2022
41m
257-Chinese Folklore: Love Me, Love Me
Two stories from Chinese folklore about love, loss, and marrying all sorts of things you shouldn't be marrying, like ghosts and livestock!
42m Feb 09, 2022
42m
256-Indian Folklore: Tiger Mom
A story about why you shouldn't give your children to the first person who shows up at your door who's definitely not a tiger what are you talking about if anything they're so human that you might be the tiger. Ever thought of that? That you might be a tiger? Hm. Something to consider before you go around accusing people (who are definitely people!) of being tigers (which they're not!)
34m Feb 02, 2022
34m
255-Chinese Folklore: Picture Me This
A story from China where we see a young man embark on a dangerous journey for love that definitely isn't a knock-off version of "The Journey to the West" and/or "The Hobbit". Then, we learn how the world's first selfie resulted in kind of more death than you'd think. The creature his a demon from Japan...who's working through a bad breakup. -- Sponsors: Honey: Get the browser extension and ...
37m Jan 26, 2022
37m
254-Spanish Folklore: Ready or Not
A story from Spanish folklore of three brothers, a crafting competition, a smelly Trojan parrot, and a lesson that it's never too late to start on the Hero's Journey. I mean, you might end up in jail, but it's still inspiring? The creature this week is the Gohonga, a creature that will take your child, educate them, and return them as a forty-year-old -- Links: The earbags: https://myths.li...
35m Jan 19, 2022
35m
253B-Monkey King: The Good Guys
Monkey has been fired. Sandy has been captured. Pigsy is fleeing in terror, and the monk is about to be cut to pieces by a room full of angry guys. Things are not going well. The creature is a buff angry dude whose solution to everything is hitting it with a spiky club. -- Disclaimer: https://myths.link/253b Giant Hoodie Snuggie: https://myths.link/snuggiehoodie Store: https://myths.link/s...
47m Jan 12, 2022
47m
253-Monkey King: Severance
The Monkey King looks for food, does some murders, and gets fired.
45m Jan 05, 2022
45m
252-Greek folklore: Name that Tune
Fighting your own fate: it's a theme nearly as old as human civilization. We'll hear two stories of people who both lament their fate...and see that they are profoundly bad at doing anything about it. The first has a sack maker with a one-hit wonder...and a friend who wants to help him change...and who's also a super-rich king. The second is about a man who goes to look for Chance to try to cha...
34m Dec 29, 2021
34m
251-Icelandic Legends: Ghosts of Christmas Past
Two stories of Christmas in Iceland. So that apparently means wizards and zombies? The creature is the Cuegle! It's like a walking great white shark with terrible self-esteem -- Sponsors: June's Journey: Check it out on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Grubhub: This holiday season, give the gift of Grubhub. http://grubhub.com Quip: Go to http://getquip.com/myths and you'll get your fir...
36m Dec 22, 2021
36m
250-Grimm: Fauxsicians
Two stories of absolutely real and definitely not fake doctors! The first is a Grimm tale where a guy goes to medical school and opens a practice! Never mind that his medical school is just a white coat and a bone saw! The second is a bit more legit with one cure-all elixir that really does cure all...and it may or may not be yule ale. The creatures are the buschfrauen! And they will hunt you ...
35m Dec 15, 2021
35m
249-Italian Folklore: Unbearable
Two stories from Giambattista Basile, Neapolitan writer, of angry sisters, busted Mario pipes, and she-bears that are only mad if you try to force them into marriage. The creature is the wiffenpoof, who only wants to eat fancy cheeses and not get your chewing tobacco in his eyes. -- Sponsors: Indeed! Get started right now with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at http://in...
33m Dec 08, 2021
33m
248-Sorcerer's Apprentice: The Magic Words
Two stories of sorcerer's apprentices. The first picks the wrong major at wizard school. The second finds a creative way into school...by becoming a dangerous sorcerer's BFF. The creatures are the elle maids, definitely not suspicious women offering wine to strangers on the road. -- Simplisafe: Get 40% off your entire new system. http://simplisafe.com/legends Olive and June: go to http://ol...
35m Dec 01, 2021
35m