Myths And Legends

For this Halloween episode, we are doing something different. Instead of diving into the stories of the past, I’m telling stories of the present. Urban legends are a more modern version of folklore where, instead of telling stories of hydras and butter cats, we tell stories of things that might just exist. In these, people are the true monsters, and the most mundane of situations can be strange, dangerous, and terrifying. Say hi on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jasontheweiser Interested in becoming a member? http://support.mythpodcast.com That article about the woman in the cupboard: http://bit.ly/2eOTYhI Music: “Independent Film” by Steve Combs “A Certain Lightness” by Blue Dot Sessions “Aisatsana” by Graham Bole “Trap” by Jahzzar “Bravado” by Gurdonark “Direct To Video” by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the story of Jason, Medea, and the Argonauts. Things have been pretty easy for Jason. Medea solved all of his problems before he even knew he had them on the Argo, and her fairly violent murder-by-proxy of Pelias secured Iolcus for Jason's father. It would probably be a very bad idea to cheat on Medea, right? Hard times are about to catch up with Jason. The creature of the week is the selkie, and they will either give you a tragically beautiful story to tell your half-seal children, or curse your entire island...depending on how creepy you are. Links I talked about: The selkie movie, "Song of the Sea": http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1865505/ Cages through the ages: https://amzn.com/B00MS9PSK8 "Medea" by Euripides: http://a.co/hWck30M Sponsors: Hiring? Check out ZipRecruiter! You can go to http://ziprecruiter.com/myths and start posting for free Bombas! They are very comfortable. Go to http://www.bombas.com for 20% off plus free shipping on your order of four or more pairs. Music: "On Belay" by Blue D

It finally comes time to fight the dragon, (hopefully) survive the return journey home, and have the showdown with Pelias. This is a big episode. If you've made it this far in the series, though, it probably doesn't matter what I write here, because you are either into the Argonaut story or not. Really, though, it is a cool episode and there are about three twist murders, a wedding, and a king with a great name. The creature is the sea-trow, shockingly dumb and frightfully ugly, you might be offended by his pranks...if they made any sense... Want to say hi on Twitter? I'm http://www.twitter.com/jasontheweiser Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/4251/jason-argonauts-long-way-home/ Sponsors: If you want to wear the most comfortable socks you have ever worn, check out http://www.bombas.com for 20% off and free shipping for orders of four or more pairs. Want to drag five blades across your face in the best way possible? Check out http://www.Harrys.com (promo code MYTHS). Music: "Free Radicals" by Podington B

The quest for the golden fleece begins for the legendary heroes packed aboard the Argo. We find them making all haste for Colchis...except for all the times they stop to feast...and drink too much...and meet beautiful women...and get in unnecessary boxing matches. We also meet the princess Medea; catch up with Cupid (Eros), a hot-shot toddler who plays by his own rules; and Theseus will remember something very, very important. The creature this week is a roaring, spectral bull...who isn't all that dangerous, just incredibly annoying. Sponsors: Check out MVMT watches. They look really nice (http://www.MVMTwatches.com/myths) Blue Apron has good food that's good for the environment, but most importantly (to me) is that you can make awesome home-cooked meals with no planning. Check out http://www.blueapron.com/legends Music: "The Terrarium" by Blue Dot Sessions "Shifty Crow" by Podington Bear "Peter Gray" by Podington Bear "Midday" by Blue Dot Sessions "Krok" by Blue Dot Sessions "Jackbird" by Blue Dot Sessi

The beginning of the story of Jason and his legendary Argonauts doesn't start with Jason, but with Zeus being...well, Zeus, and kidnapping an unsuspecting woman. There is a dragon, a giant bronze robot, and court intrigue, leading to some familiar names coming back to help Jason travel to a faraway land and obtain the golden fleece. Those names include Hercules, Theseus, Laertes (father of Odysseus), Autolycus, Peleus (the father of Achilles), Augeus (with the legendarily dirty stables), and more. It's the biggest meetup of everyone we've met so far...well, everyone that isn't in Hades (Sisyphus) tied to a rock (Prometheus) or wandering blind through a plain (Bellerophon). The creature looks so much like a normal person it's uncanny. I mean, he looks like a normal person once you get past his humorously big ears, nose, and hands. And his gray skin...that sometimes glows. Ok, he looks nothing like a normal person. Sponsors: Check out new sponsor Harry's Razors for a free shave kit (just pay shipping, but that'

Three stories of people making deals. The first is from Japanese folklore, and it's about making the most of what you have...even when what you have is a dirty piece of straw and a fly friend. The second story is about a man who made a deal with the devil...and all the stupid (maybe brilliant?) decisions he made after that deal. The third story is that of Rumpelstiltskin, a weird little imp that might have been a hero if he didn't insist on purchasing humans. The creature of the week the poludnica, and she is looking out for you and your rights at work...violently. Sponsors: Check out that fresh, delicious goodness sent straight to your door. It's Blue Apron: http://www.blueapron.com/legends Like stories? Like listening? Like listening to stories? Check out audible (the book I mentioned was "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline): http://www.audible.com/myths Spiders...why'd it have to be spiders? (bit.ly/2cl1yyX) Music: "Wahre" by Blue Dot Sessions "Solemn Application" by Blue Dot Sessions "Roscoe" by Podingto

Three and a half stories of monsters of the ancient world. We meet vile beasts that lurk in the forests, the murky deep, and the wide, desolate places of the world. We meet the baby, the Thor, and the saints that slay them. We meet bears that can be bribed with cake. Folklore is weird. The creature is a little blue person. I know it's a struggle to not play in barley fields after school. It's a temptation we all deal with every day. Just don't do it. It will end with you being eaten by a little blue monster. Also, don't sumo wrestle children in the street. Sponsors: Blue apron is pretty great! Check out Blue Apron: http://www.blueapron.com/legends Casper mattresses are the most comfortable mattresses: http://www.casper.com/legends The discussion post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/4219/44-saint-george-dragons/ Music: "Blammo" by Podington Bear 'Filesharer's Lament" by Blanket Music "Manele" by Blue Dot Sessions "McKrary" by Blue Dot Sessions "Molasses" by Podington Bear "Crush at Maracas Bar" by Rolemusic "

A story of a super-powered Russian hero fighting the evil, also super-powered villain known as Nightingale the Robber. Nightingale can fly, kill with a scream, and lives in the shadows of his forest. The journey will take our hero from home, through multiple stays with Baba Yaga(s), and finally into a confrontation with the legendary bandit on a quest to become the man he never thought he could be. The creature this week is sweaty, hairy, and naked...and the only way you can beat it is by wrestling it. Check out www.blueapron.com/legends for some awesome meals without pounds of ingredients left over. Seriously, check out the audiobook "World War Z" from www.audible.com/myths  Music: "Direct to Video" by Chris Zabriskie "What Does Anybody Know About Anything?" by Chris Zabriskie "Denzel Sprak" by Blue Dot Sessions "Zither Sprak" by Blue Dot Sessions "Rough Hewn" by Blue Dot Sessions "Snowcrop" by Blue Dot Sessions "Pukae" by Blue Dot Sessions "Low Jack" by Podington Bear "Kiss" by Podington Bear "Old

This week, it's two of the earliest Cinderella stories, one of which is the earliest written version of this type of story, pre-dating European versions by 1000 years. It has evil step-mothers, murderous step-sisters, and helpful cows who will vomit up your work and call you stupid. Trying to grow a beard and keep your five-year-old from having dreadlocks? Then you do not want this week's creature hanging around your house. Find the show on iTunes Become a member Say hi on Twitter Music: "Interstate 70 Rain Chants" by Fields Ohio "Djangle" by Poddington Bear "Vault" by Jahzzar "I'm going for a coffee" by Lee Rosevere "And So Then" by Lee Rosevere "Slow Lights" by Lee Rosevere "Third in Line" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tortoise Shell" by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the conclusion of the Lancelot story, and we'll immediately pick up after last week's fairly cheap cliffhanger ending. He'll finally see the end of his quest... Either by plummeting to the choppy waters below...or by the lions on the other side of the sword...or the castle full of people who want to kill him on the other side of the lions. The creature is the Tannarak, who just wants to date you or steal your child. It really does not care, which is fairly problematic. The discussion post and the disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/4180/41c-lancelot-complicated/ Link for the new show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/new-show-form/ Sponsor this week! Blue Apron is awesome. Check it out at http://www.blueapron.com/legendsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things get weird on Lancelot's journey to become a knight of the Round Table...if Merlin trying to pick up a twelve-year-old last week wasn't strange enough. This week has ancient prophecies, a dangerous quest, a father and son stalker duo, kind of too much hair-smelling, and a sleazy innkeeper. Arthur has a particularly bad month, where his two closest friends turn in their resignations. The creature this week will protect your kids...by kidnapping them? Sponsor! Blue Apron is delicious. Try out Blue Apron (and get three meals free!): http://blueapron.com/legends Music: "Feldspar" by Poddington Bear "Flute Feet" by Poddington Bear "Hundy Mil Tight" by Poddington Bear "Into the Unknown" by Poddington Bear "One Quiet Conversation" by Blue Dot Sessions "Outside the Terminal" by Blue Dot Sessions "Ray Gun Lull" by Blue Dot Sessions "Provisions" by Blue Dot Sessions "Ants" by RolemusicSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back in the time of King Arthur, picking up right about where we stopped off last time (though you don't need to have heard last time to listen today). We'll be talking about the story of Lancelot - where this incredibly important character came from and why he's know as Lancelot of the Lake (spoiler alert, he grew up in a lake). Merlin gets weird, and we catch up with a certain lion-befriending knight that helped to kick off this whole podcast. The creature is the bouncy bear who is basically a bullet-proof superhero...if all superheroes did was eat horses and sleep. Sponsors! A new podcast - Remarkable Lives, Tragic Deaths: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/remarkable-lives.-tragic-deaths./id1137724528?mt=2 Audible.com: http://www.audible.com/myths American Gods on Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/American-Gods-The-Tenth-Anniversary-Edition-A-Full-Cast-Production-Audiobook/B0055274U2/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1470797939&sr=1-1 Discussion post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/416

Five stories of a very savvy, completely unscrupulous turtle from Nigeria. He's a trickster we've met before, but he has an entire episode of semi-murderous turtle hijinks. Even though turtles are cute and seemingly harmless, they should not be trusted under any circumstances ever. You should also avoid going into business with them, when possible. The creature this week is the hyosube, from Japanese folklore. He's a crazy little guy who will give you fevers for just being polite. Sponsors! Away Travel, for toddler-proof (resistant? Is anything really toddler-proof) suitcases! http://www.awaytravel.com/legends and don't forget LEGENDS at checkout. Good old Lootcrate. Check out the antihero box at http://www.lootcrate.com/legends. Promo code LEGENDS. Membership All episodes from now on will have an ad-free version on the member feed. Check out membership at http://support.mythpodcast.com   All music by Poddington Bear and Blue Dot Sessions.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio

Born in ice and fire, Norse mythology starts violently...and strangely. There's a blood ocean, a giant primeval cow, and some light grandpa murder. Thor and Loki take two kids on a field trip to Jotunheim, where, like any family vacation, Thor gets in a drinking contest and wrestles an old lady. Then, Odin travels to the far reaches of the void for wisdom and learns that he must pay a terrible price only to learn that the end, when the universe will once again be bathed in ice and fire, is coming. The creature of the week is the sandman and you shouldn't let your kids listen to it, especially if it's right before bedtime. Basically, growing up in the middle ages was terrible and I don't know how anyone made it out without some severe psychological trauma. Sponsors: Loot Crate! Check out http://www.lootcrate.com/legends (offer code: LEGENDS) for the awesome antihero box. Blue Apron! http://www.blueapron.com/legends And newcomer Credit Karma, for a completely free credit report http://www.creditkarma.com/value

The Conclusion of the "Story of Hong Gildong" takes us from the household drama of last episode to a story that spans the entirety of the Korean peninsula, with Gildong earning his title of the Korean Robin Hood. It then moves beyond Korea to mythical lands, where Gildong battles demons and becomes a doctor. Or pretends to be a doctor. I mean, it's a frontier setting in the 1600s, let's not split hairs. It's basically the same thing. The creature this time, is cactus cat. It's a cat who wants to get drunk and party like it's 1910. The awesome source for this episode: https://amzn.com/0143107690 Looking to build a website? Weebly is pretty great! Check out http://www.weebly.com/myths Make fantastic meals with Blue Apron: http://www.blueapron.com/legends Music: All music  by Blue Dot Sessions and Poddington Bear. Except for the awesome chip tune song by Role Music.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Gildong has been called the Korean Robin Hood, but really oversimplifies the story. It is both an awesome adventure tale with dragons, magic, assassins, demons, bandits, and betrayal, and a complex human drama, where one young man must find and understand his place in the world. It's both action-packed, and heartbreaking. The titular character, Gildong, was born a second-class citizen, and he was determined to make a way for himself in a world that kept pushing him down, even if that meant living outside the law. This is his story. The creature this time is the saalah, and they are what happens when a mommy genie and a daddy human (or the other way around) love each other very much. Loot crate is fantastic. Check out Loot crate: http://www.lootcrate.com/legends (Offer code: LEGENDS) Looking to build a website? Check out http://www.weebly.com/myths Say hi on twitter? I'm http://www.twitter.com/mythpodcast That incredibly great source for this story today: https://amzn.com/0143107690Support the show: https

Hercules is as terrible as he is awesome. There are sea monsters, centaurs, people being thrown off of things, Hydra poison, and Hercules making ridiculous choices. Basically, it's everything you could want from a Hercules episode. Oh, and he dies, because apparently he can do that. The creature this time is the Mamagwasewug, and he just wants to borrow a smoke off you...or he'll burn your house down.   Batman picture: https://www.instagram.com/p/BHD5g9OjfXq/?taken-by=mythpodcast Our sponsor this week: www.lootcrate.com/legends (code: LEGENDS).  Support the show? (http://support.mythpodcast.com) Find us on iTunes? (http://itunes.mythpodcast.com) Music: "Cheap suit" by Jason Staczek "Silence" by Kai Engel "Deserted City" by Kai Engel "At the End Everyone Dies" by Kai Engel "Leafless Quince Tree" by Rolemusic All other music by Poddington Bear and Blue Dot Sessions. Bibliography: "Metamorphoses" by Ovid 9:1-282 "The Women of Trachis" by Sophocles "The Library of Greek Mythology" by Apollodorus 2:6-8 "Libra

An abbreviated history of Pocahontas and John Smith, this episode looks at the conflict largely from the Powhatan side. This isn't the Disney version. It is gritty, dark, violent, and, if Mattaponi oral history is to be trusted, fairly disturbing. Still, it tells the story of a clash of worlds, and one woman who stood in the middle to bring a brief peace. The creature this week lives in lime trees and, in return for probably not paying rent, will hurt you if you're mean to the tree. Our sponsors: www.MackWeldon.com (promo code MYTHS) http://www.blueapron.com/legends http://www.weebly.com/myths My interview on The Podcast Digest: http://www.thepodcastdigest.info/2016/06/tpd-96-jason-weiser-from-myths-and.html Mattaponi Oral History: https://amzn.com/1555916325 The Disclaimer (and post): https://www.mythpodcast.com/4096/36b-pocahontas-two-streams/ Music: "What does anybody know about anything" by Chris Zabriskie All other music (besides intro/outro and COTW) by Poddington Bear and Blue Dot SessionsSupport the

The story of Pocahontas and John Smith has turned from compelling historical story of a brave woman who united two warring nations, to a melodramatic, oversimplified love story. In reality, Pocahontas likely never view Smith as more than a friend, since she was 11 when they first met. But they won't meet quite yet. We need to talk about the world they both inhabit, and the nations that will collide in the early 17th century. Then, on the creature of the week, you'll see why you want to bring hair clippers when checking on your infant in the middle of the night. check out the companies that were nice enough to sponsor this episode: http://Lootcrate.com/legends - offer code: LEGENDS (the Loot Crate community thing I talked about) http://Weebly.com/Myths Music: "Wipe my Face Away" by Keshco "Cloudz" by Jahzzar All other music by Poddington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is not the Beauty and the Beast you've heard. It's not even the story the one you've heard is based on. That one is a super-pared-down version of an 18th century French novella. The original contains way too much description about fairy politics and power structures, 18th century Pandora, and an idea for a "Downton Abbey" reboot...with monkeys. The creature of the week is Papa Bois, from Trinidad and Tobago. He will show you why regular exercise and a balanced diet of strangers lost in the forest will keep you healthy well into old age. Our super-awesome sponsor: Loot Crate (don't forget the code Legends) The other awesome sponsor: Casper. All that in the ad was true. These things are amazing. Find the show on iTunes The discussion post with all the fun links Music: "March" by Kai Engel "Train" by Sergey Cheremisinov "Usless Confusion" by much, "Comet Trails" by Moon "She Does Her Best (feat. Small Colin)" by Six Umbrellas "Falling into You" by Little Glass Men "Captain Socrates" by Nihilore "Eve