Myths and Legends

Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod

Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Myths and Legends podcast dives into the world of folklore. And what it uncovers is a series of fascinating stories. Those that love old-world stories, myths, legends, and tall tales, will love this podcast. The series host, Jason Weiser, has a passion for all these things and walks listeners through retellings. This is a fascinating show that brings unbelievable stories to life. Listeners get to hear the real endings to Grimm brothers' fairy tales, and it isn't pretty. And when audiences hear the details behind their favorite myths, they're sure to get a surprise.

This podcast is the perfect combination of history and storytelling. It mixes lore with historical context and goes back to the origins of some well-known tales. For listeners with a fascination with tales of kings, knights, and wizards, or oral history, this podcast covers it all. It also shares a variety of cross-cultural stories, so listeners can compare tales and see how they differ. Weiser recounds Native American lore, Celtic myths, Ancient Greek tales, and Egyptian legends.

Listeners love the structure of the show, which allows the stories to be told with a little bit of commentary. The balance is right and allows for insight without overpowering.

This storybook-style podcast is highly reminiscent of the finest parts of a fantastic bedtime story. It is a mixture of nostalgia, history, a cultural deep dive, and pure entertainment. From facts to ghost stories, listeners around the world love Myths and Legends. This podcast has something to surprise and delight all mythology fans.

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Myths and Legends Trailer

Myths and Legends Trailer

A little bit about what to expect when you listen to Myths and Legends. Subscribe using your favorite podcast app: http://apple.mythpodcast.com http://spotify.mythpodcast.com http://stitcher.mythpodcast.com or just search for "Myths and Legends"Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

365: Korean folklore: Goblin

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/legends GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide. BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. --- Music: "Cornicob" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lofoten Eggels" by Blue Dot Sessions "Raskt Landsby" by Blue Dot Sessions "Timble Rider Theme" by Blue Dot Sessions

364: English folklore: Of Mice and Men...and Frogs...and Birds

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 you solve the case? June needs your help, detective! Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://wooga.com/games/junes-journey -- Music: "Delicious" by Blue Dot Sessions "Crown of September" by Blue Dot Sessions "Willow Willow" by Blue Dot Sessions

363: Slavic Folklore: One High Five Man

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 episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. --- "Miniatures" by Blue Dot Sessions "Stuffed Monsters" by Blue Dot Sessions "Bird Language" by Chad Crouch

362: Chinese folklore: Broken

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 comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide. Robinhood Gold gets you the most for your retirement. Get started at https://Robinhood.com/boost. Terms and conditions apply. Scary sock drawer? No more! Discover why Bombas makes our favorite socks, tees, and underwear at https://Bombas.com/legends and use code “legends“ for 20% off your first purchase. Feel good and do good, with Bombas. --- Music: "Jumbel" by Blue Dot Sessions "Gathering Stasis" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lemon and Melon" by Blue Dot Sessions "Liptis" by Blue Dot Sessions "Town Market" by Blue Dot Sessions

361: English folklore: In a Pickle (jar)

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: Shopify: Grow your business, no matter what stage you’re in, with Shopify. Go to https://shopify.com/legends (all lowercase) to get started! BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn to make time for what makes you happy, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. Music: "Calisson" by Blue Dot Sessions "Crumbling Dock" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lights Out" by Blue Dot Sessions "Beignet Interlude" by Blue Dot Sessions "Rafter" by Blue Dot Sessions

360: Leprechauns: Lucky

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 overarching narrative: https://www.ucd.ie/tlh/trans/dab.eriu.16.001.t.text.html Here's the inset one with King Iubdan: https://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/fergusmacleide.html Here's the membership if you're looking for more when we're off next week! https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Sponsors! ExpressVPN: Try ExpressVPN today with 3 extra months free at https://ExpressVPN.com/legends Thrive Market: Save time and money, and shop Thrive Market today! Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/legends for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift. Music: "Daphne" by Chad Crouch "Dog and Pony Show" by Chad Crouch "Dutiligi" by Chad Crouch "In My Head" by Chad Crouch "Midnight Blue" by Chad Crouch

359: Celtic Folklore: A Berry Good Day...for Murder?

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 Manachar: https://myths.link/berrymurder Not the Breman town musicians but kind of: https://myths.link/notbreman Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn to make time for what makes you happy, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. Get comfy this spring and give back with Bombas. Head to https://Bombas.com/legends and use code “legends” at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. It’s 2024. Are you still feeding your cat...kibble? Head to https://Smalls.com/LEGENDS and use promo code LEGENDS at checkout for 50% off your first order PLUS free shipping. --- Music: "Mind Body Mind" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tin Cavalry" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sino de Cobre" by Blue Dot Sessions

358: Monkey King: Winded

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 promo code LEGENDS at https://FieldofGreens.com --- Music: "Jenny K" by Blue Dot Sessions "Cran Ras" by Blue Dot Sessions "Thick Irony" by Chad Crouch "Pigeon Falls" by Blue Dot Sessions "City Limits" by Blue Dot Sessions

357: Icelandic Folklore: Dog Days

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 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: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: Factor: No prep and no mess meals ready to heat and eat? Factor has us covered. Head to https://FactorMeals.com/legends50 and use code: legends50 for 50 percent off. BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Become your own soulmate, whether you’re looking for one or not. Try online therapy at https://betterhelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. --- Music: "Ginger" by Chad Crouch "Mullberry" by Chad Crouch "Alsace" by Chad Crouch "Rabbit in the Leaflitter" by Chad Crouch "In the Cottonwoods" by Chad Crouch

356: 1001 Nights: Nifty Fifty

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 Market is helping us stick to a healthier year. Join for the savings, the convenience, the flavors, and high quality at https://ThriveMarket.com/legends Smalls: For 50% off your first order, head to https://Smalls.com/LEGENDS and use code LEGENDS. --- Music: "Fill and Forage" by Blue Dot Sessions "Bristlecone" by Chad Crouch "Lunette" by Blue Dot Sessions "ShadowPlay" by Blue Dot Sessions

355: Greek/Roman myth: There's Something About Ares

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 reason: https://myths.link/mooooooo --- Sponsor: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Become your own soulmate, whether you’re looking for one or not. Try online therapy at https://betterhelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. --- Music: "Croner Dilesh" by Blue Dot Sessions "Hrse Hrse" by Blue Dot Sessions "Particle End" by Blue Dot Sessions "Where we Make our Stand" by Chad Crouch "Talens Bal" by Blue Dot Sessions "Iris" by Blue Dot Sessions

354: Japanese folklore: Cursed

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 Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsor: Field of Greens is our new super-fruit and vegetable habit. It’s the only fruit and vegetable product that promises better health, too. Get 15 percent off your first order and free rush shipping at https://FieldOfGreens.com and use promo code: LEGENDS --- Music: "Bellow's Hull" by Blue Dot Sessions "Quiet Sill" by Blue Dot Sessions "Cedar" by Chad Crouch "Grove Melody" by Chad Crouch

353: Irish folklore: Beggars Belief

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. The creature is the Lou Carcolh. Brace yourself, snail links are coming. Snails: I don't know if this is a good price for snails: https://myths.link/snails No idea why I find this video of a snail eating a cucumber so unnerving, but here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifjpgt26osY Here's one eating a strawberry. I hate this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhXJxUgY46Q Snail eating spaghetti. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw-D9cdGAjo Very solid post and one of my sources for the Lou Carcolh: https://myths.link/carcolh Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors Smalls: For 50% off your first order, head to https://Smalls.com/LEGENDS and use code LEGENDS. Factor: Factor is our time saver! With restaurant-quality, ready-to-eat meal delivery bursting with flavor, Factor takes the stress out of meal time. Try it and get 50 percent off at https://FactorMeals.com/legends50 AND use code: legends50 --- Music "Peter Gray" by Chad Crouch "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" by Chad Crouch "All the Pretty Horses" by Chad Crouch

352: French folklore: The Darling Formerly Known as Prince

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! The creature this week is Lamia! She will pull out her own eyeballs and eat your children, but she also has a budding career in the movies? Sad duck lamp: https://myths.link/sadduck Source for today: https://myths.link/pd Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Music: "B Roll" by Chad Crouch "The Ramble" by Chad Crouch "Pilgrim's Progress" by Chad Crouch "Barefoot" by Chad Crouch "Pacing" by Chad Crouch --- Sponsors: Grow your business, no matter what stage you’re in, with Shopify: https://shopify.com/legends Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Celebrate the progress you’ve already made and give therapy a try at https://BetterHelp.com/myths

351: Dragons: Alternate History

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/lionbites Disclaimer: https://myths.link/351 --- Sponsors: Bombas makes clothing that feels good and does good, too. It’s our favorite! Get cozy at https://Bombas.com/legends WITH code: legends ExpressVPN: Secure your online data today by visiting https://ExpressVPN.com/legends Join in on the savings with Thrive Market today at https://ThriveMarket.com/legends --- Music: "Button" by Chad Crouch "Wisp" by Chad Crouch "Warm Fingers" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lullaby" by Chad Crouch "Shifty Crow" by Chad Crouch "Rarified" by Chad Crouch "Small Bummer" by Chad Crouch

350: Korean folklore: Ghosts and Goblins

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. The creature is the Kting Voar, a creature that definitely does not exist, but not for lack of being extremely normal and boring. Kting Voar article: https://myths.link/academicrigorcryptidstyle Cow eating snake (NOT the Kting Voar): https://myths.link/snakeyum Story 1 (the literary man): https://myths.link/literaryman Story 2: https://myths.link/snakesrevenge Story 3: https://myths.link/charan Explosion-proof your cloppy friend (but not really): https://myths.link/superhorse Disclaimer: https://myths.link/350 --- Sponsor: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. --- Music: "Cirrocumulous" by Chad Crouch "Venus Aire" by Blue Dot Sessions "Cortesia" by Blue Dot Sessions "Flatlands 1st" by Blue Dot Sessions "Night Music" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Bond" by Chad Crouch "Virginia Creeper" by Blue Dot Sessions

349: Monkey King: My Own Worst Enemy

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. The creature is the Kongamato, a (maybe?) actual dinosaur. It is truly terrible and annoying and bad, but only slightly murdery! --- Sponsor: Hello Fresh: HelloFresh is farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes delivered right to your doorstep. The Weisers are loving it—see why at https://HelloFresh.com/mythsfree AND use code: mythsfree --- Music: "Gentle Son" by Blue Dot Sessions "La Inglesa" by Blue Dot Sessions "Paramo Ocho" by Blue Dot Sessions "Santo Apure" by Blue Dot Sessions "Zulia Conspiracy" by Blue Dot Sessions

348: World Folklore: Untitled Goose Episode

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 sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self. Try AG1: the daily Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health. https://drinkAG1.com/LEGENDS -- Music: "Derano" by Blue Dot Sessions "November Mist" by Blue Dot Sessions "Some Nights End" by Blue Dot Sessions "Watercress" by Blue Dot Sessions

347: Viking Legends: Fool Me Once

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. The creature, Nure-onna, is that woman down by the beach who is not-so-secretly also a quarter-mile-long snake. Links! Doorstop buddy: https://myths.link/doorstopbuddy Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Butter in the Middle Ages, because I knew you wanted to know: https://academic.oup.com/book/2756/chapter-abstract/143245170?redirectedFrom=fulltext https://www.butterjournal.com/butter-history/ -- Sponsors! Factor is making a difference for us this holiday. Try fresh, flavor-packed meals delivered to your door, ready in just 2 minutes without the prep at https://FactorMeals.com/legends50 MasterClass makes a meaningful gift this season, for you and anyone on your list. Boost confidence with practical takeaways from the world’s best at https://MasterClass.com/myths When you give Bombas this holiday, you’re giving more comfort and more good. We love Bombas, and it’s the perfect gift this year: https://bombas.com/legends with code: legends -- Music: "Elmore Heights" by Blue Dot Sessions "Vik Fence Lardha" by Blue Dot Sessions "Steady" by Chad Crouch "Valladolid Funeral" by Blue Dot Sessions "Illustrated Novel" by Chad Crouch

346: Athena: Friends in Need

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... The creature is Hyena Man! He's way worse than the DC Comics supervillain that shares his name because he will literally eat children. Disclaimer: https://myths.link/346 Hyena men: https://myths.link/hyenas Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: Try AG1: the daily Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health. https://drinkAG1.com/LEGENDS Indeed: Get your jobs more visibility and match with the candidates you need at https://Indeed.com/LEGENDS Hello Fresh: Skip the grocery store with HelloFresh and enjoy farm-fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and seasonal recipes delivered to your doorstep. Go to https://HelloFresh.com/mythsfree and use code "mythsfree" for free breakfast for life (one breakfast item per box while subscription is active). Uncommon Goods: Find the perfect gift for anyone and everyone in your life with the help of Uncommon Goods: https://UncommonGoods.com/LEGENDS --- Music: "Elderberry" by Chad Crouch "Freesia" by Chad Crouch "Delham Corner" by Blue Dot Sessions "Darkened Treeline" by Blue Dot Sessions "Qi" by Blue Dot Sessions "La Focsa" by Blue Dot Sessions