Myths and Legends

The story of Daedalus and Icarus is much more than just Icarus flying too close to the sun. Daedalus, the inventor, is directly responsible for the labyrinth and the Minotaur. He's a man whose will to survive and desire for significance drives him to make magnificent things, which only bring death, destruction, and tragedy for him and everyone around him.On the creature of the week, you'll learn how you can keep a Russian forest-dweller from playing pranks on you. All you have to do is burn his entire forest to the ground.Become a memberSay hi on FacebookFind the show on iTunesMusic:"The Tide" by Alex Finch"Cab Ride" by Blue Dot Sessions"Mosic" by Blue Dot Sessions"Lights Out" by Blue Dot Sessions"Avec Toi" by Dana Boul"Endless" by Dana Boul"Last Straws for Sale (Instrumental)" by Lisa Germano"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have all heard the story of Theseus fighting that monstrous half-bull, half-man beast known as the Minotaur, but the original story starts years earlier. It involves tensions between two kingdoms, a deadly poetry slam, and dumb bandits.The creature of the week is a small chicken that will give you lots of gold...if you can keep it from sitting on you in the middle of the night and giving you nightmares.Become a memberTell a story on the podcastFind the show on iTunesMusic:"Cold, Heat, Dust and Dew" by Curious Inversions"The Shoes they Wear" by Blue Dot Sessions"Empty Trees" by Ketsa"Diversity" by Ketsa"Here is Now" by Ketsa"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of a young woman, her magic doll, and a witch who may be the most terrifying - or the most ridiculous - person you've ever seen. You'll also see that you should definitely not trust a gift from a witch. Especially if that gift is a human skull...that's on fire.On the creature of the week, if your date has goat hooves it probably will not go well.Become a Member!Say Hi on FacebookFind the show on iTunesSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Russian Fairy Tale from the same collections as the stories of Koschei the Deathless, we find a prince who goes on a quest for the firebird. This leads us into a Russian nesting quest situation, where he ends up on a quest-within-a-quest-within-a-quest. We'll also follow his doofus brothers, who decide that taking an extended camping trip getting drunk in their silk party tents is much better than questing. On the creature of the week, it's a large horse-headed monster who will push you down or trample you...all while giggling like a child. The sponsor this week: Imakeokthings Say Hi on Facebook Find the show on iTunes Become a member Music: "Dew" by Cousin Silas/Black Hill "Mile Post 1" by Alex Fitch "Jackbird" by Blue Dot Sessions "Celeste" by Alex Fitch "Gondola Blue" by Blue Dot Sessions "Something Elated" by Broke for Free "Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the saga of this legendary king has Viking battles, magic cows, and a long con to take over England. Ragnar's poor planning when it comes to cementing his legacy blows up in his face, and we catch up with Aslaug, the daughter of Sigurd and Brynhild, and the atrociously ugly couple that murdered her grandfather.The creature of the week is a little one-legged boy who grants wishes and has really smelly hair.Patreon! Patreon?Find the show on iTunesSay "hi" on FacebookSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People throughout history, before they died, have seen something...strange. They have seen ghostly doubles haunting their steps, foretelling their doom. These things are called doppelgängers, and while they mean something different now - basically someone that looks like you - their folklore origins are something far more ominous and sinister. This episode is about the shadowy creatures of ill omen that follow us all, and the famous historical figures that have seen theirs before they met their end. The creature of the week is an extended, creepy story of a creature from Japanese folklore, and a solitary priest that became lost in the mountains. Patreon! Say hi on Facebook Find the show on iTunesSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, legendary Viking king and main character of the History Channel series "Vikings" and the many women in his life you absolutely do not want to mess with. It contains Viking battles, murder, betrayal, and heartbreak, uncommonly-ugly peasants, and, of course, a dragon fight.For the creature of the week, if anyone in the woods calls to you from a bush asking you to stop what you're doing to play a tickle game, you should probably say no. You should definitely say no if it's this long-fingered creature who will literally tickle you to death.Say hello on the FacebookPatreon! Paye-tree-on!Find the show on iTunesA couple pictures of the big harpSongs:"This" by Tryad"Akantha" by Lazath"Meditation" by Eracilon"Python" by Rolemusic"A Trip to Paris" by Peter Perio"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 200 years in western Europe, there was a pervasive belief among large portions of the population that the upper classes in society were hiding something - women horribly cursed with the heads of pigs . Not an insult or a metaphor, no, these were women who were thought literally to be pigs from the neck up. Crowds gathered to harass potential pig-faced women and chase their carriages, and they apparently made appearances at fairs. This is an incredibly bizarre series of events that is all but forgotten in the modern day, but bears were shaved, legacies were tarnished, and there were men from an ocean away proposing marriage to a pig-faced woman.On the creature of the week, it's a bird who can escape from any predator, but after you hear the route it needs to take, you'll wonder if it shouldn't just let itself get caught. Patreon! Patreon!Say hi on FacebookFind the show on iTunesPig-faced lady picturesSongs:"The Rain" by Carmelo Costanzo"White City, Black City" by Esther Garcia"Chaos in the Mouse Kingdom" by DDmyzik"Quizitive" by Lee Rosevere"Taking Dark Matter Lightly" by Alan Singley"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are two stories from Japanese fairy tales. I don't want to ruin them, so I can't say too much, but they are amazing. One is about a boy who draws pictures of cats, much to the detriment of his job and a ridiculous amount of ancient books. The other story is about a kind fisherman who saves a turtle and has his whole world turned upside down. On the creature of the week, it's a naked guy who, if he helps you, just thank him and be on your way. Seriously, who cares if he could have cut the grass more? He did it for free, and it's not worth losing your legs over. Patreon! Patreon! Say hi on Facebook Find the show on iTunes Songs: "Tech Toys" by Lee Rosevere "Ending" by Tadd Euro "Baby Monster" by Music for your Media "Scary Chimes Loop" by Chrisoph Schade Composer "All In All (No Voices)" by VYVCHSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finishing up the twelve labors, Hercules fights way, way too many things: a giant boar, a giant bull, vicious birds, man-eating horses, the three-headed hell hound Cerberus, and more, all as penance for his crime.The creature of the week are invisible weasel brothers that might give you a small cut or two...or might cut off your legs...all without you feeling it.Say hi on twitter (@mythpodcast)e-mail: [email protected] the show on iTunes (itunes.mythpodcast.com)That story thing I mentionedSongs:"Direct to Video" by Chris Zabriskie"One Last Sunset" by Alan Singley"Leafless Quince Tree" by Rolemusic"Strange Kiss" by Alasdair Cooper"Tilt" by Avaren"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of Hercules is one part gritty, serious tragedy and two parts over-the-top monster fights. This week, in the origin story of one of the greatest mythological heroes of the western world, we get to see the human side of the demigod before the story goes completely off-the-rails and it's just one big monster fight topping the next. But don't worry, there are also monster fights this episode.We'll see that Zeus is essentially the Don Draper of the Greek pantheon, only without all that pesky introspection or likability, and that if your husband cheats on you, you should bring down horrible punishments on everyone but him.On the creature of the week, it's a grotesque little piggy that just needs a hug. Say "hi" on Twittere-mail: [email protected] the show on iTunes Music:"Melancholy" by DDmyzik"Offerdal" by Simon Mathewson"Shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean" by Rolemusic"Scientology and the Masses" by statusq"Fine without you (Remix)" by Steve Combs"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Instead of one long story, this week I'm telling four stories about canines from folklore from all around the world. We'll go back to the Norse gods and goddesses where Loki will make more poor choices. Then I'll talk about the legend of the black dog of the UK and Ireland. There's the weird and hilarious story of a little dog that was made king of Denmark, and how the people took it surprisingly seriously. Finally, I'll round out the show with the saddest story about a dog you've ever heard. Also, I know Fenrir is a wolf and not a dog, but his inclusion will fit with the narrative arc of the show, I promise. On the creature of the week, it's a tiny, angry old man who lives in an anthill and really, really wants you to stay off his lawn. Say Hi on Twitter: @MythpodcastFind the show on iTunesE-mail: [email protected] miniature dachshund, Abbie!The dog king riddle Music:"Living Legends" by False Awakenings"Ambient" by Strange Day"In the End" by The Losers"If There's Time" by Odesza"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A short supplemental on one of the inspirations for Merlin, a man named Myrddin the Wyllt, a Welsh warrior bard who went insane after seeing his friends die on the battlefield and ran off to a life in the forest. It would have been fine if people didn't keep dragging him back to civilization...or if he had thought at all about what he would do during the winter. You'll see that "insane" in this story is kind of a loose term for "I just want a little 'me' time in the forest."On the creature of the week, you'll meet that thing that yells all night in your kitchen and shatters all your good plates, and I'll guess at what she's doing with all that evil linen thread she's spinning.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The real story of the Little Mermaid is way more violent and grim than the Disney version, and does not have a happy ending. It's the story of a teenage mermaid who falls in love with a human and makes a deal to get legs, but that's where the similarities end. The original includes bald mermaids, daggers, and a great way to blackmail your kids into being good.If you've ever wanted to know way, way too much detail about a mermaid society, but hate it when your characters have names or plausible motivations, this story is for you. But really, it's very weird, and it makes you wonder why it has not only survived to the modern day, but is incredibly popular and has inspired multiple retellings.In the creature of the week, an ape man you can't hide anything from, but who has an extremely short attention span.Connect with me on twitter: @mythpodcastMy e-mail: [email protected] the show on iTunes!Songs:“The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan” by Chris Zabriskie"Hypnic Jerk" by Smith Comma John"La Valse de Marian" by Marian Badoi"Keep on Moving" by Ton"Rewound" by Chris Zabriskie"Archimedes" by Jason Staczek"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrapping up this current run of King Arthur episodes, we find a kingdom in shambles. We'll see the final(ish..for now at least) battle between the Saxons and the Britons, and then the rule of King Arthur's uncle and father. Uther then decides to risk this extremely tenuous peace to woo a woman who isn't into him at all. And by woo, I mean declare war against her and her husband and use your fancy magician friend's fancy magic to trick her into...well, you'll see. Then, the sword in the stone! Also, the definitely true origins of Stonehenge! The creature of the week carries an impractically large bowl of blood with him at all times - just sloshing around everywhere he goes - that he will dump on you if he catches you on the road at night. Talk to me on twitter Find the show on iTunes Music: "Reveries" by Eracilon "Gymnopedie" by Erik Satie "Taking Dark Matter Lightly" by Alan Singley "Love and Mystery" by Oursvince "Max Flashback" by Lee Rosevere "Something Elated" by Broke for Free "Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is where we meet Merlin, a son of a demon who uses his evil powers for good. But he's not yet the bearded sorcerer we all kind of know and love. No, he first enters our story as a serious seven year-old with power over magic, the ability to prophesy, and knowledge of the past, present, and future. The only problem? He's about to be executed by Vortigern's magicians. Luckily, his life will be saved by not one, but two dragons. Its the origin story of the world's most famous legendary wizard.Then, on the creature of the week, you'll hear me embarrass myself trying to pronounce the name of this big, stupid dog.Talk to me on twitterFind me on iTunesMusic:"Let's Ride" by Alasdair Cooper"Cheap Suit" by Jason Staczek"You Know Who You Are" by Alan Singley"Rivers and Mountains" by The Losers"Something Elated" by Broke for Free"Wandering" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King Arthur legends don't actually start with Arthur, but with several years of war, intrigue, and betrayal among the Britons, and a slippery earl by the name of Vortigern not-so-subtly engineering the deaths of two kings to become king himself. We'll start at the very beginning, with Arthur's grandfather being murdered and his father fleeing across the channel to protect himself from assassins working for a usurper king. We'll also meet Merlin as a child, as he's being hunted by the king's men in the Welsh highlands.On the creature of the week, if you're thinking about a career change into the medical field, forget all that annoying education and just become a Fairy Doctor. This somehow completely real profession from the middle ages doesn't involve any of that pesky schooling that a boring old MD requires, but allows you to heal people from this week's creature, an extremely dangerous and extremely adorable fairy from Gaelic folklore.Talk to me on TwitterTranscript (and pictures) for this episodeFind this on iTunesSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As it turns out, Koschei the Deathless is very, very hard to kill, a fact one could probably guess from his name. This episode explores his tragic origins, as well as the ludicrously complex way he's hidden his soul (a Russian nesting doll situation that's unpleasant for everyone involved). He'll prove his name incorrect as he finally meets his demise in what amounts to the most heart-wrenching egging of all time. In the creature this week, despite forests being kind of the only place where forest fires can take place, this sticky giant thinks nothing of tapping the ashes from his giant cigars into the dry leaves.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this story of a dangerous magician from Russian folklore, you'll learn that you should maybe believe your spouse if she says you definitely don't want to know what's behind that door in the dungeon. It's the bizarre, sad, and kind of hilarious story of Koschei the Deathless, a man who seems like a much more serious and dangerous version of the Ice King from Adventure Time. Really, if you're horrible sorcerer who's a little lonely, maybe stop kidnapping princesses and just get a cat. Or a hobby. I hear podcasting is fun?Really, though, this is exactly the type of story I love doing on this podcast. I doubt you've heard it, but it is scary, ridiculous, and a little sad, and I hope you enjoy it. The creature of the week is the Boo Hag, a morning breath vampire, and she's a great reason for you to chew an onion before going to bed. Link to iTunes for reviews/subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myths-and-legends/id990897842 Link to the site: https://www.mythpodcast.comSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of Mulan, the woman who took her aging father's place in the army, does not mean what you think it means. The original character is almost completely awesome and very different from many retellings. Unfortunately, the inspiring central message of the story is a modern interpretation of something that was actually very insulting. Also, villain is less of a looming, hulking Hun, and more a bandit with a name of a spandex print. This is the story of Mulan as it was originally told. The creature of the week is why you'll want to make sure you're very drunk before going into the woods alone at night. Link to iTunes for reviews/subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myths-and-legends/id990897842 Link to the site: https://www.mythpodcast.comSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final chapter of the Saga of the Volsungs follows Sigurd as he finds that navigating relationships with the in-laws is way, way more hazardous than fighting a dragon. He finds the famliy he never had, but generations of betrayal and murder finally catch up with what has been perhaps the most honorable of the Volsungs...you know, minus that one tiny murder he committed. Also, if someone with nothing to gain from it tells you a ring is cursed, you should absolutely believe them.In the creature of the week, you'll see why funeral homes should be surrounded by catnip and toy mice in order to keep this giant, spectral Celtic cat from stealing souls.(link to the website)(iTunes link for reviews/subscriptions)Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part four and the penultimate episode in the Saga of the Volsungs, the story of a legendary Norse family finds Sigurd riding with his Vikings in an attempt to reclaim his father's kingdom. Then, there's a fight with the dragon, Fafnir, who is in the possession of the cursed ring. Sigurd, our (so far) valiant hero, folds to the temptations of a magical ring way faster than Frodo, Bilbo, or even Boromir.In the creature of the week, you'll see why you need to treat your footwear will respect and kindness...oh and keep it from getting bored, or else it will come to life and annoy you.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can clearly see J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration in this episode, what with that cursed ring finally making an appearance, a legendary sword reforged, and a selfish psychopath of a dragon sitting atop a pile of gold. Loki casually says something when he walks out the door which tears a family apart, and Odin is not fooling anyone when he (seemingly constantly) pretends to be an old man wandering the wilderness. There are also more huge Viking battles as well as more people transforming into animals for no reason at all.The creature of the week is a relative of the leprechaun whose sole goal in life is to get drunk in your basement and harass dogs.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Saga of the Volsungs continues, with a princess held captive by the man who killed her father, and her brother roaming the forest waging a covert guerrilla war...or just robbing people for the fun of it? There are berserker werewolves, magic swords, and a battle of really stupid insults between kings. Also, you'll see if a legendary Norse mustache is an effective filter for poisons.The creature of the week is the fossegrim, a nice guy who loves mutton and teaching people how to play the fiddle.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swords, dragons, werewolves, Vikings, betrayal, and revenge are all hallmarks of the thrilling, yet little known, Saga of the Volsungs, the story of an ill-fated medieval Nordic family. One of J.R.R. Tolkien's first Nordic reads, it's a tale of honor, love, loss, and vengeance, as well as the numerous benefits of just letting it go.Also, I talk about the barbegazi, a helpful little frozen beard with huge feet. Here are the promised pictures! (go to the website for the pictures)Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the conclusion of the original Aladdin story, there's the meteoric rise of Aladdin, who is definitely not using magic to do any of this. Really. Will people just stop asking him that, already? I mean, so what if he made the most magnificent palace in the world overnight, and that it randomly disappeared. Nothing at all suspicious about that.In the creature of the week, there's shapeshifting dolphin people. Here's the picture mentioned in the show...I could see it:And here's a link to what Mary Sue means.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of a poor man who finds a being of unlimited power, and not only uses it to put food on the table, but goes a little farther to take over the kingdom and become the richest man alive. It's the original story of Aladdin, but it's very different from the story you know. The jinni (actual spelling of genie, by the way), don't really grant wishes. Listen to this episode to hear the bizarre original story that led to inspired retellings.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, you'll see that you should definitely interfere if you see two apex predators fighting to the death in the wilderness. We'll finish the story of Yvain, a knight of King Arthur's court, as he (mostly) sees the error in his ways and (mostly) seeks atonement for his extreme selfishness.After you hear the creature of the week, you won't want to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night for fear of running into this greasy little red guy from Japanese mythology.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we're continuing the story of Yvain, a knight of King Arthur's court who we left in a very bad spot. He'll find an ally within the castle walls, get a magic ring, and try to find a way to hold out, since it's only a matter of days until Arthur will be there with his knights.The picture linked above is the Mythological Creature of the Week: the sad, sad story of the changeling - a troll baby who's only crime was not being as stylish as a human baby.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Myths and Legends podcast, I’ll introduce the show and discuss what it’ll be about. Then, we’ll start right in on the story of Yvain, a knight of King Arthur's court who'll show that by being a huge jerk to nearly everyone you'll get everything you can ever want, throw it all away, and get it all again!Then, for the mythological creature of the week, the hidden folk of Iceland, cheerful little elves who might give you great gifts or rain rocks down on you.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.