Myths and Legends

Two stories from the Grimm brothers! On the first, a wolf wants to eat some kids, and is annoyed that he needs to do the smallest amount of effort to do so. On the second, a woman travels to a mysterious land, talks to some bread, and finds her strength.The creature is a lonely monster with an awesome blue bonnet and flowing blonde hair...but you can't take a look at them because he's so ugly you'll die.--Sponsors:BetterHelp: get 10 percent off your first month at http://BetterHelp.com/mythsAthletic Greens: Check it out! You’ll receive up to a year’s supply of Liquid Vitamin D for FREE with your first purchase. Go to http://athleticgreens.com/legends--Music:“Fog Interlude” by Blue Dot Sessions“Shields Up” by Blue Dot Sessions“The Killjoy Brothers” by Blue Dot Sessions“Mood Unit” by Blue Dot Sessions“Dowdy” by Blue Dot Sessions“Crumbtown” by Blue Dot Sessions "Game Hens" by Blue Dot Sessions“True Shape” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week it is the very very spooky* Halloween episode about a terrifying** trek through the Greek underworld. It's definitely not a lighthearted romp where a Greek god makes a podcast, trick-or-treats as Hercules, and emcees a poetry competition. Nope. Not at all.The creatures this week are bogeymen! I don't know why it's pronounced like that they don't boogie but they do eat children.Membership: http://support.mythpodcast.comSloth raft: https://myths.link/sloth--Sponsors:BetterHelp: get 10 percent off your first month at http://BetterHelp.com/mythsHello Fresh: get free shipping and a total of 80 dollars off across 5 boxes by going to http://hellofresh.com/myths80 and using the code MYTHS80Simplisafe: Get a free security camera and a risk-free 60-day free trial at http://simplisafe.com/legends--Music:"Thom Yorke at Home" by Podington Bear"Elephants on Parade" by Podington Bear"Broken Branch" by Podington Bear"Frogs in Tuxes" by Podington Bear"Broken Branch" by Podington Bear"Hard Won" by Podington Bear"Daydreamer" by Podington Bear*It's not remotely spooky** by "terrifying" we mean "kind of funny."Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back in the stories of 1001 nights, where Scheherazade has to tell bedtime stories to save her life. On the first, a man ruins a wedding reception and can't show his face in town again. The second starts with a murder, and then only gets darker. This week's item, the ridiculous umbrella hat: https://myths.link/umbrella -- Sponsors: BetterHelp: get 10 percent off your first month at http://BetterHelp.com/myths Bombas: Give a pair when you buy a pair, and get 20 percent off your first purchase at http://bombas.com/legends Athletic Greens: Check it out! You’ll receive up to a year’s supply of Liquid Vitamin D for FREE with your first purchase. Go to http://athleticgreens.com/legends Indeed: try Indeed out with a free 75 dollar credit at Indeed.com/legends -- Music: “Sunset Stroll into the Wood” by Podington Bear “Retrograde” by Podington Bear “Two Boys and a Girl” by Podington Bear "Wavy Glass" by Podington Bear "Linen" by Podington Bear “Minor Islands” by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Returning to Irish legends, we tackle the wooing of Etain, a love story that goes up against witches turning people into puddles and flies, multiple angry spouses, and death itself.The creature is a dangerous blanket! Don't sit on blankets with teeth!--Sponsors:Simplisafe: Check out http://simplisafe.com/legends to get a free HD camera with your order.--Music:“Balti” by Blue Dot Sessions“Our Fingers Cold” by Blue Dot Sessions“Children of Lemuel” by Blue Dot Sessions"The Summit" by Blue Dot Sessions“Steadfast” by Blue Dot Sessions“Encounter” by Podington Bear“Refraction” by Podington Bear"Passing Station 7" by Blue Dot Sessions"Cicle Ariel" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story from Japanese folklore of Princess Moonlight, from Japanese folklore, where a bamboo cutter finds one of those magical heaven babies in a bamboo stalk (you know, those extremely common glowing children found in plants) and it changes his life, and the whole empire, forever.The creature this week is a dangerous Greek fox because the ancient Greek city of Thebes can't catch a break ever.--Sponsor:Better Help: Myths and Legends listeners get 10% off your first monthat http://betterhelp.com/myths--Extras:Wolverine claws! https://myths.link/wolverineMembership: http://support.mythpodcast.comMusic:“Calm and Gentle and Touching Inspiration” by Denis Pavlov“Cold Dust” by Jermaine Culbreath“Borough” by Blue Dot Sessions“Town Market” by Blue Dot Sessions"Roadside Bunkhouse" by Blue Dot Sessions"Dolly and Pad" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin Hood is back on the road and ready to make some quick cash, so of course, he's going to go undercover as a beggar an infiltrate a secret society. Meanwhile Little John poured himself into a friar costume to hit on strangers. The creature is an iron-toothed rat who will eat your books. -- Sponsors: Simplisafe: Check out http://simplisafe.com/legends to get a free HD camera with your order. Better Help: Myths and Legends listeners get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/myths AcornTV: Try Acorn TV free for 30 days, by going to http://acorn.tv and using the promo code LEGENDS -- Music: "Back Stairs" by Podington Bear "Line Etching" by Blue Dot Sessions "Colrain" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lamprey" by Blue Dot Sessions "Logjam" by Podington Bear "All Out" by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a ball game goes wrong in the worst possible way, Viking best friends go on a quest to clear their names. A quest that involves poison vultures, evil priestess witches, kings that can transform into dragons, and stuffed animal cows. The creature is the teakettler! A creature that just wants to be left alone and if you keep hassling it, it will get really steamed...in that it will shoot a jet of steam at you. -- Music: "Black is the Color" by Podington Bear “He went away” by Podington Bear “Voyage to America” by Lance Conrad “All the Pretty Horses” by Podington Bear “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” by Podington Bear “Peter Gray” by Podington Bear “Dunes” by Podington Bear "Pxl Cray" by Blue Dot Sessions “Forecasting” by Podington Bear -- Fondue problems require fondue solutions (fondutions?): https://myths.link/fondue Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reboot, of sorts, of Reynard the Fox, everyone's favorite brutal, amoral trickster. I found a much older, much more nuanced version of the fox's stories. Today, we meet his father, get an origin story, and see him trying to make things right in a society run by predators...or is he working a long con to eat all the animals in his charge? With Reynard, we never really know. The creature this week is the Talasam, who will very politely ask you for a human sacrifice. -- Sponsors: Bombas! Check out http://bombas.com/legends for 20% off your first purchase. Indeed - go to http://indeed.com/legends to get a free $75 credit to boost your posting -- Music: "Forces" by Podington Bear "Little Door" by Podington Bear "Away Game" by Blue Dot Sessions “Cach” by Blue Dot Sessions “Her Caliber” by Blue Dot Sessions "Cicle Gerano" by Blue Dot Sessions Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dionysus was the god of wine from Greek myths and the last Olympian to earn a place on Mount Olympus. His story starts with him being born from Zeus's thigh...and then somehow gets stranger. He does make a lot of really fun, dangerously intense fans among the humans, though. The creature is the Tenjoname! He's a helpful ghost who will clean your ceilings with his filthy tongue! Check out the ad-free membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership -- Sponsors: Indeed: Try Indeed out with a free $75 credit at http://indeed.com/legends Hello Fresh: Go to http://HelloFresh.com/myths80 and use code myths80 to get a total of $80 off your first month, including free shipping on your first box. -- Music: “Shiny” by Podington Bear “Um Pepino (Artos Mix)” by Blue Dot Sessions “Silent Flock” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tarnish” by Podington Bear "Sylvestor" by Blue Dot Sessions "KeoKeo" by Blue Dot Sessions "KeoKeo (acoustic version)" by Blue Dot Sessions -- Extras: A public domain version of the latter half of today's story: https://myths.link/bacchae Good source on the Tenjoname: https://myths.link/tenjoname Cardboard cutout of Guy Fieri: https://myths.link/fieri Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A completely new version of the Mulan legend, sourced from a story from the late middle ages, so even if you think you know the Mulan story, this version has twists and turns that make her big secret, that she's a woman pretending to be a man, the least of her worries.The creature is the Manticore! It's terrifying, but not for the reasons that it should be terrifying!The episode post (and horrifying pictures of the Manticore): https://myths.link/194The earlier Mulan episode based off "The Ballad of Mulan": https://myths.link/4--Sponsors:You. Yes, you. Hi. I don't say this enough, but thank you so much for listening. This podcast would not be where it is today without your support, whether you're a member, you've supported one of our sponsors, told a friend, tweeted, shared the show, or simply listened weekly for years, you're the best. Thank you.--Music:"Insatiable Toad" by Blue Dot Sessions"Inside the Origami Violin" by Blue Dot Sessions"Cocoon Transit" by Blue Dot Sessions"Vibrant Canopy" by Blue Dot Sessions"Moving Emotional Piano Hero Track" by Daniel Bordovsky"Broken" by Michael VignolaSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're on the road with the monk, Xuanzang, and Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as they start their Journey to the West... that is, if Sun Wukong is coming back from taking off in a huff (he is). Once he gets back, the trip won't be without problems, though, like river dragons, murderous monks, and bear ogre birthday parties. -- Sponsors: We think it's the best in home security. Give it a shot with free shipping and a 60-day risk-free trial at http://simplisafe.com/legends Preparing for a standardized test? Go to http://magoosh.com and use the code MYTHS for a 20% off discount. -- Music: "Blue" by Podington Bear "Messy Inkwell" by Blue Dot Sessions "Li Fonte" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lunette" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Gall" by Podington Bear "All the Colors in the World" by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We return to the stories of the Monkey King and pick up at the end of his long imprisonment under a mountain, for trying to overthrow everyone and everything. Meanwhile, a messenger from heaven is on the move, looking for a pilgrim to make a dangerous journey that will bring them into contact with demons, monsters, and companions to help him along the way...who might just be more dangerous than anything on the road. ---Show post: https://myths.links/193a Check out the Myths and Legends store at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store --Music: “Follow Me” by Keith Anthony Holden "In Epic" by Valentina Gribanova "Lonely Drive Home" by Lance Conrad "Left on my own" by Judson Lee "A Horrible Piano" by Bobby Cole "Cracked Nut Suite" by Podington Bear "Calisson" by Blue Dot Sessions

An off-the-wall story from the Grimm Brothers about a young man who knew no fear...and why that was a massive problem for him. The creature is a man who you don't want to high five. Mainly because he has eyeballs on his palms. Also mainly because he'll drink your bones with a straw. -- Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14487/192-grimm-brave-traveler/ -- Music: "The Consulate" by Blue Dot Sessions “Scary Sounds” by Bobby Cole “Storm Passing” by Podington Bear "Relinquish" by Podington Bear "Demon Dollhouse" by Bruce Zimmerman "Nervous Whisp" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sorrento" by Podington Bear

In this episode from Norse legends, we'll see that the worst breakups involve Thor breaking up the couple with his hammer and we'll see that even though Odin can shapeshift, that doesn't mean he skips the conditioner. It's the Saga of King Gautrek, a story spanning generations of Viking warriors and their bizarre and dangerous interactions with the gods, giants, elves, and everything in between (but mostly just those three). The creature this week likes to drill holes in your boat with its nose. Hope you don't mind awkward tickle sessions... --Music: "Illa Villardo" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lens Flare" by Podington Bear "Paper Boat" by Podington Bear "Solemn Oath" by Podington Bear "Minor Islands" by Podington Bear "Flor Vjell" by Blue Dot Sessions "Samara" by Podington Bear "Threshold" by Podington Bear -- A darkly funny take on the Ättestupa from the show "Norsemen" on Netflix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwD7f5ZWhAk

In one story, a dragon is rampaging around the countryside unless he gets his favorite meal: teenage girls. In the other, a young woman trapped in an impossible situation meets a new friend who might just be able to save her: a parrot with a secret. Two stories with two very different heroines who share one defining characteristic: their unbreakable will to survive. On the creature of the week, when it comes to making a deal with the devil, you could choose infinite wealth, power, or epic guitar skills...or you could do what the strix did and become a stinky owl monster. Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14475/190-chinese-folklore-fierce/ -- Music: "Where it all happened" by Blue Dot Sessions "Dark Skies Above" by Bobby Cole "Lemon and Melon" by Blue Dot Sessions "Betty Dear" by Blue Dot Sessions "Topslides" by Blue Dot Sessions "Low Slopes" by Blue Dot Sessions "Really Scary Piano Music" by Bobby Cole "Artic Draba" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sincerely Yours" by Podington Bear -- Links: A discussion of gender and Confucianism as it relates to the first story today: https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/blog/corrections/li-chis-historiography-totally-wack

In the third and final part of our series on the Nibelungenlied, the hero of the story, Siegfried, is dead and his wife, the princess, has a score to settle. The creature this week is the strong toad, a super cool toad who can read your mind, but he's so nice and definitely not making me write this right now. -- Music: "Prayer" by Enzo Orefice "Plasticity" by Blue Dot Sessions "Clockwork by Michele Nobler" "Kreis" by Luis Berra "Chain link" by Blue Dot Sessions "A Florentine Story" by Michele Nobler "Cicle Deserrat" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

We pick up right where we left off last week: Gunther has tricked his way into marrying Brunhild, and Brunhild decided to give him a minor test of strength on their wedding night. He failed, and ended up naked and hog-tied, yelling out for help while dangling upside down from the rafters. The creature is the Tsurube-otoshi (釣瓶落とし), from Japan, who will go head-to-head with you in the forest. Because its a giant head. -- Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14462/189b-nibelungenlied-heinous/ -- Music:"Two boys and a girl" by Podington Bear "Places" by Michael Vignola "Shapeshifters" by Podington Bear "Sad Goodbyes" by Mark Kueffner "Dark Time Ticking" by Robert Valenti “We are Nowhere” by Sander Kalmeijer "Sad Hymn" by Ceiri TorjussenSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story starts out with one prince slaying a dragon and getting rich. It starts there. The wild ride of the Nibelungenlied has echoes of one of our most beloved stories, the Saga of the Volsungs, with it's over-the-top characters, the ridiculous situations, the betrayals, and, yes, dragon fights. The creature is a dragon cat with poison breath. -- Music: "Order of Entrance" by Blue Dot Sessions "Palladian" by Blue Dot Sessions "Highway 430" by Blue Dot Sessions "Ranch Hand" by Blue Dot Sessions "Elegant Weasel" by Blue Dot Sessions "Searching for Hope" by Neil Cross "In the Box" by Blue Dot Sessions --Youtube link:The Stollenwurm: https://godofwar.fandom.com/wiki/TatzelwurmSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Two stories from the bawdy, funny, and oftentimes deeply unsettling 17th century fairytale author Giambattista Basile, both of which have to do with pets. The first pet is a rooster, whose owner just can't bring himself to kill it. No judgement there. The second pet is a flea...the size of a lamb. The creature this week is a cat that's either evil and smells like a skunk dog, a hero who defeated a demon, or a hunter who needs a toothbrush. -- Music: "Cake" by Podington Bear "Quatrefoil" by Podington Bear "Scaffoldings" by Podington Bear "Leafeaters" by Podington Bear "Go to Sleep" by Podington Bear "Lerennis" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sunbeam" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Agamemnon is coming home from the Trojan War. He has no idea what's waiting for him. There are over fifty bonus episodes on the Myths and Legends bonus feed! Check out that and weekly ad-free shows at https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Check out the store at https://shop.bardic.fm Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mythsandlegends Find the episode post and the disclaimer at https://www.mythpodcast.com/14441/187-greek-myths-the-end-to-all-our-pain/ -- Music: "Deadly recitation" by blue dot sessions "Leadin" by Blue Dot Sessions "Thin Passage" by Blue Dot Sessions "The PI Sleeps" by Blue Dot Sessions "Glimpse into a Dark Mind" by Lance ConradSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A story from the Grimm brothers about three down-on-their-luck soldiers who get everything they could ever dream of and then do their absolutely best to lose it. The extended creature of the week is a fearsome critter from Colorado - a land whale called the Slide Rock Bolter who exclusively eats tourists who care about the environment. The Myths and Legends store is up! Check it out at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store Get access to over 50 member episodes and weekly ad-free shows: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership -- Music: "Little Door" by Podington Bear "Broken Branch" by Podington Bear "B7 Bomber" by Podington Bear "Blur and Coalesce" by Podington Bear "Moonglow" by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Eglė the Queen of Serpents, from Lithuanian folklore, about a young woman who is faced with an impossible choice: witness the destruction of her family...or marry a snake. The creature is a wet, inebriated chicken named skrat who will either make you rich or burn down your house or both of those things.--Music: "Delamine" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tiny Bottles" by Blue Dot Sessions "Donnalee" by Blue Dot Sessions "At our Best Alone" by Blue Dot Sessions "Basketliner" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We return to the Robin Hood stories with a (mostly) standalone episode. Robin Hood and his merry men are throwing a dinner party! With food and wine! And robbery! The creature is a shirtless Jaguar man who can end the world anytime he feels like. -- Music: "Pat-a-Pan Whistles and Drums" by Craig S. Elliott "The Gall" by Podington Bear "Miss You" by Podington Bear "Andante in e minor" by Matthew Fagan "The Consulate" by Blue Dot Sessions "Medieval Ritual" by Adrian Ellis Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of an ancient Indian king who goes on a fetch quest through an evil-looking cemetery and listens to the worst podcasts of all time...hosted by a ghoul he has slung over his shoulder, and if he doesn't pay attention, he could die. The creature is a crow-grasshopper who will make you vomit (if it doesn't kill you with its flatulence) Fictional: https://www.fictional.fm/subscribe -- "Night Watch" by Blue Dot Sessions "I Recall" by Blue Dot Sessions "Soft Horror Piano Drone" by Bobby Cole "Relinquish" by Podington Bear "We're loosing time(sic)" by Gregory Tripi "Clay Pawn Shop" by Blue Dot Sessions "Dangerous Swing" by Blue Dot Sessions "Escaping Forever" by Michael VignolaSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Join Bulat the Brave Companion and Ivan Tsarevich (no, not that one) as they get a magical new horse, escape magical prison, and get in some magical fights. The creature is the shōkera, the slimy guy looking in your window right now. -- Music: "Kaleidoscope" by Podington Bear "Exploring the Cave Mix Full" by Bobby Cole "Vanagon" by Podington Bear "Setting Pace" by Blue Dot Sessions "Kalsted" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Hero Within (No Drums)" by Bobby Cole "Holding Hands" by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Branch two of the Mabinogion has the kings of Great Britain and Ireland (Bran and Matholwch, respectively) just wanting to bro out, but their nobles and family members will do anything to keep that from happening. Also, why is there never a sundae bar in the wine cellar? Episode post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14215/181b-mabinogion-with-friends-like-these/ -- Music: "Last Winter" by Zac Nelson "Louver" by Blue Dot Sessions "Medieval Ritual" by Adrian Ellis "Talltell" by Blue Dot Sessions "Ghost in the Piano" by Emanuele Dentoni "Forgotten" by Keith Anthony Holden "The Ones You Know (Underscore Version)" by Will Van De CrommertSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

King Pwyell just wants to go hunting in the dark forest alone. What's the worst that can happen? Huh? Forced to live for a year away from his people at the demand of an otherworldly king? Yeah, ok, that's kind of bad. It's the first branch of the Mabinogion, the original source for a few of the stories we've told on this podcast, like the very first story from this podcast, that of Yvain and the lady of the fountain. We're finally diving into this amazing work of Welsh folklore and over the next two weeks we'll be covering the first two branches.--Music: “A quirky cue” by Jermaine Stegall “Serious Situation” by Bruce Zimmerman “Elephants on Parade” by Podington Bear “Aim is True” Podington Bear “Minor Islands” by Podington Bear “Boardwalk” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story from Azorean folklore about a sorcerer who turned his life around. He became a priest, helped his people flee, and then faced a choice when his old life came hunting for him. The creature is a dirty dish towel named the Shirouneri. Like most towels it's actively trying to show you just how much it hates you. Show post (and disclaimer): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14203/180-azorean-folklore-power/ -- Music: "The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III" by Chris Zabriskie “03. Prelude No. 3” by Chris Zabriskie "49th Street Galleria" by Chris Zabriskie “Vik Fence Haflak” by Blue Dot Sessions “Undercover Vampire Policeman” by Chris Zabriskie "There's probably no time" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A classic quest from Slavic legend with princesses, dragons, wizards, dragons fighting wizards, and princesses fighting wizards fighting dragons. The creature is Shamir, the little craftsman who is up for employee of the millennium. -- Post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14197/179-slavic-legends-grateful-dead/ -- Music: "Solemn Oath" by Podington Bear "Setting Out on a Quest" by Bobby Cole "The French Theatre of Doom" by Bobby Cole “Big Feelings” by Podington Bear "Storm Passing" by Podington Bear "Pounded Piano" by Podington Bear “Winter Walk” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

An episode about the Tanuki, the notorious raccoon-dog trickster from Japan with giant...well...you'll see. The creature is the Tote Road Shagamaw, and a ManBearMoose who is really good at headstands. Like, it can walk a quarter mile doing a headstand. Show post, with all those pictures (and the disclaimer): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14180/178-tanuki-changes/ -- Music: “Lina my Queen” by Blue Dot Sessions “Detailing” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Callow” by Blue Dot Sessions “Fermin Canyon” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tillis County” by Blue Dot Sessions “True Blue Sky” by Blue Dot Sessions “Slimheart” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The Greeks finally find a way into Troy and while, yes, it's exactly the way you think they get in, there are so many ridiculous side quests on the way, including a cameo from one of Greek myth's most famous hero. The creature is nice unicorn who will play music for you and definitely won't eat you the moment your guard is down. Want more? We did two member episodes with about four additional stories about the Trojan War. Check them out here: https://www.mythpodcast.com/member-episode-list/ (scroll down the bottom to become a member if you want) Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14169/177d-trojan-war-horsin-around/ -- Music: “Moving Emotional Piano hero track” by Daniel Bordovsky “Escaping forever” by Michael Vignola “Scallat” by Blue Dot Sessions “Foreign” by Marshall Usinger “The Journey” by Adrian Berengue “Holding On” by Keith Anthony Holden “We are nowhere” by Sander Kalmeijer "The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Achilles is back and it's god vs. god, Greek vs. Trojan, Achilles vs. Hector in the most epic battle of the Trojan War. The creature this week, the Seto taishō, will absolutely come after you with a sharpened spoon. His weakness? Light kicks. Episode post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14155/177c-trojan-war-when-i-am-gone/ --Music: “Watercool Quiet” by Blue Dot Sessions “Thunder Comes” by Will Van De Crommert “Gilroy Solo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Feel the Tension” by Bobby Cole “Order of Entrance” by Blue Dot Sessions “War Action Orchestra” by Denis Kotenko “Battle on the Beach” by Bobby Cole “Lady Lupine” by Blue Dot Sessions “Broken” by Michael Vignola “Places” by Michael VignolaSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The episode starts with Menelaus sparking the biggest battle of the war so far and ends with an even bigger battle. A lot happens as the Trojan War, with the absence of Achilles, takes its darkest turn yet. The creature is Amabie! A mermaid with great hair who just wants to help you out. Episode post (with Amabie links): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14149/177b-trojan-war-storm-of-spears/ -- Music: "Paper Boat" by Podington Bear "Secret Pocketbook" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

“Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.” We're here. The culmination of a dozen episodes and twice as many stories has led to this. Achilles. Helen. Agamemnon. Menelaus. Hector. Odysseus. There's a reason these names are still with us after thousands of years. This is the story of the Trojan War. The creature is pretty much the opposite of an epic, brutal war. It's the not-epic, not-intimidating little Tofu boy! The episode post with the listening list: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14142/177a-trojan-war-rage/ -- Music: “Darkened Treeline” by Blue Dot Sessions “Throughput” by Blue Dot Sessions “Roadside Bunkhouse” by Blue Dot Sessions “Illa Villardo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Only Lara” by Blue Dot Sessions “Pedalrider” by Blue Dot Sessions “Late Night Reading” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Three stories this week from the Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen about people that are matchless. The first is the tale of the emperor and his new clothes, where an emperor who needs a new coat every hour gets an offer he can't refuse. The second is about a boy who wants to marry the daughter of a monarch and all the cool gadgets and racially insensitive cosplaying he'll do to win her hand, and the third is the story of the little match girl. That one literally has matches in it. I still do puns. The creature is the scariest couch potato in the world. If the seas have couches. I mean, they probably have lots of couches with how much trash we throw into them. Ok, I'm sad now. The post on mythpodcast.com: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14116/176-the-emperors-new-clothes-matchless/ -- Music: “Symphony No. 1: II. Truth” by Steve Combs “Thom York (At Home)” by Podington Bear “Symphony No. 1: IV. Hope” by Steve Combs “Delican’t” by Podington Bear “Twosome” by Podington Bear “Introduction to Part 1” by Steve Combs “Despite my Empathy” by Steve Combs “Sex and Death and God” by Steve Combs “April” by Kai EngelSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Thor’s daughter is getting married to a dwarf, and Thor is the last person to find out about it. Also he punted a dwarf onto a burning ship for fun at his brother’s funeral, so things might get awkward. The creature is the Segbin, and it’s a smelly goat that bites. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t want to eat you. It wants to kill you, but it doesn’t want to eat you. The The post on mythpodcast.com with all the names: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14036/175-thor-surprises/ — Music: “An Unknown Visitor” by Blue Dot Sessions “Baroque” by Blue Dot Sessions “Blood Petal” by Blue Dot Sessions “Slow Toe” by Blue Dot Sessions “Thread of Clouds” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Sir Isumbras, a knight from the high Middle Ages, includes talking birds, epic battles, unicorns, and a quest for redemption where the redemption includes the knight's participation in the crusades... The creature is the sealah (pronounced SHE-la), a genie that just wants to go out dancing and get dinner...and by that it means it wants you to dance for it before turning you into its dinner. -- Music: "Four and Fourteen" by Blue Dot Sessions "In the Box" by Blue Dot Sessions "San Diego Sunday" by Blue Dot Sessions "Stack Me Up" by Blue Dot Sessions "Vela Vela" by Blue Dot Sessions -- Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Fortune favors the bold. Or people willing to put up with a decade of junk. Or the best liars. On this episode, there are two stories: one from Tunisia, and the other from Italy, about people who take their fate into their own hands to varying, oftentimes disastrous results. The creature is a sad sea goat who just wants to be with all of his other sad sea goats but, because the Greek gods are the Greek gods, he’s doomed to a life of tragedy. Sorry, sad sea goat. — Music: “Blur and Coalesce” by Podington Bear “Cake” by Podington Bear “Senseless” by Podington Bear “Sorrento” by Podington Bear “Trickledown” by Podington Bear “Fantasy and Denoument” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of the master thief, from Norwegian folklore, which will have you wondering what the difference is between a master thief and someone who exploits the laziness and ignorance of strangers in incredibly basic ways for their own gain. Also, being a good parent apparently means abandoning your kid in the forest? The creature this week is the skolopendra, and it…might just be real. — Music: “Chainlink Melody” by Podington Bear “Shines Through Trees” by Podington Bear “Kitty in the Window” by Podington Bear “Pinky” by Blue Dot Sessions “Samara” by Podington Bear “Talltell” by Blue Dot Sessions “Seashore” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Three stories of love from India. The first is what happens when a prostitute and a thief try to build a life together. The second is what happens when a barber gets to ask a king for anything. The third is about a man who saves a mouse...and what happens when that mouse wants to get married. The creature is the man of your dreams...if your dreams happen to include a man who is a snake-wolf-dragon. -- Music: “Flutterbee” by Podington Bear “Wavy Glass” by Podington Bear “Blossoming” by Podington Bear “Boardwalk” by Podington Bear “Chrysalis” by Podington Bear “Outmoded Waltz” by Podington Bear “Scaffoldings” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

This week, we continue the story of Grettir. Last week he was driven by an intense, mysterious tendency toward self-destruction. This week, he’ll still have that…but he’s been cursed by a draugr to always be unlucky. And it shows. A lot. He’ll start this week’s episode on his way home to start a new life and he’ll end it…we’ll, you’ll see. The creature is the Turban snail demon, and it’s why, if you see a snail demon dancing exotically on the water, you should not stop to say hello. — Music: “Third in Line” by Blue Dot Sessions “Veins of Silver” by Blue Dot Session “Holo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Scalloped” by Blue Dot Sessions “Midday” by Blue Dot Sessions “Gilroy Solo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Ballast” by Blue Dot Sessions “Four Point Path” by Blue Dot Sessions Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

This week, we’re back in the Icelandic sagas with the story of Grettir the strong, who, whether it’s by berserkers crashing his Christmas party, bears stealing his clothes, or his own obscene insult poetry, just can’t catch a break. Speaking of breaks, you should really break up if you find yourself dating the creature this week. -- Music: “Stack me up” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lakkalia” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cach” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lubby” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A story from the famous Middle Eastern collection of folklore entitled 1001 Nights where, three friends go on a road trip to get so many bottles full of evil genies. There's no such thing as too many side quests when their travels lead them to the legendary City of Brass, one of the greatest cities in the world...one that shut itself off from the world years ago. The creature is a little guy with red hair who hates being farted on. The Myths and Legends store: http://www.mythpodcast.com/store -- Music: “Surface Tension 3” by Podington Bear “Stucco Grey” by Blue Dot Sessions “Neon Drip” by Blue Dot Sessions “Surface Tension 1” by Podington Bear “No Solace” by Podington Bear “Placticity” by Blue Dot Sessions “Warbled Reflection” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

How to win friends and influence people and also get beat up a lot in the 12th century. We've talked about Robin's origins, but who are all these other guys? Today we learn some outlaw recruiting strategies (mainly just getting whacked in the ribs with a stick and giving piggyback rides) and meet all the other important members of Robin's crew. The creature is just a pleasant and fashionable coat who will not so pleasantly remove the skin and muscle and everything from your bones. -- Music: “The Bus at Dawn” by Blue Dot Sessions “Blue Blanket” by Poddington Bear “Scallat” by Blue Dot Sessions "Moodswing” by Podington Bear “Shapeshifters” by Podington Bear “Pinky” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lover’s Hollow” by Blue Dot Sessions “Indian Paintbrush” by Blue Dot Sessions Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

This week, it is the insane original story behind the popular holiday ballet. In this story for children, we'll get some contradictory lessons for the kids. Getting into a van with a stranger offering candy? Bad. Getting into a silver carriage with a man offering a whole magical world full of candy? Awesome (not really - seriously, kids don't do that). In a podcast full of problematic and wildly different original tellings of popular adaptations, this might be the most different and most problematic. The creature this week is a haggard old woman who travels from town to town letting kids know if they're on the naughty list...using her knife and a bag full of garbage.-- Music: "Hard Won" by Podington Bear "Dowl" by Podington Bear "March on Gumdrop Field" by Blue Dot Sessions "Plum King" by Blue Dot Sessions "Caprese" by Blue Dot Sessions "Curious Case" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Two (originally children's) tales that underscore the shocking brutality of the world in which these stories were told. The first one is that of three roommates: a sausage, a bird, and a mouse, who decide to mix things up for once. The second is the Robber Bridegroom, a story where a woman has to marry a man who horrifies her...and the lengths she'll go to in order to get out of it. The creature is the Roperite, a vengeful, narcissistic bird who just can't get over the Roadrunner's good luck. -- Music: “Ice Pack” by Podington Bear “Our Only Uplift” by Blue Dot Sessions “Deadly Recitation” by Blue Dot Sessions “Pelliu” by Blue Dot Sessions “Parasol” by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of a weaving contest between a goddess and a woman challenging the cruelty and tyranny of the Olympians leads us into three more stories: Pandora's box; the great flood of the ancient Greek world; and the love story of Idas and Marpessa, two people who saw the gods taking whatever and whoever they wanted, and said "no." The creature this week is the rolling calf. It's neither rolling nor a calf. Discuss. -- Music: “Dense” by Podington Bear “At Our Best Alone” by Blue Dot Sessions “Constellation” by Podington Bear “Matamoscas” by Blue Dot Sessions “Little Black Cloud” by Podington Bear “Four and Fourteen” by Blue Dot Sessions “Broken Branch” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A short supplemental that finishes the story of Lady White Snake...because there wasn't enough story left for a full episode. There's still a full Myths and Legends episode coming out on Wednesday! The Myths and Legends store: http://www.mythpodcast.com/store Music: "Louver" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xu Xian is dead. He discovered the truth about his wife and he died. I mean, yeah, he's dead...but he's also unwittingly married to a 1700 year old magical demon snake on a redemption arc, so...you know...something might happen. Seriously, though, this is a packed episode. There are magical (if not wholly unexpected) resurrections, crustacean armies, Doctor Strange ripoffs, and that's just in the first half. The creature this time is the suppon no yūrei, and probably a good idea to give up eating turtle altogether. -- Music: “Throughput” by Blue Dot Sessions “Storm Passing” by Podington Bear “Threshold” by Podington Bear “John Stockton Slow Drag” by Chris Zabriskie “Undercover Vampire Policeman” by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The legend of the White Snake is one of the four great folktales of China. Today, we start that with an act of kindness, demons lurking in the places we can’t look, and a (misguided?) monk hoping to bring justice. When the creature this week has time off, it prefers crashing funerals and projectile vomiting on strangers. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership