Myths and Legends

There is a monster that's worse than all other monsters. He's (literally) the father of monsters. His donkey-head scrapes the stars and his hands are a hundred snake heads. He was born for one singular purpose: to destroy the Olympians, and that's just what he'll do. His name is Typhon. And that's just the first story today. Then we launch into the main story, about Theseus and the Amazons. We'll pick back up with our buddy Hercules as he's being terrible and get a background on the Amazons and see why you shouldn't do exactly what Theseus does.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

There is someone that isn't happy that the family of Zeus and Hera is sitting on Olympus. Well, there are many people that aren't happy about it. Actually most people except for Zeus and his family aren't thrilled about it. Even then, they all kind of hate each other. Regardless, someone finally comes along to do something about Zeus and his ilk. Someone from their past...and she's coming with an army...an army that has the ability to finally put an end to the Olympians once and for all. The creature this time is a jacked angry unicorn with fabulous hair. --Music! "Tumult" by Kai Engel "Periculum" by Kai Engel "Tumbler" by Podington Bear "Jackbird" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Black Frame" by RolemusicSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Two stories of just terrible, terrible fathers from Greek mythology. The first is really only in the story for a few minutes, but helps to bring about two giants that could end his reign. The second is one who admits his mistake and takes pity on the boy before trying to do right by him. And it ends much, much worse than if he had done nothing at all. The creature this time is an elephant unicorn who has one weird trick to make you feel strong. Hydras hate him. --- Music: "Beautocracy" "Lullaby" "Plum" "Rarified" "Aim is True" "Tortoise Shell" "Uptown" by Podington Bear "Hammer and Damper" "Line Exchange" "Slow Driver" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The land of giants. Jotunheim. The realm of the monstrous "other" from Norse myth. Thorstein grew up being told it was only a legend, and he probably thought as much...until he walked into it. This is the epic saga of Thorstein Mansion-Might, a legendary Viking who is bigger than doors. The creature this time is Dr. Big Bird. He's a big bird who is an ancient world doctor. That sounds impressive until you think that probably anyone alive today is qualified to be an ancient world doctor. --- Music: "Direct to Video" by Chris Zabriskie "Cases to Rest" by Blue Dot Sessions "Aim is True" by Podington Bear "Boardwalk" by Podington Bear "Chrysalis" by Podington Bear "Degradation" by Podington Bear "March" by Podington Bear "Miss You" by Podington Bear "Rubber Robot" by Podington Bear "Tarnish" by Podington Bear "These Times" by Blue Dot Sessions "Well Water" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Maui. Trickster. Demigod. Sometimes-fish. Abandoned at birth but in the possession of great power, the story of Maui is the story of an underdog that came to help the human race in immeasurable ways: giving them fire, pulling up islands, making the day longer, killing monsters to give coconuts, and convincing the sun to give us some more time in the day...by beating him mercilessly with a fishhook. The creature is a square hedgehog. It's yellow, and makes a terrible pet, because not only does it like to get your horses sick, but it's not remotely housebroken and enjoys urinating basically everywhere. -- Music: "Am Trans" "Cake" "Ice Pack" "Rubber Robot" "So it Goes" "Spring Comes Early" "Surface Tension 1" "Swing Lo" "The Confrontation" all by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The Day of the Wolf. The Doom of the Gods. The end of all things. It has many names, but one word encapsulates it all: Ragnarok. It's what Odin has been dreading and fighting. It's what Loki has been planning. It's the dark end of days where the worlds will drop into eternal night, giants will battle gods, and all will burn. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Werewolves are people that turn into wolves. Or they don't. Maybe they just wear a fancy wolf belt. Or maybe part of a wolf skin. Or maybe they just like to think they're a wolf. Or maybe they're just people that like killing. Werewolf stories are simple ones, but there's no simple answer as to why this thing happens. And it did. A lot. All throughout history there are stories of Werewolves, stretching back as far as Ancient Greece. As it turns out, humans being monstrous is as old as humanity itself. The creature this time is the reason you'll want to avoid the river if you see a ghostly woman crying out for her children. But if you're not already doing that, a podcast description won't save you. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Clever Hans is clever. He knows the best way to store needles and knives and how to carry a goat in your pockets on long walks through the country. He's even getting married to Gretel, and we'll see how taking advice on wooing your fiancee from your mom can end up in way too much mutilation. The second story is also about Hans! A different one. It's about cat chefs and following voices down into the dark places under the earth. The creature is why you'll want to pack a lunch and brush up on some cicada-speak (protip: it's just buzzing) the next time you plan on stealing from the guardians of the forest. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The conclusion to the dwarf with the long beard, a story about a dwarf. And a long beard. And entering the ear canals of magic horses for fun and profit. We'll see the epic struggle between brothers come to an end, as well as a powerful argument in favor of facial hair. The creature this time is big, warm cat named Big Ears! He has Big Ears! And an army of demonic cats to do his will! --- Music: "Remember Trees" by Chris Zabriskie "I Should have been more human" by Chris Zabriskie "Shake It" by Jahzzar "Denouement" by Kai Engel "Warbled Reflection" by Podington Bear "Den" by Podington Bear "The Telling" by Blue Dot Sessions "White Limit" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Today's story comes from Slavic folklore and it was so much fun. It's surprisingly complex and full of magic, love, and a sleazy little kidnapper who just can't catch a break. Did you know cotton balls were vegetarian friendly snacks? I mean, they're also living things, but they are primarily plants. They taste like old fish and/or honey, but they are low cholesterol so, you know, there's that. --- Music: "Vanagon" by Podington Bear "Qi" by Blue Dot Sessions "Waypoint 7" by Blue Dot Sessions "We Drive Three Days" by Blue Dot Sessions "Old Regrets" by Lee Rosevere "The Secret to Growing Up" by Lee RosevereSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Threes are everywhere in folklore, and today we look at stories where they feature the most prominently: The three bears, the three little pigs, and Cinderella. The tales told and adapted for children children, the three pigs and Cinderella, are extremely bloody and unforgiving, while the one that was originally for adults - the three bears - is about three very chill best bear friends enjoying a fun afternoon before dealing with a deeply psychologically troubled intruder. The creature this time adds to our list of mythpodcats...and it's further proof that, given half a chance at victory, your cat wouldn't hesitate to kill you. --- Music: "Associations" by Podington Bear "Don't Go" by Podington Bear "In My Head" by Podington Bear "Rope Swing" by Podington Bear "As I was Saying" by Lee Rosevere "More on That Later" by Lee Rosevere "Alphabet Soup" by Podington Bear "Relinquish" by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The "Tale of Tales" is a very famous, moderately deranged collection of folklore from 16th century Italy. It's by the author Giambattista Basile, a storyteller who traveled the Mediterranean region collecting stories. The collection known as "Tale of Tales" follows a similar framing narrative to "1001 Nights", with the storyteller telling the king stories in a very loosely-connected fashion. I'm not even going to say the titles for today's stories, but they are two of the most famous in the collection and wildly unpredictable. They're gross, violent, weird, and interesting - so, basically like everyday life. The creature is a man...who is a bat. But he's not Batman, because Batman can't handle this little guy's intensity. ----- Music: "Sad Marimba Planet" by Lee Rosevere "Are we Loose Yet?" by Blue Dot Sessions "August (Summer Nights)" by Kai Engel "November Mist" by Blue Dot Sessions "Shiny" by Podington Bear "Yellow Dust" by Rolemusic "Swapping Tubes" by Blue Dot Sessions "In the Back Room" by Blue Dot Sessions "Petaluma" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

We have to go deeper. Well, for Scheherazade to survive, she always has to have another level of story to go to - she always has to have another layer of protection, to keep the king interested or her story might end with the rising of the sun. Luckily the king is very easy to impress because these stories are bananas. The creature is a funny little guy who just wants to wash his beans in piece. Or eat you. Depending on how playful he's feeling. ----- Music: "Myrian" by Blue Dot Sessions "Pieces" by Blue Dot Sessions "Slimm" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sage the Hunter" by Blue Dot Sessions "Venndet" by Blue Dot Sessions "Fits" by Podington Bear "Glitter" by Podington Bear "Samara" by Podington Bear Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

(Have you checked out Fictional? Check out Fictional! There are three episodes waiting for you. Go to https://fictional.fm for more info.) The collection known as "Arabian Nights" actually has an overarching story. And it is...interesting. Full of djinn, demons, kings, and slaves, it's an incredibly interesting way to set up one of the best known collections of folklore. The framing narrative (a way to set up a story-within-a-story) is actually much more interesting than many of the stories it sets up, with betrayal, trickery, and probably the most sex and violence we've encountered so far on this podcast. The creature this time is a wise old owl...who doesn't have a problem bringing it in the fight against demons trying to steal your fingernail clippings. ----- Music: "Changing Reality" by Kai Engel "Modum" by Kai Engel "All the Colors in the world" by Podington Bear "Don't Go" by Podington Bear "Everybody" by Podington Bear "Falling Falling" by Podington Bear "Turning to You" by Blue Dot Sessions "When in the West" by Blue Dot Sessions Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

An episode with a story from Scandinavia about trolls. Not the internet kind. No, these are the less annoying ones that will murder you in the forest. Two creatures this week! And they are dogs! And Myths and Legends will ruin dogs for you, too! Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

**Have you subscribed to Fictional yet? You'll love it! https://fictional.fm/subscribe** Wrapping up the story of Perseus, we'll see that fated confrontation with the eternally cosmetologically-challenged monster, Medusa, as well as fall in love. Turns out it's really easy to meet people when they are imprisoned beneath you. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The creature this time is the gargoyle, which ages phenomenally...because it's in indestructible dragon head. Unlike the monsters from that 90s cartoon that was awesome at the time but which did not age well at all... ----- Music: "Thematic" by Blue Dot Sessions "Doghouse" by Blue Dot Sessions "Are We Loose Yet?" by Blue Dot Sessions "A Simple Blur" by Blue Dot Sessions "A Palace of Cedar" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sensitive" by Podington Bear "Small Pond" by Gurdonark "Quantum Field Theory" by Rolemusic Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Hey! Have you subscribed to Fictional? Go subscribe to Fictional! You'll love it, and it will be an amazingly huge help to us. Thank you!! You can find it at: https://fictional.fm/subscribe--- Medusa is probably the most misunderstood villain in all of Greco-Roman Mythology, famous only for being a monster...and the hero's quest to kill her. We'll learn all about her background and follow the quest of one fated to clash with her. Also this is Greek mythology so everyone is terrible all the time always. The creature this week is the floating head and he's kind of like Pac-man...if Pac-man had a taste for people and delicious chestnuts. --- Music: "Toppler" by Blue Dot Sessions "Soothe" by Blue Dot Sessions "Seamless" by Blue Dot Sessions "Partly Sage" by Blue Dot Sessions "Old Skin" by Podington Bear "Little Dipper" by Podington Bear "Astrisx" by Blue Dot Sessions "Comet Trails" by Moon "Orbs of Light" by Moon ---Disclaimer: Non-graphic talk of Zeus impregnating a woman by turning into a shower of gold (?) and non-graphic talk of how Poseidon raped a woman and then the woman was blamed for it because she was irresistible.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

We're back in the cold, unforgiving north, at the very beginning of Odin's reign. We'll see him meet a new friend while being completely unsuspicious in giant land, a threat come from another world to try to topple the Aesir, and the lengths Odin will go to in order to gain power, acquire knowledge, and thwart his coming doom. The creature this week is an antlion. When a mommy ant and a daddy lion love each other very much, they think of ways to express their love and, well, you'll see... --- Music: "The Nightmare" by Lee Rosevere "Not Alone" by Lee Rosevere "Sad Marimba Planet" by Lee Rosevere "Twirl Into Insanity" by Keshco "Decompression" by Blue Dot Sessions "Bogero" by Blue Dot Sessions "Pukae" by Blue Dot Sessions "Midday" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sunset at Goat Fell" by Graham Bole "Rooftop" by Jahzzar Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Starting at the beginning of the universe and going to the beginning of the epic and mildly disturbing battles between Set and his nephew Horus, Egyptian mythology is epic, funny, interesting, and bizarre. It's taken way too long to get into this mythology, and I'm excited to dive in. The creature has no problem diving in...to your mouth. As a newt. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of a dark (well, dark-ish. Actually, kind of not even that. You'll see.) prophecy, a kingdom overrun by monsters (again, kind of), and one woman's globe spanning quest to do what's right (that's pretty much correct). Also, pig plague parties are only fun if you're a talking swine with a moderately sinister agenda. The creature this time is the Alkutane, from the folklore of the Pacific Northwest, in the US. These creatures will leave fun little baubles by your ear. Oops. My bad, I meant to say bubbles. Bubbles filled with your undigested brains. And they're not fun. --Music: "Vanagon" by Podington Bear "Trellis" by Podington Bear "TrailwaysA" by Podington Bear "Bambi" by Podington Bear "Daemones" by Kai Engel "Modum" by Kai Engel "Locked Up" by Fleslit "Cach" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Atalanta is one of the woman who just couldn't be stopped...and of a world that had a big, big problem with that. Giant monster fights, meddling gods, and well-known heroes make an appearance in the story of a heroine who just can't be kept down. The creature this week is Al, from North Africa, and he's a great reason to not run with scissors. ---Music: "Gringo Steele Rocks the 40" by Rolemusic "Death on the Battlefield" by Rolemusic "Seventh Hill" by Podington Bear "Vengeful" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tuck and Point" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Cast and Favor" by Blue Dot Sessions "Set the Tip Jar" by Blue Dot Sessions "Mercurial Vision" by Blue Dot Sessions "Lemon and Melon" by Blue Dot Sessions "Andelo" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Pecos Bill is that of a true American Hero...who spends half the story naked and who legitimately thinks he is actually a coyote. But don't tell him that. He's cool and won't hurt you, but you'll get into a long discussion and won't actually convince him or his horse (named Pegasus/Widowmaker/Jeremy) that he's actually a human being. Also, while we're at it, he can lasso water and air because I guess when you ask the audience to suspend disbelief, you go for broke. The creature this time is the Mongolian Death Worm. It's a sand worm, but don't go getting your maker hooks just yet, because it's no Shai Hulud. And that's a problem, because instead of the spice melange that will give you longevity and maybe prescience, it spits a virulent neurotoxin that will do precisely the exact opposite. ----------Music: "Vibrant Canopy" "Seamless" "Scraper" "Opener" "Moon Bicycle Theme" "Middle" "Gondola Blue" "Doubled" "An Introduction to Beetles" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Sentaro the millionaire* is about a man with a dream. Well, not really a dream, but a deep, abiding fear of death. Soon, he becomes so obsessed with avoiding the inevitable that it leads him on a journey across Japan and later the world to find a way to avoid that which will come to us all. The creatures this time are from the US and one will "please and excite" you in the forest...then lure you back to its place where it will turn you into an electric eel burrito. *Sentaro is not a millionaire and really not very smart at all.---------- Music: "Waltz and Fury" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tralaga" by Blue Dot Sessions "Twosome" by Podington Bear "Spring Comes Early" by Podington Bear "Big Blue" by Podington Bear "Norvik" by Blue Dot Sessions "Drone Pine" by Blue Dot Sessions "Chilvat" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A young woman's father is taken, and she decided to go to the edges of the known world to get him back, to a faraway island harboring a dark and terrible secret. The creature this week is skunk ape! He's 0% skunk, 0% ape, and 100% into stealing your produce. ---Music: "Two Dollar Token" by Blue Dot Sessions "These Times" by Blue Dot Sessions "Slow Casino" by Blue Dot Sessions "Yellow Dust" by Rolemusic "In My Head" by Podington Bear "Down and Around" by Podington Bear "Cylinder Six" by Chris Zabriskie "Cylinder Five" by Chris Zabriskie "Drone Thistle" by Blue Dot Sessions "What Does Anybody Know About Anything" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

A sea horse (but not that type of sea horse) that haunts the coasts of Scotland, the kelpie is a legendary cryptid that represents the dangerous unknown of the water...as well as new guys stopping by your village for the sole purpose of picking up women. The creature this time is the Shojo, a Japanese yokai, who is living its best life: by lounging on the beach drinking and pulling off daring heists. ************ That incredibly readable book on Celtic myths and legends: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786711078/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_VOCszbY1WGRBD ************ Music: “Closer” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cottonwoods” by Blue Dot Sessions “Dirtbike Lovers” by Blue Dot Sessions “Drch” by Blue Dot Sessions “Flaked Paint” by Blue Dot Sessions “Mknt” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tensor” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Big Ten” by Blue Dot Sessions “Turning on the Lights” by Blue Dot Sessions “Halter Top” by Podington Bear “Rain On Glass” by Podington Bear “Satellite Bloom” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

If you've ever wondered about giving that strange old man a piggy-back ride in the woods, the philosophical nuances of way too much grave robbing, or how many people are necessary to take down a four-story-tall baby bird, well, then this is the episode for you. Sinbad finishes up his epic tale of epicness and we see what led to him falling back on his plan "B" of living a life of leisure on his near-infinite wealth. The creature this time is the reason you should take a giant bat with you everywhere you go. S---Music: “Decompression” by Blue Dot Sessions “Liptis” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sunday Lights” by Blue Dot Sessions “Toppler” by Blue Dot Sessions “Across the River” by Podington Bear “All the Ways” by Podington Bear “Just Watching” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Whether it's deadly literary references, sticky cows, or extremely inappropriate eulogies, the stories of Sinbad have it all...as long as by "it all" you're looking for a story of how a rich (and, let's face it, not-so-smart) guy for whom everything pretty much always works out. It's like Mr. Magoo without the nearsightedness and with much, much more impalement and cannibalism. The creature the creature this week is a great excuse to keep your house well-stocked with red peppers and pet crabs.---------- The clip from Planet Earth II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3OjfK0t1XM ---------- Music: “Patched In” by Blue Dot Sessions “Brass Buttons” by Blue Dot Sessions “Diner Gothic - Dasher” by Blue Dot Sessions "Downhill Racer” by Blue Dot Sessions “Floor Shine” by Blue Dot Sessions “Inventio” by Blue Dot Sessions “Midday” by Blue Dot Sessions “Slider” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sweetly” by Blue Dot Sessions “Wax Paper Jewel” by Blue Dot Sessions “Gorgon” by Jesse Spillane “Harbor” by Kai Engel “Front Runner” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sinbad (no, not that Sinbad) is probably the 3rd most famous story from a collection titled "One Thousand and One Nights". It's a story of loss, hardship, and redemption...and then partying so hard that you forget all that loss, hardship, and redemption and need to do it all over again. Six more times. On the plus side, it's not just about an out-of-touch rich guy being out-of-touch and rich, but being so while experiencing some pretty weird stuff. The creature this time is an awkwardly hot squirrel thing who wants to cram a metaphor about pride down your throat.---------- Music: “Hickory Interlude” by Blue Dot Sessions “Plaque” by Blue Dot Sessions “Colocate” by Podington Bear “Oui” by Podington Bear “Pure Swell” by Podington Bear “Streetbeat Heat” by Podington Bear “Transmogrify” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

It seems like with a lot of fairy tales someone looked at the original, thought that there was absolutely no way they could tell that to a child, and re-wrote it to get rid of the shocking violence and general terribleness of every creature ever. "The Ugly Duckling" by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen is no exception. It's shockingly violent and sad at times, but underneath its brutality and ridiculousness is a profound theme that still resonates today. Also birds are jerks. The creature this time is the Loveland Frog. It's a large-ish frog from my hometown in Ohio. Ohio is so boring we can't even have a cool cryptid. ---Music: “Just a Blip” by Andy G. Cohen “Warmer” by Andy G. Cohen “Faster Faster Brighter” by Blue Dot Sessions “Parade Shoes” by Blue Dot Sessions “Rafter” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tripoli” by Blue Dot Sessions “Like Starlight through a Veil” by Philipp Weigl “Midnight Blue” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Don't, under any circumstances, trust the Midas touch. The king of unforced errors, Midas is a well-known figure in mythology mainly because of horrible decision-making and lack of foresight. They say any publicity is good publicity, and I hope that is the case for Midas, who took a bad choice and used it to propel himself to everlasting notoriety. Mouse bears. The creatures this week are mouse bears. They have the ferocity of bears and the ability to sneak into your cupboards like mice. Needless to say, they're super annoying. ---------- Music: “Bitter Roll” by Blue Dot Sessions “Floating Whist” by Blue Dot Sessions “Glass Runner” by Blue Dot Sessions “Lead Shroud” by Blue Dot Sessions “Pacing” by Blue Dot Sessions “Sylvestor” by Blue Dot Sessions “Town Market” by Blue Dot Sessions “Bagd” by Podington Bear “Breadtime” by by Podington Bear “Many Hands” by Podington Bear “Swimmy” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Wrapping up this two-part series on Morgan le Fay, we'll see her devious schemes within schemes come to fruition with one aim in mind: killing King Arthur and seizing the throne for herself. The creature this week is fish man, from Spain. He's kind of like a superhero if all superheroes did was lay around and drink wine at their parents' house. ---------- Music: “Lamplist” by Blue Dot Sessions “One Needle” by Blue Dot Sessions “Parissi” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tuck and Point” by Blue Dot Sessions “Please Listen Carefully” by Jahzzar “60s Quiz Show” by Podington Bear “A1 Rogue” by Podington Bear “All The Colors In The World” by Podington Bear “Canoe” by Podington Bear “Climbing the Mountain” by Podington Bear “Dulcet” by Podington Bear “Loam” by Podington Bear “Modest House” by Podington Bear “Rythn” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Sorceress. Confidant. Traitor. Sister. All of those words describe Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's half-sister. She is by far the most complex character I've come across in the Arthurian legends, but she's constantly portrayed in the medieval and early modern texts as a one-note traitorous baddy who is evil because she's an evil sorceress and evil sorceresses are evil. If you're familiar with the legends, you're going to see a Morgan you've never seen before. If you're not, get ready to meet one of the most interesting, tragic figures you'll come across. -- Music: “Malachite” by Andy G. Cohen “Watching from Red Hill” by Artofescapism “Disinter” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Face of the Thrush” by Blue Dot Sessions “Take Me Higher” by Jahzzar “Snowmen” by Kai Engel “Even when we fall” by Philipp Weigl “The Scent of Cedars” by Philipp Weigl “60s Quiz Show” by Podington Bear “Fits” by Podington Bear “Pop Brasilia” by Podington Bear “Seventh Hill” by Podington Bear “Starday” by Podington Bear “Toboggan (Smooth Run)” by Podington Bear “Trader Ho Hey” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

I wanted to name this episode "it's not easy being green," but it really is. The Green Knight had his head chopped off last episode...but still carried it out of the most uncomfortable Christmas dinner ever. Really, it's not easy being Gawain, who has to go present his neck in payment. Except it really is easy being Gawain. Most of this episode will consist of him sleeping until noon in a fancy castle. But he still has that date with destiny on New Year's Day...and by "destiny" I mean a hairy green gentleman who is really good at pole vaulting. If you disrespect the hobbies of the creatures this week, they will make your life mildly uncomfortable for like an evening. You've been warned. S-- Music: “A Perceptible shift” by Andy G. Cohen “Monkeybars” by Andy G. Cohen “Curious Case” by Blue Dot Sessions “Felt Lining” by Blue Dot Sessions “PolyCoat” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tiny Putty” by Blue Dot Sessions “Chance” by Kai Engel “Run” by Katie Engel “Scenery” by Kai Engel “Love Wins” by Lee Rosevere “Bloomer” by Podington Bear “Dark Disco” by Podington Bear “Funk” by Podington Bear “Guestlist” by Podington Bear “Little Black Cloud” by Podington Bear “We Make a Good Team” by Podington Bear “Wednesday Night Flavor” by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

You probably had to read the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in high school. I know I did, and it's a great story. There are beheadings, green guys, confusing interactions with ladies. It might be one of the most violent non-Die Hard Christmas stories. Anyway, everyone knows that. You probably don't know the story I'll tell today. It's of how Gawain grew into the paragon of virtue he's known as in the legends. It involves, of course, dog parties, inept knights, and the most grotesque piece of neckwear we will ever talk about on this podcast. The creature is a bunch of tiny guys who want to hang out in your room and dance, as long as you're cool with it. Just kidding - they don't care if you're cool with it. --Music: "Quiet Still" "Plaque" "Pick up the Tempo" "Marble Transit" "Chapel Bottom" "Drifting Spade" by Blue Dot Sessions "Flapjacks" "Bumble" "Mutinee" "Springtime" by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

You know how to make your stories completely resistant to any ridicule from a future podcaster? Make them as ridiculous as possible. The stories of Paul Bunyan arose from the camps of lumberjacks in the US in the 1880s, but he spread to be a nationwide symbol of American strength and a pioneer spirit. Except that a lot of what we know about Paul Bunyan might actually not be folklore, but stories made up to sell stuff. Also, if someone tells you to put something up your nose that feels like bees and lightning, just say no.---Music: "Nothing will grow here" "Wake up, heroic figure" "Fight the apocalypse but before a quick nap" "STOP TALKING AND MOVING" by Komiku "Goodnight Esme" "Three Kites Circling" by AxletreeSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Oedipus is fun until it isn't. I've met people with varying degrees of familiarity with the story. Some are familiar only with the central premise of the story, while others' knowledge only extends to a certain disgusting little complex popularized by a similarly-disgusting Viennese psychologist. Regardless, the story of Oedipus is a fascinating commentary on fate, our willing blindness to uncomfortable truths, and why you should, under no circumstances, talk to prophets. Seriously, they will mess up your life. The creature this week is the Tanuki from Japan, with two big surprises for you. ------- Music: "Skeptic" "Modest House" "In My Head" "A1 Rogue" by Podington Bear "Readers Do You Read" "Wonder Cycle" "Everybody's Got Problems that Aren't Mine" by Chris Zabriskie "Seeker" by Kai Engel "Mogul" by Blue Dot Sessions "Plaster Combo" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of the frog prince is well known - a beautiful princess meets a frog, kisses him, and he turns out to be a prince. Except, in the earliest version, it doesn't go like that at all. I won't spoil it, but the original frog prince is extremely bizarre, and I had the most fun writing it of any episode so far. The second story is of a frog princess, from Russian folklore, and not only is it a great story in its own right, with a stupid king and a ridiculous dating service, but we'll catch back up with our favorite witch living in a house on chicken legs and a certain deathless sorcerer early in his career. The creature of the week shoots hail out of its ears and kills anyone it sees...unless you're carrying a sack of llama fat. ---Music: "The Spinnet" "The Silver Hatch" "The Shoes they Wear" "Filing Away" "Decompression" and "Brass Buttons" are all by Blue Dot Session "Vanagon" "Submerging Blue-Black" "Trailways A" "Smolder" "Sensitive" "Running on Empty" and "Down and Around" are all by Podington Bear "Final Sacrifice" by Visager "Independent Film" by Steve CombsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

The story of Puss is Boots is that of a cat who wears boots and talks. The character of the cat has somehow gone on to be voiced by Antonio Banderas, take part in a one really successful franchise, spin off into its own movie AND Netflix series. The 2011 movie alone went on to gross, and I'm not making this up, over half a billion dollars worldwide. The original is something you haven't heard before, and has ogre fights, a cat con artist, and dating advice from the Myths and Legends Podcast.* The creature this week has the boring job of constantly trying to destroy the universe, but hey, it gets two weeks paid vacation a year. *Taking dating advice from the Myths and Legends Podcast is generally not advised. Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Quite possibly the last episode on Norse mythology before we start on the epic showdown that is Ragnarok, this story has Thor earning a ridiculous facial feature and wetting himself in terror. Also, you shouldn't follow Loki into the wilderness, no matter how good the party he is telling you about sounds, and we'll learn how far is too far when it comes to idle, drunken boasts in the halls of the gods. The creature is a sweet little flaming chicken who will steal for you and not feel bad about it at all. Oh, you have some moral issues with stealing? Well, the flaming chicken doesn't have moral issues with burning your house to the ground, so you might want to keep your compunctions to yourself. -- Music: "Tiny Spoons" by Podington Bear "Swapping Tubes" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sreda Vniecaps" by Rolemusic "Patched In" by Blue Dot Sessions "Neil Takes Two" by Blue Dot Sessions "Moonglow" by Podington Bear "Firefly" by Podington Bear "Fantasy" by Podington Bear "Arame" by Blue Dot Sessions "A Thought" by Podington Bear "The Final Road" by Visager Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

According to folklore, King Solomon had a ring. Given to him by God, it allowed him control demons...but it also had some other powers unknown to Solomon, powers that make it essential for fighting dragons, escaping witches, and taking nice Sunday afternoon flights through the country. The creature is a shaggy, mostly-kind monster who is really great at walking on hillsides and really terrible at helping you hang pictures.Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

There has been a menace sleeping in Beowulf's homeland since he was born. It has lived for centuries, and it is strong and dangerous, while Beowulf has lived for only eighty years, and is weakening. Yet, their paths draw them inexorably toward one another in a battle that will live on in legend, but might destroy them both. The creature this week is why you should keep a giant vat of moonshine in your backyard. ---------------- Career Day: Career Day on iTunes: http://itunes.careerdayshow.com Career Day everywhere else: http://www.careerdayshow.com ---------------- Sponsors: http://www.stamps.com, and don't forget to use the code LEGENDS. Seriously, if you need stamps or postage for any reason, check out this site. They have made the Myths and Legends store possible. As always, http://www.blueapron.com/legends is amazing. Use the code LEGENDS for your first three meals free with free shipping. ---------------- "Another Beek Beep Beer Please" by Rolemusic "The Dirty" by Podington Bear "Bass Rider" by Podington Bear "Moonsea" by Jelsonic "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear "Ice Cave" by Visager "Wipe my Face Away" by KeshcoSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's round two for everyone's favorite (only?) Geatish hero, as he bravely takes on...his former adversary's mother. Really, it's way more interesting than it sounds. Also she's not Angelina Jolie, but a terrifying, demonic swamp hag. The creature this week is so cute you won't even mind that it watches you sleep. The Bogey Man: http://amzn.eu/8FZRv67 Our awesome sponsors: http://www.lootcrate.com/legends code "LEGENDS" for awesome geek and gamer gear. http://www.casper.com/legends code "LEGENDS" for $50 off any new mattress "Lights out" by Blue Dot Sessions "Dark Sanctum (Boss Fight)" by Visager "Pho" by Jahzzar "Sunset at Goat Fell" by Graham Bole "But Enough about Me Bill Paxton" by Chris Zabriskie "Wrong Dreams" by Gumbel "The Secret to Growing Up" by Lee Rosevere "What does Anybody Know About Anything" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know the story of Beowulf. I don't need to do this. But really, there's mead. There's Grendel. There are mead-fueled fights with Grendel. It's just a fun, (kind of) light re-telling of the classic story, minus all the yelling, Angelina Jolie, and eye explosions of the 2007 movie. The creature this week is why you have that perpetual sun burn. And vampire fingers. --------------------------- Career Day this week: http://itunes.careerdayshow.com or just http://careerdayshow.com Blue Apron: http://www.blueapron.com/legends MVMT watches: http://www.MVMTwatches.com/myths --------------------------- Music: "The Telling" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Last Whale" by Jelsonic "Stipple" by Blue Dot Sessions "Our Quiet Company" by Blue Dot Sessions "Forecasting" by Podington Bear "Dunes" by Podington Bear "Coronea" by Blue Dot Sessions "Dark Sanctum (Boss Fight)" by Visager "Title Theme" by VisagerSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many connected stories from Greek mythology. We'll start with story of Hades and Persephone, and learn why she's always hanging around the underworld (hint: it's not because she wants to). Then, I'll tell the story of the curse of the house of Atreus, starting with Tantalus and his questionable food choices. It's a long, dark episode, so get ready. The creature is the Nakki, from Finland, who just wants to drown you and look good while doing it. Is that too much to ask? The store: http://www.bardic.fm Loot crate! http://www.lootcrate.com/legends MVMT watches: http://www.mvmtwatches.com/myths Music: "White Filament" by Blue Dot Sessions "What it is" by Podington Bear "Helmer Sprak" by Blue Dot Sessions "Thoughtful" by Lee Rosevere "Casual Uncertainties" by Gurdonark "Aquamarine, My Distant Blue" by Nihilore "Deserted City" by Kai Engel "Captain Socrates" by Nihilore "As Nihilism Gives Way to Existentialism" by NihiloreSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first story today is from the Mi'kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Maliseet people, about all the things that can go wrong when creating the animals and why you shouldn't drink gross monster waste water. The second story is from Cree fokllore, about Monster Skunk farting everyone to death because this is a serious podcast that takes itself very seriously. The creature is evil. Literally, she is the embodiment of evil from Russian folklore...a little old lady living in the woods. The Heifer International fundraiser: https://fundraise.heifer.org/mythpodcast Music: "Yellow Dust" by Rolemusic "Straw Fields" by Rolemusic "Rarified" by Podington Bear "Mirabelle" by Podington Bear "Pacing" by Blue Dot Session "Fragile, Do Not Drop" by Podington Bear "Call Now" by Podington Bear "In the Back Room" by Blue Dot Session "Independent Film" by Steve Combs "Feather on the Crest" by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, there are two stories from Japanese folklore. The first has to do with a butterfly that just won't give up trying to land on the face of a dying man. The second is of a monk-in-training who just doesn't want to stop partying. The creature is Hedley Cow, and she will give you hope that that the relationship with your crush might work out...but will leave you standing alone in the swamp. Sponsors: Check out http://audible.com/myths for some excellent audiobooks. The one I recommended on today's show was "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton. Music: "The Face on the Thrush" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tendon" by Blue Dot Sessions "Planting Flags" by Blue Dot Sessions "Silent Flock" by Blue Dot Sessions "Orange Juicier" by Podington Bear "Grey Grey Joe" by Blue Dot Sessions "A Path Unwinding" by Blue Dot Sessions "Slow Lights" by Lee Rosevere "Summer Days" by Kai Engel Links: An abridged English version of the Lotus Sutra The gummy bear anatomy kitSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story of a young woman from Nepal who has a (sadly) common problem for folklore, but a very uncommon solution. Also she eats goat vomit. She probably doesn't enjoy it, though. The creature this time is the Habetrot, and she'll make you want to wear stone glasses...and them promptly throw them down in horror and run away. The Myths and Legends store is now up! Check it out at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store Say hi to me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jasontheweiser ----- Check out http://www.blueapron.com/legends to get your first three meals free with free shipping. It is a fantastic service, and I highly recommend it. ----- The Heifer International thing: It's just a little something we wanted to do after learning about the situation in Nepal. If you'd like to donate, we made it super-easy. Just go to http://fundraise.heifer.org/mythpodcastand you'll be redirected to the page. ----- Music: "Springtime" by Podington Bear "Spring Comes Early" by Podington Bear "Just Watching" by Podington Bear "Golden Hour" by Podington Bear "Clover" by Little Glass Men "Your Pulse" by Little Glass Men "A Night to Kill and Die" by GumbelSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This story from the Grimm brothers has giants, witches, magical animal organs, enchanted produce, and a helpful (and maybe a little homicidal) cloud buddy who just wants to aid you in finding the next steps on the journey that is life. This story is bizarre and wonderful and a testament to the endurance of love and the continuing admonishment to avoid entering spooky castles in dark folklore forests. The creature this time is from Wales and has to try really, really had to place her one tusk-like vampire tooth in your neck before you wake up. If you want to say hi, http://www.twitter.com/mythpodcast and http://www.facebook.com/mythpodcast are great places. We also opened the Myths and Legends store at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store Music: "Spins and Never Falls" by Blue Dot Sessions "Chrome Muffler" by Podington Bear "Automatic" by Podington Bear "Am Trans" by Podington Bear "Pavement Hack" by Blue Dot Sessions "Intermezzo" by Podington Bear "Grebe" by Podington Bear "Giving Tree" by Podington BearSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the saga of Gilgamesh...and possibly the end of Gilgamesh, but not if the demi-god has anything to say about it. After a tragic loss, Gilgamesh goes on a quest to defeat mankind's greatest enemy - death itself, and he learns the secrets of our destructive past. The creature this week slathers his naked body in mud and twigs. Hows that for juxtaposition? 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 Music: "Seasong" by Jelsonic | "The Terrerium" by Blue Dot Sessions | "Sunbeam" by Podington Bear | "Holding Hands" by Podington Bear | "Pacing" by Blue Dot Sessions | "Neil Takes Two" by Blue Dot Sessions | "Lead Shroud" by Blue Dot Session | "Epiphany" by Podington Bear | "Dry Air" by Podington Bear | "Studie I" by Jahzzar | "There's a Special Place for some People" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membershipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gilgamesh and his new best friend are heading out on an adventure to fight a firebreathing giant named "Hugeness the Terrible." Also there's a giant deadly bull fight, talk of zombies, some tiny shoes, and light hand-holding. If those things don't make you want to listen to this episode I can't think of anything else that would. The creature this week is splinter cat, the enemy of arboretums everywhere. The Myths and Legends store is now up! Check it out at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store Say hi to me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jasontheweiser Music: "LA" by Podington Bear "Insatiable Toad" by Blue Dot Sessions "In the Back Room" by Blue Dot Sessions "Great is the Contessa" by Blue Dot Sessions "Gnossienne 3" by Podington Bear "Gnossienne 4" by Podington Bear "Dark Wonder" by Julie Maxwell "The Group of Girls Die First" by Keshco "Direct to Video" by Chris ZabriskieSupport the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.