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

7 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
407: West African folklore: Wiser
🍼Have a budding tyrant? You need a snarky talking baby🍼
Yenga Naa is wiser than the chief. How do you know? Well, he named himself that...the moment he was born.
😈 The Creature: The Cornu
How do you torment sinners without getting your hands dirty? The cornu, that's how.
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Links
🎧 Connect with us!
Discord: https://myths.link/discord
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mythsandlegends.com
🛒 The Myths and Legends store is back!
https://shop.nextpod.com
📼 YouTube
We're on YouTube, now. Currently, it's just the audio episodes, but that might change sometime? https://www.youtube.com/@mythsandlegendspodcast/videos
💀 Item this week
Grim Steeper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCZY2N9V
📖 Source
Here's one of them: https://archive.org/details/africanfolklore00dors/page/420/mode/2up?q=wiser
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📢 Sponsors
Outschool
If you want to try Outschool, you can now get up to $20 off your child's’ first class or tutoring session for a limited time. This exclusive discount is only available when you go to https://outschool.com/legends and use code LEGENDS at checkout
BetterHelp
This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths to get 10% off your first month.
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🎵 Music Credits
"Talltell" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Soda Baron" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Falaal" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Remsen" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Matamoscas" by Blue Dot Sessions

13 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
406: Slavic folklore: Udder Nonsense
Dive into a whimsical Slavic fairy tale featuring Baba Yaga, dragons, and a cow that gives birth to three unique brothers! Discover the curious tale of a peasant's son aiding a queen while facing magical creatures and fierce rivalries. Meet Coliunn Gun Cheaun, the headless friend you didn't know you needed. Experience Ivan the Cow’s son's chaotic adventures, where humor and folklore collide in a quest for royal succession filled with dragons, giant pigs, and unexpected twists!

10 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 57min
405: European legends: Ale to the King
Discover the enchanting tale of Cambrinus, a peasant destined to become the legendary King of Beer, navigating love and ambition amidst medieval struggles. His journey takes a twist when he confronts unrequited feelings, leading to a fateful pact with a demon. Then, meet the Cocoa, a playful yet sinister two-foot cat god from the Andes, whose charm belies a dark side that disrupts agriculture. Enjoy a whimsical exploration of friendships, heartbreak, and the delights—both enchanting and perilous—of beer and folklore!

Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
404: Monkey King: Not Found
Join the Monkey King and his wild crew as they trade horses in a land where monks meet dire fates! Discover the chaos of their hilarious attempts to disguise themselves while dodging threats from the local kingdom. Experience the Monkey King's magical mischief and transformation, all wrapped in witty banter and comedic scenarios. Plus, delve into the origins of cinnamon through the whimsical tales of the cinnamologus, where myth collides with the gritty reality of spice trade. It's a delightful ride filled with laughter and adventure!

12 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 55min
403: Norse sagas: Wormtongue
Explore the fascinating life of a Viking celebrity poet caught in a web of rivalry and unrequited love. Discover the absurdities of navigating love and loyalty in a world where perception often trumps talent. Dive into the darkly humorous and tragic adventures of Gunnlaug Wormtongue as he faces jealousy and fate. Unravel the myth of Tithonus and his transformation into a cicada, showcasing the bittersweet nature of fame and the quest for eternal youth.

4 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 55min
402: Japanese folklore: Misconceptions
Delve into three captivating love stories from Japan that reveal the complexities of relationships. Discover how a man mistakes his circumstances for widowhood, while two frogs leave their homes to explore new roots. Meet Sakurako, a geisha torn between her glamorous life and societal expectations. Uncover the legend of the maikubi, a creature with three heads that bite each other in a chaotic festival. These tales intertwine love, sacrifice, and the eerie folklore of vengeful samurai heads.

Jan 29, 2025 • 40min
401: Chinese Zodiac: Rat Race
Discover the intriguing origins of the Chinese Zodiac through a chaotic race among animals. Learn how clever strategies and friendships shaped the order of the zodiac signs, especially the cunning Rat and the strong Ox. Explore the drama and rivalries, including the unexpected last-place finish of the pig and the tension between Rat and Cat. Uncover the significance of Lunar New Year traditions, from the symbol of the color red to the myths surrounding its festive practices.

Jan 15, 2025 • 60min
400: Celtic folklore: The Baddies
Dive into the enchanting world of Celtic folklore, where heroes and villains blur. Follow young Ian on a whimsical quest for a blue falcon, aided by a talking fox and faced with magical challenges. Explore the dark side of these tales, unveiling sinister figures and moral lessons. Meet the mischievous le cheval Bayard, a shape-shifting horse causing both laughter and chaos. Each story weaves together themes of friendship, choices, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, inviting listeners into a captivating realm of myths.

Dec 31, 2024 • 37min
399: Canadian folklore: Wild Night
Experience the wild New Year's escapades of loggers in the frigid Canadian wilderness, as they strike a deal with the devil for a night of revelry. Dive into the tragic yet humorous love story surrounding Zoe and Sebastian, where a mystical canoe bridges their spirits. Discover the quirky folklore of the Yale, a super goat with a dubious claim to fame, and enjoy the misadventures of shanty boys navigating the consequences of their choices in a magical night. Adventure, love, and laughter await!

Dec 18, 2024 • 49min
398: Nordic Christmas: In the Bleak Mid-winter
Discover the enchanting lore of Nordic Christmas traditions filled with trolls, elves, and whimsical tales. A young officer navigates isolation in Oslo while embracing festive gatherings filled with laughter and folklore. Join the adventurous Hans as he saves a mythical baby and embarks on a quest to retrieve gifts from a menacing troll. Uncover the eerie encounters between life and death during Christmas mass and reflect on family tensions amidst holiday cheer. Each story mixes humor, magic, and valuable life lessons.
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