

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

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.

7 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.

Dec 11, 2024 • 43min
397: Monkey King: King of Hearts
🐵Monkey and Co. are really hoping this city is different🐵
I mean, it has to be, right? Not every city can be full of monsters...can it? We're back in the Journey to the West with Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
😈 The Creature: Cacus
A half spider man that does whatever a spider can. Providing spiders breath file, steal cattle, and get killed by Hercules
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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
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📢 Sponsors
Quince
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Dec 4, 2024 • 50min
396: Greek Myths: Hades, Too
Hades returns to his realm after visiting Persephone, confronting emotional struggles of love and regret. His relationship with her is complex, revealing deep themes of loneliness. The podcast explores the myth of Orion, intertwining humor with mental health issues during life changes. Listeners are introduced to the bucca, an elf-like creature with peculiar dislikes, showcasing whimsical Welsh folklore. Amidst judgment and soul dynamics in the underworld, Hades navigates a realm filled with shadows and friendships, all while maintaining his dry wit.

10 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 54min
395: Breton folklore: Darkest Knight
Dive into a medieval Breton tale where romantic pursuits collide with deadly paternal protection. Discover the comedic struggles of a hermit turned dad and a knight facing a ferocious king in a jousting tournament. Unravel the complexities of a princess torn between love and duty, and meet the Ninmenju, a tree with a humorous yet dark twist! This blend of chivalric absurdity and mythical danger will leave you both entertained and intrigued.