

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

4 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 42min
394: Danish folklore: Heartless
Two captivating Danish tales unfold in this episode. One shares how Tuller wins over trolls through kindness, while the other tells of a heartless scientist driven to drastic measures. Amidst dark humor, a prince learns about happiness and connection during a quest to save his brother. The narrative dives into themes of redemption, emotional struggle, and the bond between a wizard and his reborn self, emphasizing that even the heartless can rediscover their emotions.

Nov 13, 2024 • 55min
393: 1001 Nights: Let it Be(ak) (part 2 of 2)
In a whimsical classroom full of snakes, the Queen of Serpents shares tricky stories about loss and mistakes. A tiny, invisible creature adds an element of surprise as listeners learn about wrestling hairy men. The tension escalates when Jensha finds himself trapped in a crystal palace, navigating prophecies and perilous encounters. Meanwhile, romantic misadventures unfold with themes of obsession and freedom, culminating in Janshah's humorous quest to find his wife in the fantastical Castle of Jewels.

Nov 6, 2024 • 47min
392: 1001 Nights: The Unthinkable (part 1 of 2)
Hasib's journey unfolds with unexpected humor as he grapples with adulthood after his father's passing. He encounters the whimsical and treacherous realm of the Queen of Serpents, who intriguingly bargains for magical powers. Meanwhile, a chameleon delivers mixed messages of hope and despair, emphasizing the cosmic battle of truth against misinformation. This playful intertwining of folklore and contemporary issues leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next twist in Hasib's mystical adventures.

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 10min
391: Japanese Horror: Handsome Bad Man
Dive into a chilling Japanese ghost story set in the Edo period, featuring a ronin’s ruthless quest for love and vengeance. Explore themes of honor and betrayal as former samurai confront their lost ideals and face dramatic duels. Grieve alongside Osode, who grapples with her husband's murder in a haunting tale of grief and supernatural horror. Discover the dark reflections of samurai culture and the influences on modern horror, while also witnessing a powerful woman's struggle against a creature known as the Waterlord. It's a gripping blend of myth, morality, and the monstrous.

Oct 23, 2024 • 52min
390: Hans Christian Andersen: Swan Song
🦢 Let them eat sand 🦢
A story from Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen about a witch who wants to take over the kingdom and the twelve kids who stand in her way. Just kidding, they have no idea what's going on.
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😈 The Creature: Walek
You no longer need to leave your meat out forever on a sun-warmed stone. You know why? The Walek, that's why.
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Links
🎧 Join the Community!
Discord: Click here to join!
📖 Source
The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen: https://myths.link/swans
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📢 Sponsors
Quince
Get cozy in Quince’s high quality wardrobe essentials at https://Quince.com/legends plus get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
BetterHelp
Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Take off the mask, with BetterHelp. Head over to https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
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🎵 Music Credits
"Galoshes" by Chad Crouch
"Magpie" by Chad Crouch
"Building Time Lapse" by Chad Crouch

Oct 16, 2024 • 57min
389: Korean folklore: Star-crossed
Dive into a captivating tale that intertwines love and loss through the story of Pang Noo and Uhn Hah, whose fates are sealed by a childhood promise. Explore Eun-ha's emotional struggle between duty and love amidst a civil war. As she disguises herself to seek Pang Nu, themes of identity and resilience emerge. Laugh along with tales of a Finnish water spirit and the surprising consequences of menacing crows. This rich narrative tapestry showcases sacrifice, redemption, and the timeless quest for connection.

Oct 9, 2024 • 42min
388: Finnish folklore: Uh oh, Better Get Mikko!
The story of King Mighty Mikko, a young man who isn't a king or mighty, but he is Mikko, and maybe that's all he needs. Oh...and a very clever fox conman.
The creature is Vishap, who lives at the top of a mountain and just wants to give you cash and prizes to not be covered in poison blood
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Discord: https://myths.link/discord
Source: https://myths.link/mightymikko
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BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
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"Flatlands 4th" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Slate Tracker" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Still Nite" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Western Tanager" by Chad Crouch
"Mallard" by Chad Crouch

Oct 2, 2024 • 49min
387: Slavic Folklore: Kind of Forgot About Vengeance (part 2 of 2)
The conclusion of the story of Bova, where last episode we saw him ride out to battle alone against an army...but now he faces more danger delivering a letter and dressing up like an elderly man.
The creature is Sunakake-Baba, a little old lady who will throw sand in your face...for justice?
Source: https://myths.link/bova
Post: https://myths.link/387
Come join us on Discord! https://myths.link/discord
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Sponsor:
BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
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Music:
"Breeze Bloc" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Steps" by Chad Crouch
"Rope Swing" by Chad Crouch
"Two Boys and a Girl" by Chad Crouch
"Cicle Veroni" by Blue Dot Sessions

Sep 25, 2024 • 41min
386: Slavic Folklore: Really, Really, Ridiculously Good-looking (part 1 of 2)
The story of Bova, a hero from Slavic folklore, the beautiful beautiful man who is on a lifelong quest for vengeance. Against his mom.
The creature is the Vila (or Vile), a ghost with unfinished business...of dancing naked in the town square.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends
Discord: https://myths.links/discord
Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
Anti-soggy cereal bowl: https://myths.link/antisoggy
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Sponsors:
Go to https://homechef.com/legends for 18 Free Meals and Free Dessert for Life!
Go to https://Quince.com/legends for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns
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"Miniatures" by Blue Dot Sessions
"High Water Channel (Instrumental)" by Chad Crouch
"Pretty Melody" by Chad Crouch
"Bambi" by Chad Crouch

Sep 18, 2024 • 40min
385: Aesop's Fables: On the Farm
More fables from Aesop about life on the farm and how, if someone stops by wearing your friend's skin...they might not be all that trustworthy.
The creature is the Veo, a dragon you don't want to slay.
Discord: https://myths.link/discord
Social Media: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends
Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
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Sponsors:
BetterHelp: Rediscover your curiosity, with BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/legends
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"TJ Elwood" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Sitka Spruce" by Chad Crouch
"Liptis" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Raffiel" by Blue Dot Sessions