

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

Jun 26, 2024 • 48min
374: European Fairy Tales: Mermaider (part 2 of 2)
Undine the water elemental has a soul. And an evil uncle. And a friend who is in love with her husband. And about a thousand family members who want to see that everything works out for her. Her story, and that of Sir Huldbrand's, is far from over.
The creature is Sore-Gus, who's actually pretty sore. Because he's missing both a chunk of meat from his side.
Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
Final scene: https://myths.link/374
Undine book: https://myths.link/undine
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Sponsors:
Aeropress: check out https://aeropress.com/LEGENDS and be sure to use code LEGENDS at checkout to save 20%
Quince: Go to https://Quince.com/legends for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns
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Music:
"Forner's Churn" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Fieldfare" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Sandpiper in Motion" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Cover Letter" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Dusky" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Crested T" by Blue Dot Sessions

Jun 19, 2024 • 32min
373: European Fairy Tales: The Elements (part 1 of 2)
Discover the origins of 'The Little Mermaid' through the story of Undine, meet dangerous milk-drinking snakes, hear about Holdbrand's adventure in a haunted forest, explore the complexities of Undine's troubled marriage, and learn about therapy benefits and cat food recommendations.

Jun 12, 2024 • 45min
372: Greek Myths: Things as they Are
The story of Demeter from Greek mythology is one of finding her place in the world. A world run by her terrible siblings, but it's ok. She's her own person and she can weather anything as long as she has her daughter Persephone by her side. As long as nothing happens to Persephone.
The creature is the Ya-Te-Veo, a story told by people who traveled Central and South America in the 1800s.
Disclaimer: https://myths.link/372
Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
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Sponsors:
Bombas: Get comfy this spring and give back with Bombas. Head over to https://bombas.com/legends and use code legends for twenty percent off your first purchase.
AeroPress: Visit https://aeropress.com/legends and use the promo code LEGENDS to save 20% off your order.
GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use the code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide!
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Music:
"A Common Pause" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Caustic Pulse" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Onside" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Stensal Landing" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Greybeard" by Blue Dot Sessions

Jun 5, 2024 • 41min
371: Flemish folklore: Stuck
Two stories from Flanders (the region of Belgium, not Homer Simpson's annoyingly nice neighbor) about people who are stuck. One is a married couple who wants their long awaited dream to come true. The other is people who are literally stuck to a thing they shouldn't be touching in the first place.
The creature is the Asanbosam, a pink Batman with great legs.
Membership! https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
That Mitchell and Webb skit I mentioned: https://myths.link/immortality
Asanbosam at the BM: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1935-1212-1
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Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp! Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
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Music:
"The Spinnet" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Woodbird Theme" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Grumpalo" by Blue Dot Sessions

May 29, 2024 • 37min
370: Aesop's Fables: State of Nature
It's fable time on Myths and Legends...despite fables being neither myths nor legends... They're fun, though, and you might just learn some of the wisdom of the ancients, like how you should never question the king.
The creature is a very wise dragon. So wise that you should get all your answers from him. Namely the answer to the question: is that dragon dangerous? The answer, of course, being, no...now take a bath in barbecue sauce.
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Sponsor
Quince: Upgrade your closet this summer with Quince. Right now, go to https://quince.com/legends to get free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order.
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Music:
"Topslides" by Blue Dot Sessions
"PolyCoat" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Milkwood" by Blue Dot Session
"Curious Case" by Blue Dot Session

May 22, 2024 • 33min
369: Japanese folklore: Pilgrims
Two stories from Japan. On the first, a former samurai's wife is up to something and he's going to figure out what. On the second, we'll see that kindness matters most...but only if you're absolutely forced into doing it.
The creature is the salamander! It'll turn you into a spicy human burrito!
Want to support the show? https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
A TED-Ed video of the second story: https://myths.link/pilgrims-teded
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Sponsors:
GhostBed: Visit GhostBed.com/legends and use the code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide!
Shady Rays: Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: LEGENDS for $20 off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.
BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is Sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month.
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Music:
"Lost Stage" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Dolly and Pad" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Helter's Barrow" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Hibiscus" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Just Tuning Up" by Blue Dot Sessions

May 15, 2024 • 35min
368: Indian Fairy Tales: Eye Love You
Explore Indian fairy tales featuring a king's risky hunt, a young man's quest for his mothers' eyes, and a witch's whimsical adventures. Uncover secrets, revenge plots, and mythical creatures like the boar Sæhrímnir. Plus, learn about dog wigs and enjoy sponsor discounts on MeUndies, Shopify, and Bombas.

May 8, 2024 • 36min
367: Irish folklore: Daft Monk
A monk in Ireland decides to leave his monastery to become a poet for wealth. The story includes humorous interactions with monks and kings. The monk negotiates with leaders to avoid crucifixion and showcases strategic thinking. The podcast explores unconventional engagement between a scholar and a king, as well as a whimsical quest in a dreamworld to regain eating power.

May 1, 2024 • 38min
366: Monkey King: Roadblock
Join Monkey King and his companions on a perilous journey filled with challenges like sand monsters, mysterious old men, and a monstrous snake. Discover the underwater romance with Rusalki and the adventures that await in this action-packed episode.

Apr 24, 2024 • 35min
365: Korean folklore: Goblin
Explore the unsettling yet humorous world of Korean goblins, including a chilling encounter with the dread Dokkaebi that hints at human feasts. A hermit engages in a whimsical dialogue with a goblin, blending comedy and introspection while tackling themes of greed and friendship. The narrative also touches on emotional struggles of loneliness and the significance of boundaries and therapy. As it shifts into Norse myth, meet the chaotic squirrel Rattatosk, adding a layer of unpredictable humor to the rich tapestry of folklore.