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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Myths and Legends podcast dives into the world of folklore. And what it uncovers is a series of fascinating stories. Those that love old-world stories, myths, legends, and tall tales, will love this podcast. The series host, Jason Weiser, has a passion for all these things and walks listeners through retellings. This is a fascinating show that brings unbelievable stories to life. Listeners get to hear the real endings to Grimm brothers' fairy tales, and it isn't pretty. And when audiences hear the details behind their favorite myths, they're sure to get a surprise.

This podcast is the perfect combination of history and storytelling. It mixes lore with historical context and goes back to the origins of some well-known tales. For listeners with a fascination with tales of kings, knights, and wizards, or oral history, this podcast covers it all. It also shares a variety of cross-cultural stories, so listeners can compare tales and see how they differ. Weiser recounds Native American lore, Celtic myths, Ancient Greek tales, and Egyptian legends.

Listeners love the structure of the show, which allows the stories to be told with a little bit of commentary. The balance is right and allows for insight without overpowering.

This storybook-style podcast is highly reminiscent of the finest parts of a fantastic bedtime story. It is a mixture of nostalgia, history, a cultural deep dive, and pure entertainment. From facts to ghost stories, listeners around the world love Myths and Legends. This podcast has something to surprise and delight all mythology fans.

read less

ArtsArts

HistoryHistory

FictionFiction

BooksBooks

Play Trailer

Myths and Legends Trailer

Myths and Legends Trailer

A little bit about what to expect when you listen to Myths and Legends. Subscribe using your favorite podcast app: http://apple.mythpodcast.com http://spotify.mythpodcast.com http://stitcher.mythpodcast.com or just search for "Myths and Legends"Support the show: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

394: Danish folklore: Heartless

394: Danish folklore: Heartless

🧙‍♂️How a Scientist Becomes a Wizard🧙‍♂️ Two stories from Denmark about people dealing with their neighbors in very different ways. One loves and accepts them. The other just wants to get away so he tears out his own heart. 😈 The Creature: Abumi-guchi (鐙口) AKA Stirrup mouth. Your friend to the end. And beyond. --- Links 🎧 Connect with us! Discord: Click here to join! Instagram: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mythsandlegends.com 📖 Sources Toller's Neighbors: https://www.wisdomlib.org/scandinavia/book/a-collection-of-popular-tales-from-the-norse-and-north-german/d/doc64489.html The Man Without A Heart: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Danish_Fairy_and_Folk_Tales/The_Man_without_a_Heart 📼 YouTube We're on YouTube, now. Currently, it's just the audio episodes, but that might change sometime? https://www.youtube.com/@mythsandlegendspodcast/videos --- 📢 Sponsors Shopify Upgrade your selling today with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/legends (all lowercase). BetterHelp Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Let the gratitude flow, with BetterHelp. Go to https://BetterHelp.com/MYTHS to get 10% off your first month. --- 🎵 Music Credits "Upper Registers" by Blue Dot Sessions "Bergeron" by Blue Dot Sessions

393: 1001 Nights: Let it Be(ak) (part 2 of 2)

393: 1001 Nights: Let it Be(ak) (part 2 of 2)

📝A Cavern Full of Snakes is apparently a Great Classroom📝 Hasib is still stuck in the room with the Queen of Serpents and twelve thousand snakes, and the QoS a story to tell. Two of them, actually. Long ones. Two years' worth of stories of guys lost in the world...and two different ways of dealing with mistakes and loss. Basically, she's being a very tricky teacher. --- 😈 The Creature: Wokulo Tiny invisible hairy naked men could be watching you right now. And they're really good at wrestling. --- Links 🎧 Join the Community! Discord: Click here to join! 📖 Source One Thousand and One Nights Vol. 5: https://myths.link/hasib ⚠️ Content Warning Show post: https://myths.link/393 📼 YouTube We're on YouTube, now. Currently, it's just the audio episodes, but that might change sometime? https://www.youtube.com/@mythsandlegendspodcast/videos --- 📢 Sponsors Dinnerly This holiday season, give the gift of great, affordable food with Dinnerly at https://Dinnerly.com/offer/LEGENDS and use code LEGENDS for up to 27 free meals!. Uncommon Goods Find the perfect gift at Uncommon Goods! Head to https://UncommonGoods.com/LEGENDS for 15% off your next gift. Firstleaf Get cozy and pop open that perfect bottle of wine from Firstleaf! Go to https://TryFirstLeaf.com/LEGENDS to sign up and you’ll get your first SIX handpicked bottles for just $44.95. --- 🎵 Music Credits "The Gran Dias" by Blue Dot Sessions "Don Germaine" by Blue Dot Sessions "Convex Marsa" by Blue Dot Sessions "Brer Sprine" by Blue Dot Sessions

392: 1001 Nights: The Unthinkable (part 1 of 2)

392: 1001 Nights: The Unthinkable (part 1 of 2)

🐍Hasib wants to avoid a freak library accident🐍 So he will avoid learning anything. Ever. This week, it's the story of Hasib and the Queen of Serpents, the snake woman with a cistern full of honey...and a secret. --- 😈 The Creature: Chameleon Bad news travels fast. Faster than a chameleon, at least. --- Links 🎧 Join the Community! Discord: Click here to join! 📖 Source The Queen of the Serpents: https://myths.link/hasib --- 📢 Sponsors Pretty Litter Pretty Litter’s amazing! You have to try it. Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy with code legends at https://PrettyLitter.com/legends. Quince Get cozy in Quince’s high-quality wardrobe essentials by going to https://Quince.com/legends today. BetterHelp Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Let the gratitude flow! Check out https://BetterHelp.com/MYTHS today to get 10% off your first month. --- 🎵 Music Credits "Rest (Instrumental)" by Chad Crouch "Telmain Ares" by Blue Dot Sessions "Kalsted" by Blue Dot Sessions "Hanging Rock" by Blue Dot Sessions

391: Japanese Horror: Handsome Bad Man

391: Japanese Horror: Handsome Bad Man

👹If you can't be with the one you love...👹 Love the one you're with? What? No. Kill everyone in your way until you get what you want. This week: a ghost story from Japan about what happens when a ronin, a masterless samurai, has nothing to lose in a quest to regain what he lost, and the people unfortunate enough to be in his way. --- 😈 The Creature: Waterlord The bargain bin version of the Hydra...just don't sacrifice your kids to it. --- 🎧 Join the Community! Discord: Click here to join! --- ⚠️ Disclaimer Showpost: https://myths.link/391 --- 📢 Sponsor Uncommon Goods Spark something uncommon this holiday season with incredible, hand-picked gifts by going to https://UncommonGoods.com/LEGENDS and get 15% off your next gift. --- 🎵 Music Credits "Winter in Black" by Blue Dot Sessions "Minister Creek" by Blue Dot Sessions

390: Hans Christian Andersen: Swan Song

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. --- 😈 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. --- Links 🎧 Join the Community! Discord: Click here to join! 📖 Source The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen: https://myths.link/swans --- 📢 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. --- 🎵 Music Credits "Galoshes" by Chad Crouch "Magpie" by Chad Crouch "Building Time Lapse" by Chad Crouch

389: Korean folklore: Star-crossed

389: Korean folklore: Star-crossed

🖤 The story of why you don't menace crows. Even if the people you're doing it to try to mess with are extremely annoying and lovey-dovey. Or, if you're single and looking, here's why you should definitely throw some rocks at some crows. It might just lead to you meeting the love of your life... sixteen years later, after several trips through an active war zone. This is the unlikely love story of Pang Noo and Uhn Hah. Disclaimer: https://myths.link/389 😈 The Creature: Vu-Murt He's not a convenience store. He's not a generic superhero. He's that naked man combing his hair by the lake. 🎧 Join the Community! Discord: Click here to join! --- 📢 Sponsors Firstleaf Sign up at Firstleaf, and get your first SIX handpicked bottles for just $44.95. Mint Mobile Get a 3-month premium wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month! Visit Mint Mobile. --- 🎵 Music Credits "Stephi" by Blue Dot Sessions "Negentropy" by Chad Crouch "The Bluff Trail (Instrumental)" by Chad Crouch "Und Galaxe" by Blue Dot Sessions

388: Finnish folklore: Uh oh, Better Get Mikko!

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 --- Discord: https://myths.link/discord Source: https://myths.link/mightymikko --- BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month. --- "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

387: Slavic Folklore: Kind of Forgot About Vengeance (part 2 of 2)

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 --- Sponsor: BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month. --- 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

386: Slavic Folklore: Really, Really, Ridiculously Good-looking (part 1 of 2)

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 --- 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 --- "Miniatures" by Blue Dot Sessions "High Water Channel (Instrumental)" by Chad Crouch "Pretty Melody" by Chad Crouch "Bambi" by Chad Crouch

385: Aesop's Fables: On the Farm

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 --- 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 --- "TJ Elwood" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sitka Spruce" by Chad Crouch "Liptis" by Blue Dot Sessions "Raffiel" by Blue Dot Sessions

384: Turkish folklore: The Silent Princess

384: Turkish folklore: The Silent Princess

The story of the silent princess and the prince who definitely has been cursed by that strange woman in the street. He totally hasn't just psyched himself out thinking that if he doesn't meet the silent princess, he will die, forcing him and his tutor to go on a 15-month-long, stinky quest. The creature is the Abaia, the eel that loves life so much it kills everybody. Links! Discord: https://myths.link/discord Source: https://myths.link/silent-princess Social Media: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends Pizza Socks: https://myths.link/pizza-socks --- Sponsor: GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use code: LEGENDS for 50% off sitewide. --- Music: "Grey Grey Joe" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Caspian Sea" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tower of Mirrors" by Blue Dot Sessions

383: Monkey King: Food Fight (part 2 of 2)

383: Monkey King: Food Fight (part 2 of 2)

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is dead. For real. He was eaten by a lion and is gone for good because we can all trust Pigsy because he's so honest and not looking for a reason to cut and run. The creature is Ugallu, a demon from Babylonian mythology, who might be your hero. --- Our new Discord server! https://myths.link/discord Updates for Myths and Legends and feed status, no logins required: https://www.mythpodcast.com/updates Myths and Legends on Instagram (our current social media of choice): https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: Friends don’t let friends overpay for wireless. Say goodbye to your overpriced wireless plan and switch to Mint Mobile with a special deal at https://MintMobile.com/LEGENDS while it lasts. Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity, with BetterHelp at https://BetterHelp.com/myths today. Home Chef is taking the stress out of mealtime at our house. See why and discover Home Chef yourself at https://HomeChef.com/LEGENDS. --- Music: "Etude 11" by Blue Dot Sessions "Helion Haze" by Blue Dot Sessions

382: Sun Wukong: A Good Death (part 1 of 2)

382: Sun Wukong: A Good Death (part 1 of 2)

We're back in the story of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King and the Journey to the West, where Monkey goes undercover as a demon and defeats a whole army with a math equation. The creature is Tsuchi-gumo, the reason you don't want to be too good at your job. Especially if your job is eating people. --- Our new Discord server! https://myths.link/discord Updates for Myths and Legends and feed status, no logins required: https://www.mythpodcast.com/updates Myths and Legends on Instagram (our current social media of choice): https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends --- Sponsors: Shopify: Businesses that grow, grow with Shopify. Go to https://shopify.com/legends (all lowercase) to grow your business, no matter what stage you’re in. GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Aren’t we all? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use CODE: legends to save 50% off your purchase sitewide. Greenlight: Sign up for Greenlight today at https://Greenlight.com/legends and shine a light on the world of money. BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day by going to https://BetterHelp.com/myths for 10% off your first month. --- Music: "Vulcan Street" by Blue Dot Sessions "Morning Coda" by Chad Crouch "Denzel Sprak" by Blue Dot Sessions "Black Cosmos Ring" by Chad Crouch

381: Japanese folklore: Lend Me Your Ears

381: Japanese folklore: Lend Me Your Ears

Two stories from Japan about the stories we tell one another. On the first, it's a not-so-famous musician who gets a massive new audience for the legend he has been telling. For the second, it's a man who needs to do his duty...which means doing something terrible to someone he loves. The creature is to Totoima, a boar with a stomach ache...from devouring his children... The Tale of the Heike: https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Heike-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143107267 Doll with human teeth: https://myths.link/monster Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership Discord won out for the place to connect on the poll from a few weeks back, so I set up a server. Check it out here: https://myths.link/discord. Don't expect too much activity, though. I literally just launched it. If you just want a straight updates page without any logins, I got that going, too: https://www.mythpodcast.com/updates --- Sponsors: BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day! Go to https://BetterHelp.com/myths to give BetterHelp a try. Quince: Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last at https://Quince.com/legends with free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. --- Music: "Harper's Desk" by Blue Dot Sessions "House of Grendel" by Blue Dot Sessions "An Introduction to Beetles" by Blue Dot Sessions

380: British Legends: I Loathe that for You

380: British Legends: I Loathe that for You

The story of the laidly worm is all about the costs and benefits of kissing dragons on the mouth. The creature is Topielec, and it might just make or break your video game franchise and/or book. Discord won out for the place to connect on the poll from a few weeks back, so I set up a server. Check it out here: https://myths.link/discord. Don't expect too much activity, though. I literally just launched it. If you just want a straight updates page without any logins, I got that going, too: https://www.mythpodcast.com/updates --- Sponsors: For a limited time, Home Chef is offering our listeners 18 free meals! Go to https://homechef.com/legendsfam --- Music: "Gene's Waltz" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Blue Room" by Chad Crouch "Cicle Ariel" by Blue Dot Sessions "Bloom" by Chad Crouch

379: Norse Sagas: Forsaken (part 2 of 2)

379: Norse Sagas: Forsaken (part 2 of 2)

We finish up the story of Bard with that of his son, Gest, which includes bloody Christmas parties, fun new games for you and your friends will try* and what happens when you forsake everyone and everything you know and love (spoiler: it doesn’t go well). The creature is Sega, a cute little bird who is very, very angry. Disclaimer: https://myths.link/379 Source: https://myths.link/bardsaga Discord won out for the place to connect on the poll from a few weeks back, so I set up a server. Check it out here: https://myths.link/discord. Don't expect too much activity, though. I literally just launched it. If you just want a straight updates page without any logins, I got that going, too: https://www.mythpodcast.com/updates *Don't do these. Or, if you do, you didn't hear it here. — Sponsors: Bombas: Get comfy and give back! Head over to https://Bombas.com/legends and use CODE: legends for 20% off your first purchase. GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use CODE: LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide. Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month. — Music: “Easel Moss” by Blue Dot Sessions “Jubelio” by Blue Dot Sessions “Laddo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Spek” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Broker” by Blue Dot Sessions

378: Norse Sagas: Snowfell (part 1 of 2)

378: Norse Sagas: Snowfell (part 1 of 2)

The first part of the story of Bard, a medieval Icelandic dad who goes full Batman. The creature is Stallo. It's made of turf and magic, but it takes half your remaining life as soon as it's born, so it's kind of like a real human child in that way. Links: Poll/disclaimer: https://myths.link/378 Source for these episodes: https://myths.link/bardsaga --- Sponsors: Greenlight: This show is sponsored by Greenlight. Shine a light on the world of money and be empowered to raise financially smart kids as a family with Greenlight. Sign up today and get your first month free at https://greenlight.com/legends BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Start focusing and start living your best life, with BetterHelp. Go to https://betterhelp.com/myths for 10% off your first month. Shopify: Businesses that grow, grow with Shopify. Get started with the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business at https://shopify.com/legends --- Music: "Hiking Cluster" by Blue Dot Sessions "Greycase" by Blue Dot Sessions "An Unwitting Invitation" by Blue Dot Sessions

377: 1001 Nights: Science and Geometry

377: 1001 Nights: Science and Geometry

A story from "One Thousand and One Nights" about three wondrous gifts: a clock, a security system, and a fake horse that can fly. Bet you can't guess which one wins the prize at the king's big science and geometry fair. The creature is the Tangie! It'll be your friend, but only if you want to do crime. -- Sponsors: BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/myths today to stop comparing and start focusing, with BetterHelp. Quince: Pack your bags with high quality essentials from Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/legends to get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. -- Music: "City Lights" by Chad Crouch "Minor Stretch" by Chad Crouch "Caverna" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Odd About It" by Blue Dot Sessions "Fireside Tension" by Blue Dot Sessions

376: Danish folklore: Sweet Pea

376: Danish folklore: Sweet Pea

Three stories from Denmark about learning from your mistakes. Or not learning, and donating six full bags of gold to the local thieves. The creature is the swamfisk. It's horrible, horrible smell is a personal choice. Dwarves fighting cranes in Greenland: https://myths.link/376 Dustache dustpan: https://myths.link/dustache --- Sponsors: GhostBed: Ready for a more comfortable night of sleep? Visit https://GhostBed.com/legends and use code LEGENDS to save 50% off your purchase sitewide. BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Stop comparing and start focusing, with BetterHelp at https://BetterHelp.com/myths today. --- Music: "Dandelions" by Chad Crouch "Double-crested Cormorant" by Chad Crouch "Hedgehog Wallace" by Blue Sot Sessions "Spring Cleaning" by Blue Dot Sessions "Fern and Andy" by Blue Dot Sessions

375: Monkey King: The Eyes Have It

375: Monkey King: The Eyes Have It

We're back in the story of the Monkey King and the Journey to the West where maybe this monastery is different and not haunted and infested with monsters? Maybe? Please? Also, we'll see if Xuanzang is old enough to go beg for food on his own without a bodyguard. The creature is Storsjöodjuret, and it's open season on cat-headed snake monsters. --- The Storsjöodjuret video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXfaTcecbIM Keyboard waffle iron: https://www.amazon.com/The-Keyboard-Waffle-Iron-CES01/dp/B015QJPUOA/ Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Music: "What does anybody know about anything" by Chris Zabriskie "Direct to Video" by Chris Zabriskie "On the Mend" by Blue Dot Sessions "Just a Memory Now" by Chad Crouch --- Sponsors: BetterHelp: Stop comparing and start focusing, with BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths today to get 10% off your first month. MeUndies: Summer is here! Get every cut for your butt from MeUndies. Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping, at https://meundies.com/legends.