The story of a poor man who finds a being of unlimited power, and not only uses it to put food on the table, but goes a little farther to take over the kingdom and become the richest man alive.

It's the original story of Aladdin, but it's very different from the story you know. The jinni (actual spelling of genie, by the way), don't really grant wishes. Listen to this episode to hear the bizarre original story that led to inspired retellings.

In this episode, you'll see that you should definitely interfere if you see two apex predators fighting to the death in the wilderness. We'll finish the story of Yvain, a knight of King Arthur's court, as he (mostly) sees the error in his ways and (mostly) seeks atonement for his extreme selfishness.

After you hear the creature of the week, you won't want to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night for fear of running into this greasy little red guy from Japanese mythology.

Swords, dragons, werewolves, Vikings, betrayal, and revenge are all hallmarks of the thrilling, yet little known, Saga of the Volsungs, the story of an ill-fated medieval Nordic family. One of J.R.R. Tolkien's first Nordic reads, it's a tale of honor, love, loss, and vengeance, as well as the numerous benefits of just letting it go.

Also, I talk about the barbegazi, a helpful little frozen beard with huge feet. Here are the promised pictures! (go to the website for the pictures)

The origin stories of the Olympians.

The creatures this week are the Yule Lads, their mom, stepdad, and murderous cat.

--

Sponsors:

Check out Bird Box on Netflix!

Casper: Ready for a good night of sleep for once? All you have to do is go to http://casper.com/legends and use the offer code LEGENDS and your next favorite mattress will be delivered to your door.

--

Music:

“Rainday” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Pitho Magnus” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Min” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Betrayal” by Lee Rosevere

“Everywhere” by Lee Rosevere

“All the Answers” by Lee Rosevere

“Gilroy Solo” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Campanula” by Blue Dot Sessions

This week, it is the insane original story behind the popular holiday ballet. In this story for children, we'll get some contradictory lessons for the kids. Getting into a van with a stranger offering candy? Bad. Getting into a silver carriage with a man offering a whole magical world full of candy? Awesome (not really - seriously, kids don't do that).

In a podcast full of problematic and wildly different original tellings of popular adaptations, this might be the most different and most problematic.

The creature this week is a haggard old woman who travels from town to town letting kids know if they're on the naughty list...using her knife and a bag full of garbage.

--

Sponsors:

Get 25% off PLUS a free camera by going to http://simplisafe.com/legends. Offer ends 12/31/2019!

--

Music:

"Hard Won" by Podington Bear

"Dowl" by Podington Bear

"March on Gumdrop Field" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Plum King" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Caprese" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Curious Case" by Blue Dot Sessions

The story of a weaving contest between a goddess and a woman challenging the cruelty and tyranny of the Olympians leads us into three more stories: Pandora's box; the great flood of the ancient Greek world; and the love story of Idas and Marpessa, two people who saw the gods taking whatever and whoever they wanted, and said "no."

The creature this week is the rolling calf. It's neither rolling nor a calf. Discuss.

--

Sponsors:

Visit http://www.simplisafe.com/legends to get a free camera plus SimpliSafe’s holiday savings!

To get 20% off your first purchase, go to http://www.bombas.com/legends and try out the most comfortable socks in the history of feet!

--

Music:

“Dense” by Podington Bear

“At Our Best Alone” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Constellation” by Podington Bear

“Matamoscas” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Little Black Cloud” by Podington Bear

“Four and Fourteen” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Broken Branch” by Podington Bear

Robin Hood is a name that has echoed through the ages as a noble outlaw - one who takes from the rich and gives to the poor and who, with his bow and arrow and merry men, makes the powerful, cruel leaders answer for their treatment of the downtrodden.

He wasn’t always that symbol.

In his earliest tellings, Robin Hood is a much different outlaw. He’s a cutthroat who lives on the edges of the society. He takes from rich and poor alike and gives to his own. He will grow into the symbol that will be known a world over, but he’s not there yet.

This is the beginning of the story of Robin Hood.

--

Sponsors:

Go to SimpliSafe.com/LEGENDSto check out an awesome home security system

Bombas. They are fantastic. Go to http://www.bombas.com/legends(code LEGENDS) to try them out and get 20% off your first order.

LeVar Burton Reads is back! http://www.levarburtonpodcast.com

--

Music:

“Chrome and Wax” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Wandering” by Steve Combs “Something Elated” by Broke For Free“Middle” by Blue Dot Sessions“Crumpet” by Blue Dot Sessions  “Setting Up” by Blue Dot Sessions

A classic quest from Slavic legend with princesses, dragons, wizards, dragons fighting wizards, and princesses fighting wizards fighting dragons.

The creature is Shamir, the little craftsman who is up for employee of the millennium.

--

Post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14197/179-slavic-legends-grateful-dead/

Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Store: https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

--

Sponsor: Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends. Save 10% off your first month with the discount code LEGENDS

-- Music: "Solemn Oath" by Podington Bear "Setting Out on a Quest" by Bobby Cole "The French Theatre of Doom" by Bobby Cole “Big Feelings” by Podington Bear "Storm Passing" by Podington Bear "Pounded Piano" by Podington Bear “Winter Walk” by Podington Bear

Two (originally children's) tales that underscore the shocking brutality of the world in which these stories were told. The first one is that of three roommates: a sausage, a bird, and a mouse, who decide to mix things up for once. The second is the Robber Bridegroom, a story where a woman has to marry a man who horrifies her...and the lengths she'll go to in order to get out of it.

The creature is the Roperite, a vengeful, narcissistic bird who just can't get over the Roadrunner's good luck.

--

Sponsor:

Simplisafe! To get a free camera plus SimpliSafe’s holiday savings visit http://simplisafe.com/legends!

--

Music:

“Ice Pack” by Podington Bear “Our Only Uplift” by Blue Dot Sessions “Deadly Recitation” by Blue Dot Sessions “Pelliu” by Blue Dot Sessions “Parasol” by Blue Dot Sessions

Dracula isn't a creature from myths, legends, or folklore. The fictional vampire is a product of Bram Stoker. The name, though, stretches back centuries to a prince who ruled the kingdom called Wallachia, which borders the land with which he's most famously associated: Transylvania. We'll be talking all about the pseudo-legendary exploits of the real bloody tyrant, the bizarre rules surrounding fictional vampires, and the inspirations for the most famous vampire novel of all time.

If you see your significant other on the roof scraping moss, you should just eat the soup they make you even if it makes you vomit.

Sponsors:

Stranglers, by Earwolf

Stranglers on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stranglers/id1174116487?mt=2

Stranglers site: http://www.earwolf.com/show/stranglers/

Casper Mattresses are amazing! http://www.casper.com/legends

Vistaprint:

For 50% off holiday cards: http://www.vistaprint.com and use code MYTHS at checkout

New show!

Our new show is Career Day. The jobs, lives, and stories of everyday people, every other Tuesday. It's an awesome show and we're really excited about it, so please check it out if it sounds cool.

On iTunes: http://itunes.careerdayshow.com

Online: http://www.careerdayshow.com

The feed (to copy and paste in any player): http://careerdayshow.libsyn.com/rss

Music:

"Watermark" by Blue Dot Sessions 

"Independent Film" by Steve Combs

"Scalloped" by Blue Dot Sessions

"A Calendar Spread" by Blue Dot Sessions

"As Nihilism Gives Way to Existentialism" by Nihilore

"Support Me in this Moment that I'm About to Lose Heart" by Nihilore

"Studie I" by Jahzzar

"Aisles" by Jahzzar

It's the first written version of Sleeping Beauty, put down to paper in the 1600s by the Neapolitan writer Giambattista Basile. And it's horrifying.

The creature is elephant rat. It's an elephant whose also a rat sometimes. No big deal. Now move along and let him murder in peace.

--

Sponsor:

Check out Sacred Lies, a new series on Facebook Watch: https://www.facebook.com/sacredliesshow/

--

Fictional on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.fictional.fm

Fictional on Stitcher: http://stitcher.fictional.fm

Fictional on Spotify: http://spotify.fictional.fm

--

 Music:

"Running on Empty" by Podington Bear

"Sylvestor" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Midday" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Black Cosmos Ring" by Podington Bear

"The Nightmare" by Podington Bear

"Studie I" by Jahzzar

"Betrayal" by Lee Rosevere

"Support Me in This Moment That I'm About to Lose Hope" by Nihilore

Horus's uncle Set murdered his father, and because his mother was shrewd, he gained the throne and the murderer was exiled to the South. There was just one problem: Set wasn't going to go quietly. He vowed on the day he left to kill Horus, feast on his flesh, and reclaim the throne for himself. The boy Pharoah, Horus, watched Set and his followers go, and knew he had to be ready. The war was coming.

The creature this time is the vegetable man, and, no worries, he's not going to make you eat your vegetables. As a (possible?) vegetable himself, he's way more interested in eating you.

--

Sponsors:

Spotify! Check out this (and so many other podcasts) on Spotify. I actually made it super-easy for you to open Myths and Legends in Spotify. Just click on this link: http://spotify.mythpodcast.com

Bombas. I'm wearing Bombas right now. They are fantastic. Go to http://www.bombas.com/legends to try them out and get 20% off your first order.

Amazon Music Unlimited: I'm super excited that they're a sponsor for this show. It is amazingly cool. I've been a big fan of their service for years, and they have all the music you could want. You can try it out for free for 30 days at http://www.amazonmusic.com (FYI, it renews automatically, but you can cancel any time)

--

Music:

"Twilight Grandeur" by Podington Bear

"Pythagoras" by Podington Bear

"Graduation" by Podington Bear

"Blammo" by Podington Bear

"Bare Shoulders" by Podington Bear

"Strange Dog Walk" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Dangerous Swing" by Blue Dot Sessions

Norse mythology, like all mythology, is strange. Thor's hammer is gone. It was stolen...or he just left it somewhere and forgot about it. To get it back, though, he's going to have to do something more difficult than fighting legions of giants. He's going to need to get married.

And there's the origin of poetry, which contains way more men formed from spit than you'd expect for the origin of poetry.

On the creature of the week, seriously, just stay out of the woods. It never ends well. Except when it does, and you find love and learn to put on a puppet show.

Become a member!

Find the show on iTunes

Say hi on Twitter

The Prose Edda - THE source for Norse Mythology

Music:

"Beeth" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Direct to Video" by Chris Zabriskie

"An Opus in Bb" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Witch Laws" by Dlay

"Hanami Matsuri" by Fabian Measures

"It's Always Too Late to Start Over" by Chris Zabriskie

There's something in the forest in 16th century Scotland. It's been there for years. Anyone who sees it doesn't live to tell about it, and it moves seamlessly between land and sea, leaving nothing but body parts in its wake. With a body count in the thousands, it's a legendary historical horror story that's supposedly true.

The creature is a goblin spider. It's a goblin who's also a spider...or, is it? We'll see that things aren't always what they seem on an extended creature of the week.

--

Sponsors:

Simplisafe home security is my absolute favorite. They're easy to set up, no hidden fees, and for just $15/month you can protect just about everything in your home. Check them out at https://simplisafe.com/legends and you'll get free shipping and a 60-day risk-free trial.

Check out the awesome new mobile game, Best Fiends, on the Apple App Store or Google Play!

--

Music:

“An Accumulation” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Emmit Sprak” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Cicle Veroni” by Blue Dot Sessions

In the conclusion of the original Aladdin story, there's the meteoric rise of Aladdin, who is definitely not using magic to do any of this. Really. Will people just stop asking him that, already? I mean, so what if he made the most magnificent palace in the world overnight, and that it randomly disappeared. Nothing at all suspicious about that.

In the creature of the week, there's shapeshifting dolphin people. Here's the picture mentioned in the show...I could see it:
And here's a link to what Mary Sue means.

The much-requested story of Prometheus, a Titan who was cursed by Zeus to have his liver pecked out every day for defying the Olympian and bringing fire to the earth. We'll also talk about the Titanomachy, the very literal clash of the Titans at the very beginning of Greek mythology, where Zeus comes to power and we all learn that any policy that involves crazy paranoia is basically the only one a Greek god considers.

The creature is the gooseberry wife, but unlike the name, and the berries she protects, she is not sweet, and might eat your child.

Our sponsor: Loot Crate. Don't forget the promo code LEGENDS!

Become a member?

Find the show on iTunes

Music:

"The Faslehood of Positivity" by Rowan Box

"Owls" by Jazzar

"Captive" by Steve Combs and Delta Is

"Gminor long delays" by Solo Bass Steve

"Liberosis" by Nihilore

"Something (Bonus Track)" by Kai Engel

"Kelp Grooves" by Little Glass Men

"May" by Kai Engel

We're back on the road to the Trojan War, with the story of Achilles. Starting from when his father interrupted the ritual to make him immortal, we'll follow him as he goes to that epic Greek daycare run by Chiron and watch as his mother tries to keep him away from the war that is beginning to consume the Greek world.

--

Sponsors:

For 74% off, go to https://omahasteaks.com and type LEGENDS in the search bar to get the Father’s Day Steak Fix package today.

Check out https://airbnb.com/experiences to explore one-of-a-kind activities created for the curious.

Learn more about IBS-C at https://ohmygut.info/podcast

--

Music:

"Clouds at the Gap" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Adventure" by Podington Bear

"Um Pepino" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Tillis County" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Falcon Hood" by Podington Bear

"Falling Falling" by Podington Bear

The story of the 47 Ronin is a historical tale where a powerful daimyo is shamed and killed by a greedy official…the only issue? The victim had dozens of loyal samurai, and they’re not about to forget what happened to the man they served.

The creature is Pricolici, from Romania, a were-dog that is anything but man’s best friend.

--

Simplisafe: Get all the savings from their massive Black Friday sale! Just visit https://SimpliSafe.com/legends. The offer ends Cyber Monday: December 2nd.

--

“Bell Solo” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cicle Vascule” by Blue Dot Sessions “Cover Letter” by Blue Dot Sessions “Doubled” by Blue Dot Sessions “Vik Fenceta Lan” by Blue Dot Sessions “Waypoint” by Blue Dot Sessions

The Holy Grail: The greatest legendary item of all time and the focal point of the Arthurian legends. This is its origin.

Beginning as the humble cup of a crucified savior, the Grail will take on legendary status. We'll see how it moved from Jerusalem to a far-flung province on the edge of the world, and we'll meet the people tasked with protecting it, whose great, great, great, great grandchildren will become the heroes of the Arthurian legends.

This is a Grail story unlike any you've ever heard. This is where it all begins.

--

Sponsors:

Wolverine: The Long Night - check out this fantastic podcast at http://wolverinepodcast.com

Blue Apron! Go to http://www.blueapron.com/legends to check out this week’s menu and get your first 3 meals free.

I love Simplisafe. I've been a happy customer for years. To get (in my opinion) the best in home security, go to http://www.simplisafe.com/legends

--

Music:

"Double-crested Cormorant" by Chad Crouch

"Cicle Vascule" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Cicle Veroni" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Toil" by Podington Bear

"Cylinder Six" by Chris Zabriskie

"Plaid Shapes" by Blue Dot Sessions

"The Things We Save" by Podington Bear

"Trillium" by Podington Bear

“Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.”

We're here. The culmination of a dozen episodes and twice as many stories has led to this. Achilles. Helen. Agamemnon. Menelaus. Hector. Odysseus. There's a reason these names are still with us after thousands of years. This is the story of the Trojan War.

The creature is pretty much the opposite of an epic, brutal war. It's the not-epic, not-intimidating little Tofu boy!

The episode post with the listening list: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14142/177a-trojan-war-rage/

The membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

--

Sponsors:

Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/MYTHS for a free trial.- And when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code MYTHS to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Check out Best Fiends, the 5-star rated mobile puzzle game, on the Apple App Store or Google Play!

Looking for another side of Vegas? Visit Aria.com for more.

--

Music:

“Darkened Treeline” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Throughput” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Roadside Bunkhouse” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Illa Villardo” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Only Lara” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Pedalrider” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Late Night Reading” by Blue Dot Sessions

Two stories from the bawdy, funny, and oftentimes deeply unsettling 17th century fairytale author Giambattista Basile, both of which have to do with pets. The first pet is a rooster, whose owner just can't bring himself to kill it. No judgement there. The second pet is a flea...the size of a lamb.

The creature this week is a cat that's either evil and smells like a skunk dog, a hero who defeated a demon, or a hunter who needs a toothbrush.

-- Sponsors:

Squarespace: turn your passion project into something real. Go to http://squarespace.com/myths for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use the code MYTHS for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Check out our Squarespace site at https://www.fictional.fm

Magoosh: Test prep for standardized tests doesn't have to be stressful, boring, or expensive. Visit https://magoosh.com and enter the code MYTHS for a 20% off discount.

--

Music: "Cake" by Podington Bear "Quatrefoil" by Podington Bear "Scaffoldings" by Podington Bear "Leafeaters" by Podington Bear "Go to Sleep" by Podington Bear "Lerennis" by Blue Dot Sessions "Sunbeam" by Blue Dot Sessions

Agamemnon is coming home from the Trojan War. He has no idea what's waiting for him.

There are over fifty bonus episodes on the Myths and Legends bonus feed! Check out that and weekly ad-free shows at https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Check out the store at https://shop.bardic.fm

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mythsandlegends

Find the episode post and the disclaimer at https://www.mythpodcast.com/14441/187-greek-myths-the-end-to-all-our-pain/

--

Go to http://simplisafe.com/legends and get free shipping and 60-day money-back guarantee on a fantastic home security system.

Your mental health matters. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at http://betterhelp.com/legends

--

Music:

"Deadly recitation" by blue dot sessions "Leadin" by Blue Dot Sessions "Thin Passage" by Blue Dot Sessions "The PI Sleeps" by Blue Dot Sessions "Glimpse into a Dark Mind" by Lance Conrad

A story from the Grimm brothers about three down-on-their-luck soldiers who get everything they could ever dream of and then do their absolutely best to lose it.

The extended creature of the week is a fearsome critter from Colorado - a land whale called the Slide Rock Bolter who exclusively eats tourists who care about the environment.

The Myths and Legends store is up! Check it out at http://www.mythpodcast.com/store

Get access to over 50 member episodes and weekly ad-free shows: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

--

Sponsors:

Squarespace: turn your passion project into something real. Go to http://squarespace.com/myths for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use the code MYTHS for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Magoosh: Test prep for standardized tests doesn't have to be stressful, boring, or expensive. Visit https://magoosh.com and enter the code MYTHS for a 20% off discount.

--

Music: "Little Door" by Podington Bear "Broken Branch" by Podington Bear "B7 Bomber" by Podington Bear "Blur and Coalesce" by Podington Bear "Moonglow" by Podington Bear

The story of Eglė the Queen of Serpents, from Lithuanian folklore, about a young woman who is faced with an impossible choice: witness the destruction of her family...or marry a snake.

The creature is an wet, inebriated chicken named skrat who will either make you rich or burn down your house or both of those things.

--

The Myths and Legends membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Merch: https://shop.bardic.fm

--

Sponsors:

Simplisafe: I don't think you can beat Simplisafe. We've been happy customers for years. See what I mean with free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee at http://simplisafe.com/legends

Bombas! The most comfortable socks in the history of feet are even more awesome because when you buy a pair, you give a pair, and by going to http://bombas.com/legends, you can get 20% off your first purchase.

--

Music:

"Delamine" by Blue Dot Sessions "Tiny Bottles" by Blue Dot Sessions "Donnalee" by Blue Dot Sessions "At our Best Alone" by Blue Dot Sessions "Basketliner" by Blue Dot Sessions

We return to the Robin Hood stories with a (mostly) standalone episode. Robin Hood and his merry men are throwing a dinner party! With food and wine! And robbery!

The creature is a shirtless Jaguar man who can end the world anytime he feels like.

--

The Myths and Legends store now accepts cryptocurrency!

Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/product/membership

Merch: https://shop.bardic.fm

--

Sponsors:

BetterHelp: Go to http://www.betterhelp.com/legends to get 10% off your first month

Music: "Pat-a-Pan Whistles and Drums" by Craig S. Elliott "The Gall" by Podington Bear "Miss You" by Podington Bear "Andante in e minor" by Matthew Fagan "The Consulate" by Blue Dot Sessions "Medieval Ritual" by Adrian Ellis

The story of an ancient Indian king who goes on a fetch quest through an evil-looking cemetery and listens to the worst podcasts of all time...hosted by a ghoul he has slung over his shoulder, and if he doesn't pay attention, he could die.

The creature is a crow-grasshopper who will make you vomit (if it doesn't kill you with its flatulence)

Fictional: https://www.fictional.fm/subscribe

-- Sponsors:

Simplisafe: Stay safe and go to http://simplisafe.com/legends and get free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee on a new security system.

Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends. Save 10% off your first month with the discount code LEGENDS

-- "Night Watch" by Blue Dot Sessions "I Recall" by Blue Dot Sessions "Soft Horror Piano Drone" by Bobby Cole "Relinquish" by Podington Bear "We're loosing time(sic)" by Gregory Tripi "Clay Pawn Shop" by Blue Dot Sessions "Dangerous Swing" by Blue Dot Sessions "Escaping Forever" by Michael Vignola

Join Bulat the Brave Companion and Ivan Tsarevich (no, not that one) as they get a magical new horse, escape magical prison, and get in some magical fights.

The creature is the shōkera, the slimy guy looking in your window right now.

The Bardic shop: https://shop.bardic.fm

Subscribe to Fictional: https://www.fictional.fm/subscribe

--

Sponsors:

Squarespace: turn your passion project into something real. Go to http://squarespace.com/myths for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use the code MYTHS for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Check out Best Fiends on the Apple app store or Google Play today!

--

Music:

"Kaleidoscope" by Podington Bear "Exploring the Cave Mix Full" by Bobby Cole "Vanagon" by Podington Bear "Setting Pace" by Blue Dot Sessions "Kalsted" by Blue Dot Sessions "The Hero Within (No Drums)" by Bobby Cole "Holding Hands" by Podington Bear

Branch two of the Mabinogion has the kings of Great Britain and Ireland (Bran and Matholwch, respectively) just wanting to bro out, but their nobles and family members will do anything to keep that from happening.

Also, why is there never a sundae bar in the wine cellar?

Episode post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14215/181b-mabinogion-with-friends-like-these/

Store: https://shop.bardic.fm

--

Sponsors:

Simplisafe: Stay safe and go to http://simplisafe.com/legends and get free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee on a new security system.

Literati! Check out the number one book club for kids and get $25 off your first two orders at http://literati.com/myths

--

Music:

"Last Winter" by Zac Nelson "Louver" by Blue Dot Sessions "Medieval Ritual" by Adrian Ellis "Talltell" by Blue Dot Sessions "Ghost in the Piano" by Emanuele Dentoni "Forgotten" by Keith Anthony Holden "The Ones You Know (Underscore Version)" by Will Van De Crommert

King Pwyell just wants to go hunting in the dark forest alone. What's the worst that can happen? Huh? Forced to live for a year away from his people at the demand of an otherworldly king? Yeah, ok, that's kind of bad.

It's the first branch of the Mabinogion, the original source for a few of the stories we've told on this podcast, like the very first story from this podcast, that of Yvain and the lady of the fountain. We're finally diving into this amazing work of Welsh folklore and over the next two weeks we'll be covering the first two branches.

Fictional is back! https://fictional.fm

The disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14209/181a-welsh-legends-otherworld/

--

Sponsors:

Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends. Save 10% off your first month with the discount code LEGENDS

Squarespace: turn your passion project into something real. Go to http://simplisafe.com/myths for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use the code MYTHS for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

--

Music:

“A quirky cue” by Jermaine Stegall

“Serious Situation” by Bruce Zimmerman

“Elephants on Parade” by Podington Bear

“Aim is True” Podington Bear

“Minor Islands” by Podington Bear

“Boardwalk” by Podington Bear

The story from Azorean folklore about a sorcerer who turned his life around. He became a priest, helped his people flee, and then faced a choice when his old life came hunting for him.

The creature is a dirty dish towel named the Shirouneri. Like most towels it's actively trying to show you just how much it hates you.

Show post (and disclaimer): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14203/180-azorean-folklore-power/

--

Fictional!

Apple Podcasts: http://apple.fictional.fm/

Stitcher: http://stitcher.fictional.fm/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5D3FdZ9Pq286O7owqg7tH5

--

Sponsor:

Betterhelp: Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends. Save 10% off your first month with the discount code LEGENDS

--

Music: "The Theatrical Poster for Poltergeist III" by Chris Zabriskie “03. Prelude No. 3” by Chris Zabriskie "49th Street Galleria" by Chris Zabriskie “Vik Fence Haflak” by Blue Dot Sessions “Undercover Vampire Policeman” by Chris Zabriskie "There's probably no time" by Chris Zabriskie

A classic quest from Slavic legend with princesses, dragons, wizards, dragons fighting wizards, and princesses fighting wizards fighting dragons.

The creature is Shamir, the little craftsman who is up for employee of the millennium.

--

Post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14197/179-slavic-legends-grateful-dead/

Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

Store: https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

--

Sponsor: Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends. Save 10% off your first month with the discount code LEGENDS

-- Music: "Solemn Oath" by Podington Bear "Setting Out on a Quest" by Bobby Cole "The French Theatre of Doom" by Bobby Cole “Big Feelings” by Podington Bear "Storm Passing" by Podington Bear "Pounded Piano" by Podington Bear “Winter Walk” by Podington Bear

An episode about the Tanuki, the notorious raccoon-dog trickster from Japan with giant...well...you'll see.

The creature is the Tote Road Shagamaw, and a ManBearMoose who is really good at headstands. Like, it can walk a quarter mile doing a headstand.

Show post, with all those pictures (and the disclaimer): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14180/178-tanuki-changes/

--

Sponsors!

Simplisafe: Stay safe and go to http://simplisafe.com/legends and get free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee on a new security system.

Squarespace: turn your passion project into something real. Go to http://simplisafe.com/myths for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use the code MYTHS for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

--

Music:

“Lina my Queen” by Blue Dot Sessions “Detailing” by Blue Dot Sessions “The Callow” by Blue Dot Sessions “Fermin Canyon” by Blue Dot Sessions “Tillis County” by Blue Dot Sessions “True Blue Sky” by Blue Dot Sessions “Slimheart” by Blue Dot Sessions

The Greeks finally find a way into Troy and while, yes, it's exactly the way you think they get in, there are so many ridiculous side quests on the way, including a cameo from one of Greek myth's most famous hero.

The creature is nice unicorn who will play music for you and definitely won't eat you the moment your guard is down.

Want more? We did two member episodes with about four additional stories about the Trojan War. Check them out here: https://www.mythpodcast.com/member-episode-list/ (scroll down the bottom to become a member if you want)

Disclaimer: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14169/177d-trojan-war-horsin-around/

--

Sponsors:

Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends

Check out Best Fiends on the Apple app store or Google Play today!

--

Music:

“Moving Emotional Piano hero track” by Daniel Bordovsky

“Escaping forever” by Michael Vignola

“Scallat” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Foreign” by Marshall Usinger

“The Journey” by Adrian Berengue

“Holding On” by Keith Anthony Holden

“We are nowhere” by Sander Kalmeijer

"The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan" by Chris Zabriskie

Achilles is back and it's god vs. god, Greek vs. Trojan, Achilles vs. Hector in the most epic battle of the Trojan War.

The creature this week, the Seto taishō, will absolutely come after you with a sharpened spoon. His weakness? Light kicks.

Episode post: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14155/177c-trojan-war-when-i-am-gone/

--

Sponsor:

Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends

--

Music:

“Watercool Quiet” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Thunder Comes” by Will Van De Crommert

“Gilroy Solo” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Feel the Tension” by Bobby Cole

“Order of Entrance” by Blue Dot Sessions

“War Action Orchestra” by Denis Kotenko

“Battle on the Beach” by Bobby Cole

“Lady Lupine” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Broken” by Michael Vignola

“Places” by Michael Vignola

The episode starts with Menelaus sparking the biggest battle of the war so far and ends with an even bigger battle. A lot happens as the Trojan War, with the absence of Achilles, takes its darkest turn yet.

The creature is Amabie! A mermaid with great hair who just wants to help you out.

Episode post (with Amabie links): https://www.mythpodcast.com/14149/177b-trojan-war-storm-of-spears/

--

Sponsors:

Talk to a therapist online and get help at http://betterhelp.com/legends

For the best socks I've ever worn (not the same ones, that would be weird they're new) go to http://bombas.com/legends and get 20% off your first order

--

Music:

"Paper Boat" by Podington Bear "Secret Pocketbook" by Blue Dot Sessions

“Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.”

We're here. The culmination of a dozen episodes and twice as many stories has led to this. Achilles. Helen. Agamemnon. Menelaus. Hector. Odysseus. There's a reason these names are still with us after thousands of years. This is the story of the Trojan War.

The creature is pretty much the opposite of an epic, brutal war. It's the not-epic, not-intimidating little Tofu boy!

The episode post with the listening list: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14142/177a-trojan-war-rage/

The membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership

--

Sponsors:

Squarespace: Head to Squarespace.com/MYTHS for a free trial.- And when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code MYTHS to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Check out Best Fiends, the 5-star rated mobile puzzle game, on the Apple App Store or Google Play!

Looking for another side of Vegas? Visit Aria.com for more.

--

Music:

“Darkened Treeline” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Throughput” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Roadside Bunkhouse” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Illa Villardo” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Only Lara” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Pedalrider” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Late Night Reading” by Blue Dot Sessions

Three stories this week from the Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen about people that are matchless. The first is the tale of the emperor and his new clothes, where an emperor who needs a new coat every hour gets an offer he can't refuse. The second is about a boy who wants to marry the daughter of a monarch and all the cool gadgets and racially insensitive cosplaying he'll do to win her hand, and the third is the story of the little match girl. That one literally has matches in it. I still do puns.

The creature is the scariest couch potato in the world. If the seas have couches. I mean, they probably have lots of couches with how much trash we throw into them. Ok, I'm sad now.

The store: https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

The post on mythpodcast.com: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14116/176-the-emperors-new-clothes-matchless/

--

Sponsors!

Looking for another side of Vegas? Visit Aria.com for more.

Check out Simplisafe and get free shipping and a 60-day risk-free trial. Go to http://simplisafe.com/legends

Check out Motherland: Fort Salem on Freeform, premiering Wednesday, March 18th!

--

Sources:

The Emperor's New Clothes: https://www.mythpodcast.com/sources/the-emperors-new-clothes-by-hans-christian-andersen/

The Swineherd: https://www.mythpodcast.com/sources/the-swineherd-hans-christian-andersen/

The Little Match Girl: https://www.mythpodcast.com/sources/the-little-match-girl-hans-christian-andersen/

--

Music:

“Symphony No. 1: II. Truth” by Steve Combs

“Thom York (At Home)” by Podington Bear

“Symphony No. 1: IV. Hope” by Steve Combs

“Delican’t” by Podington Bear

“Twosome” by Podington Bear

“Introduction to Part 1” by Steve Combs

“Despite my Empathy” by Steve Combs

“Sex and Death and God” by Steve Combs

“April” by Kai Engel

Thor’s daughter is getting married to a dwarf, and Thor is the last person to find out about it. Also he punted a dwarf onto a burning ship for fun at his brother’s funeral, so things might get awkward.

The creature is the Segbin, and it’s a smelly goat that bites. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t want to eat you. It wants to kill you, but it doesn’t want to eat you.

The Myths and Legends store: https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

The post on mythpodcast.com with all the names: https://www.mythpodcast.com/14036/175-thor-surprises/

—

Sponsors:

Squarespace: Head to http://Squarespace.com/MYTHS for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code MYTHS to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Check out Motherland: Fort Salem on Freeform, premiering Wednesday, March 18th!

—

Music:

“An Unknown Visitor” by Blue Dot Sessions “Baroque” by Blue Dot Sessions “Blood Petal” by Blue Dot Sessions “Slow Toe” by Blue Dot Sessions “Thread of Clouds” by Blue Dot Sessions

The story of Sir Isumbras, a knight from the high Middle Ages, includes talking birds, epic battles, unicorns, and a quest for redemption where the redemption includes the knight's participation in the crusades...

The creature is the sealah (pronounced SHE-la), a genie that just wants to go out dancing and get dinner...and by that it means it wants you to dance for it before turning you into its dinner.

The Myths and Legends store: https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

--

Sponsors!

Check out Best Fiends, the 5-star rated mobile puzzle game, on the Apple App Store or Google Play!

Handy.com: Get you first 3-hour cleaning for only $29 when you sign up for a cleaning plan at https://handy.com/legends promo code LEGENDS.

--

Music:

"Four and Fourteen" by Blue Dot Sessions

"In the Box" by Blue Dot Sessions

"San Diego Sunday" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Stack Me Up" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Vela Vela" by Blue Dot Sessions

--

Scholarly works:

Sir Isumbras and the Legend of St. Eustace: https://www.brepolsonline.net/doi/abs/10.1484/J.MS.2.305998

Between Romance and Legend: "Secular Hagiography" in Middle English Literature: https://glasgow.rl.talis.com/items/F90AE930-28C7-F45F-C0B5-CD2F84017EEF.html

Magic and the Supernatural in Medieval English Romance: https://books.google.com/books?id=mPqfNFQcVksC&pg=PA218&dq=sir+isumbras&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjasPOAtu7nAhVBSN8KHaSBCp8Q6AEwBHoECAIQAg#v=onepage&q=sir%20isumbras&f=false

The Sinful Knights (no preview available, sadly): https://books.google.com/books?newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&id=QCxaAAAAMAAJ&dq=Andrea+Hopkins%2C+The+Sinful+Knights%3A+A+Study+of+Middle+English+Penitential+Romance&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=sir+isumbras

The Loss of the Holy Land and Sir Isumbras: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27866771?seq=1

Fortune favors the bold. Or people willing to put up with a decade of junk. Or the best liars.

On this episode, there are two stories: one from Tunisia, and the other from Italy, about people who take their fate into their own hands to varying, oftentimes disastrous results.

The creature is a sad sea goat who just wants to be with all of his other sad sea goats but, because the Greek gods are the Greek gods, he’s doomed to a life of tragedy. Sorry, sad sea goat.

The Myths and Legends store is back! https://www.mythpodcast.com/store

— Sponsors:

Do your gym a favor. Go with Bombas socks. To get 20% off your first purchase, go to http://www.bombas.com/legends

Locke and Key: Check out the new show, only on Netflix!

—

“Blur and Coalesce” by Podington Bear “Cake” by Podington Bear “Senseless” by Podington Bear “Sorrento” by Podington Bear “Trickledown” by Podington Bear “Fantasy and Denoument” by Podington Bear