Myths and Legends

The story of William Tell is so much more than an arrow and an apple. It's the story of a reluctant hero, a tyrannical ruler, and why you shouldn't let your prisoners drive the vehicle you're using to take them to prison. 

The creature this week is the cockatrice, and if you see a frog keeping eggs warm, that is just a completely normal and ok thing that won't end up destroying you and everyone you love...

As I was reading the story of Gouyen, I couldn't believe it was a true story - the lengths and the danger this woman went to in order to bring her husband's killer to justice. She's brave, intelligent, and ruthless when it comes to going after her goals. And her story doesn't end there. Her name ends up associated with one of the most famous Apache warriors in American history and his fight against the United States...

I feel pretty confident saying that this episode is the most fun you'll have listening to a story about child murder and cannibalism. Jack of Jack and the beanstalk fame is a hero who's...not really a hero. He's a lazy teenager who's kind of stupid. It's ok, though, because he keeps running into a kind ogre who repeatedly feeds him and saves his life...and he repays her kindness by robbing her blind...

Two vastly different stories of children made from snow. The first is one where the king is called on to solve some dating issues...but then discovers something far colder is at play. The second is the completely real story of a totally legitimately born snow child and what do you mean you don't think he's real? Of course he's real? Well, whatever...

A giant otherworldly monster that shoots fire from its mouth. The treacherous chief that killed his father. A super-smart fish dinner. These are just some of the things that Finn MacCool has to deal with as we wrap up the first part of his story and see how he comes to terms with his father's complicated legacy. 

The creature is the best at what it does, and what it does isn't very nice...

A giant otherworldly monster that shoots fire from its mouth. The treacherous chief that killed his father. A super-smart fish dinner. These are just some of the things that Finn MacCool has to deal with as we wrap up the first part of his story and see how he comes to terms with his father's complicated legacy. 

The creature is the best at what it does, and what it does isn't very nice...

If I could have just re-named myself in grade school, it probably would have been Finn MacCool. I mean, yeah, that's only an English transcription and it's actually spelled Fionn mac Cumhaill and it doesn't really mean "Cool guy named Finn" but, loosely, "Fair one who is the son of Cumhaill" but, you know, details. Really, really stupid joking aside, today's story is awesome. It's parts tense human drama, revenge tale, and fantasy epic...

Since Myths and Legends is off this week, I thought I would run an episode from our other show, Fictional. It's a podcast where we adapt and retell stories from all over fiction. Today's episode is part one of "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells. If you're not already subscribed, this is a chance to check out the new show, and if you are, we'll see you next week with a new Myths and Legends! --- Subscribe to Fictional: Apple Podcasts: http://apple.fictional.fm/ Spotify: http://spotify.fictional...

The story of a few violent, zombie-filled Christmases from Norse legend. 

There are two creatures this week! The first is the gloso! A friendly little piggy who will stop by to say hi. Except if you forget her Christmas gift. Then she turns into a demon of the night with glowing red eyes. The other is the nisse, a gnome will merely beat you senseless for forgetting his gift. Basically just remember to get gifts for all the mythological creatures on your list...

The Amazons are at the gates, and they want what they came for: the sister of the queen that was kidnapped by Theseus...but does Antiope, the Amazon, want to return? What will the horribly outmatched and, let's face it, outwitted Theseus do? How does this whole segment only take up 1/3 of the episode? We'll see on this week's thrilling conclusion to...last week's story.   

The creature this week is why you don't want to go to that fun worm dance party on the beach. I know...