

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

Jul 2, 2025 • 55min
412: Indian folklore: Dicey
Delve into a mesmerizing tale where love and gambling lead to a king losing his kingdom in a dice game. Explore the compelling journey of Nala, Damayanti, and the supernatural forces at play. Discover the chilling legend of the Drekavac, a creature with tragic origins tied to unbaptized children, and its eerie connection to humanity. The intertwining narratives highlight the themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of poor choices, leaving listeners both entertained and enchanted.

Jun 18, 2025 • 57min
411: Celtic folklore: The Wake
Join Maelduin on a wild quest for revenge as he navigates treacherous seas and magical encounters. His journey reveals the complexities of family legacy and the darker side of folklore. Along the way, he faces absurd challenges on strange islands, encountering the remorseful Donestre—part lion, part conscience. Themes of eternal youth, personal growth, and the struggle between desire and duty add depth to this captivating tale. Laugh and reflect on the whimsical and the profound as you dive into Celtic myths and legends.

Jun 4, 2025 • 59min
410: Japanese folklore: Provincial
Dive into enchanting tales from the Japanese countryside, filled with purpose and justice. Meet the Dinny Mara, a whimsical merman aiming to change perceptions of water creatures, despite his pesky habit of drowning humans. Explore the emotional struggles of a laborer torn between love and duty, and join a samurai on a mystical pilgrimage with a hefty chest. Discover absurdities in bureaucracy alongside heartwarming moments with nature and cats, all while witnessing the gravity of revenge and divine justice in this captivating tapestry of folklore.

7 snips
May 21, 2025 • 50min
409: Reynard: Nasty, Brutish, and Short
Join Reynard the fox as he cleverly navigates a chaotic animal kingdom filled with unlikely allies and foes. Meetings turn absurd when survival is a constant concern, especially for Reynard, who faces off against Isengrim the wolf. The narratives weave humor with dark themes of power struggles among the critters. From a sheep’s perspective on political tension to the impact of online learning, the tales explore how cunning creatures adapt to their bizarre and dangerous world. Prepare for wit and whimsy in the wild!

18 snips
May 7, 2025 • 53min
408: Knights of the Round Table: Hither and Thither
Join the adventure as a knight's promise to return leads to unexpected chaos and a son’s quest to save Camelot! Laugh along with Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain as they navigate absurd challenges while tackling deeper themes of loyalty and love. Witness Gawain's intense battles and severe consequences, and be inspired by new hero Sir Morian defending the kingdom against invading forces. Plus, discover the magical world of forgotten games and their surprising connection to family lore!

7 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
407: West African folklore: Wiser
🍼Have a budding tyrant? You need a snarky talking baby🍼
Yenga Naa is wiser than the chief. How do you know? Well, he named himself that...the moment he was born.😈 The Creature: The CornuHow do you torment sinners without getting your hands dirty? The cornu, that's how.---Links🎧 Connect with us!
Discord: https://myths.link/discord
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mythsandlegends
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mythsandlegends.com
🛒 The Myths and Legends store is back!https://shop.nextpod.com📼 YouTubeWe're on YouTube, now. Currently, it's just the audio episodes, but that might change sometime? https://www.youtube.com/@mythsandlegendspodcast/videos💀 Item this weekGrim Steeper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCZY2N9V📖 SourceHere's one of them: https://archive.org/details/africanfolklore00dors/page/420/mode/2up?q=wiser---📢 SponsorsOutschoolIf you want to try Outschool, you can now get up to $20 off your child's’ first class or tutoring session for a limited time. This exclusive discount is only available when you go to https://outschool.com/legends and use code LEGENDS at checkoutBetterHelpThis show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/myths to get 10% off your first month.---🎵 Music Credits
"Talltell" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Soda Baron" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Falaal" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Remsen" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Matamoscas" by Blue Dot Sessions

26 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 58min
406: Slavic folklore: Udder Nonsense
Dive into a whimsical Slavic fairy tale featuring Baba Yaga, dragons, and a cow that gives birth to three unique brothers! Discover the curious tale of a peasant's son aiding a queen while facing magical creatures and fierce rivalries. Meet Coliunn Gun Cheaun, the headless friend you didn't know you needed. Experience Ivan the Cow’s son's chaotic adventures, where humor and folklore collide in a quest for royal succession filled with dragons, giant pigs, and unexpected twists!

4 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 57min
405: European legends: Ale to the King
Discover the enchanting tale of Cambrinus, a peasant destined to become the legendary King of Beer, navigating love and ambition amidst medieval struggles. His journey takes a twist when he confronts unrequited feelings, leading to a fateful pact with a demon. Then, meet the Cocoa, a playful yet sinister two-foot cat god from the Andes, whose charm belies a dark side that disrupts agriculture. Enjoy a whimsical exploration of friendships, heartbreak, and the delights—both enchanting and perilous—of beer and folklore!

Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
404: Monkey King: Not Found
Join the Monkey King and his wild crew as they trade horses in a land where monks meet dire fates! Discover the chaos of their hilarious attempts to disguise themselves while dodging threats from the local kingdom. Experience the Monkey King's magical mischief and transformation, all wrapped in witty banter and comedic scenarios. Plus, delve into the origins of cinnamon through the whimsical tales of the cinnamologus, where myth collides with the gritty reality of spice trade. It's a delightful ride filled with laughter and adventure!

13 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 55min
403: Norse sagas: Wormtongue
Explore the fascinating life of a Viking celebrity poet caught in a web of rivalry and unrequited love. Discover the absurdities of navigating love and loyalty in a world where perception often trumps talent. Dive into the darkly humorous and tragic adventures of Gunnlaug Wormtongue as he faces jealousy and fate. Unravel the myth of Tithonus and his transformation into a cicada, showcasing the bittersweet nature of fame and the quest for eternal youth.


