Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

This week on MYTH, what happens when a cabal of thieves piss off a young dancer? You’ll learn that lightning plus dung equals magic, that powerful men have always been gross, and that you should never trust a wedding in the woods.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, Sherlock Holmes has nothing on political minsters. Source: Indian Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s once again time for my favorite annual tradition - the Halloween Special!  You’ll learn that war is hell on relationships, that it’s surprisingly easy to get a human skull, and that fireplaces make bad hiding spots.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet one of the undead inspirations for vampires. Source: Hungarian Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re going to Edo period Japan for a fruit-filled tale of demons and heroism.  You’ll see why you should always eat random giant peaches, why you should never leave a dog alone with a monkey, and why you should always threaten pretty birds.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet a creepy baby that can turn into a ball of fire. Source: Japanese Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the wilds of the Ottoman Empire in modern Turkey for a royal rumble.  You’ll find that you should listen to your elders, that some ancient places are basically video game levels, and that lions make good hiding places but not great hiding places.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, an apple a day will get you kidnapped and beaten. Source: Turkish Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s an African story of magic, mystery, and mayhem.  You’ll see that you should be careful where you cry, that you should be careful who you loan your ox to, and that you should be careful where you get your magic charcoal.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, what’s it like to be made of wax? Source: Zimbabwean and Botswanan Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s the thrilling conclusion of the epic tale of Jack the Giant Killer.  You’ll see that all giants use clubs, that you should always pay attention to your feet, and that giants and evil magicians have a lot in common.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, a more different Jack will set out in search of his fortune without any real plan. Source: English Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed back to merry old England for the further adventures of Jack the Giant Slayer.  You’ll discover that it takes less than you think to become a knight in Camelot, that royalty aren’t great with money, and that the Devil has some weird hobbies.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, Jack - maybe the same Jack, maybe not - will head to a real mill in Yorkshire.

This week on MYTH, it’s off to merry old England for a truly classic folktale trickster.  You’ll learn what the going rate is for dealing with a giant, why you shouldn’t nap at a crossroad in a fairytale forest, and why you should apparently never accept hospitality from a Welshman, especially if he has two heads.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s the legendary tale behind one of the largest graves you’ll ever see. Source: English Folklore  

This week on MYTH, we’re going to get into the weird world of dream interpretation.  You’ll discover why you shouldn’t eat corpse candy, why you shouldn’t murder magic birds, and why you shouldn’t send demons to live with relatives.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, Death is coming to ruin a wedding. Source: Jewish Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the ancient city on the lake, Tenochtitlan in the Aztec Empire.  You’ll see that tricksters can be tricked, that the Sun is selfish, and that the gods love a good drum solo.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, some love stories are timeless and universal. Source: Aztec Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed into the Congo to meet the real king of the jungle - the mountain gorilla.  You’ll discover that growing bananas can be dangerous, that the most overlooked direction is up, and that ventriloquism is a deadly skill.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, you should be careful who you trust. Source: Central African Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re going to circle back to Latvia for another episode in the Bearslayer chronicles.  You’ll see how effective hero school can be, learn how the Devil brought Crusaders to the Baltics, and discover what weapons giants prefer.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, you’ll meet the mysterious figures who protect the forests. Source: Latvian Mythology

This week on MYTH, it’s the epic conclusion to the harrowing tale of Raiko and the Goblin King.  You’ll see that gods have a different definition of poison, that you shouldn’t count your goblins before they hatch, and that it always pays to be careful.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll visit one of the most iconic mountains in all of Japan, if not the world.

Hey folks. As the title suggests, I am indeed going on a little hiatus so there won’t be a new episode this week as scheduled. I’ve got an absolute bear of an exam looming over me - a two-day, 16-hour licensing extravaganza coming up in April. I’ve been able to balance work, studying, life, and the podcast up until now but, as the exam nears, I’m finding that harder and harder to do. For my own sanity, something has to give and unfortunately, the podcast is the only thing that can. Have no fear, intrepid listener - I’m not about to leave you dangling from a cliffhanger episode forever. MYTH will be back on May 6th with part 2 of Raiko and Shutendoji. See you all then!

This week on MYTH, we’re climbing up the mountains of ancient Japan for a monstrous encounter.  You’ll see that not all goblins are as sexy as David Bowie, that ronin travel in packs, and that you shouldn’t trust wandering monks.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, a magical cloak gets stolen. This is Part 1 of 2 of the Raiko story. Source: Japanese Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re having a new variation on an old familiar story.  You’ll discover that selling children can be profitable, that strange old women can definitely be trusted, and that trolls can’t clean.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet the selfish king and the powerful women who left a permanent mark on the oceans of the world. Source: Norwegian Fairy Tale

This week on MYTH, it’s our more or less annual Valentine’s romance special.  You’ll meet the sexier cousin of Frosty the Snowman, an old school mean girl, and a wandering spirit with a taste for vengeance.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll look for love out under the pine trees at sunset. Source: Algonquin Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re going to break in this new year with a creation myth from a new pantheon - the Yoruba people of western Africa.  You’ll learn how much gold it takes to reach the sky, how much sand it takes to fill the ocean, and how much clay it takes to build a person.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll fight over colors with a new trickster god.

This week on MYTH, we’re celebrating the New Year with a mix of light and darkness that feels appropriate to this time of year.  You’ll see that it’s tough to be a door-to-door match salesperson, that there is magic in flames, and that you should be careful of the cold.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, out with the old and in with the new - it’s the Little New Year. Source: Danish Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s once again that special time of year - the annual holiday special.  You’ll find love in a hopeless place, find a ring in an unexpected place, and find hubris in a disappointing place.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, get in losers - we’re riding brooms and delivering candy. Source: German Fairy Tales/Italian Folklore