Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

This week on MYTH, we're heading to Japan to meet a much more civilized kind of rat. You'll see that power is in the eye of the beholder, that you can totally marry concepts, and that rats are lucky. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a beautiful sea creature will go on a fetch quest for the Dragon King.   Source: Japanese Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're traveling back to ye olde London for the strange birth of the legendary King Arthur. You'll see that destiny can be written across the sky, that even a half-dead king is better than nothing, and that it's easy to abuse magic. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll seek help for an endless swarm of rats.   Source: Arthurian Legend

This week on MYTH, we're traveling to New Zealand for a Maori tale of fiery passion. You'll learn that volcanoes can fall in love, that you should be careful where you sleep, and that the very mountain can literally move. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Maui is going to attempt his most audacious trick yet.   Source: Maori Mythology

This week on MYTH, a young prince is going to meet an immortal giant. You'll see that magic items make everything better, that you should be careful with your promises, and that you should never trust the gardener. Then, in Gods and Monsters, sometimes the love of your dreams requires a whole lot of work.   Source: Armenian Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're going to travel with the Romani of Wales on a very strange journey. You'll find that you should always offer random old women tea, that you can't trust rocks, and that you should always speak first. Then, in Gods and Monsters, some princesses are going to get caught dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight.   Source: Romani Folklore  

This week on MYTH, we'll climb up into the heights of the Himalayan Mountains to windswept Tibet. You'll see that some brothers know how to share, that you can do a lot with a cake and a skull, and that you should always know what your work is worth. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a tiny bat will disobey a mighty king.   Source: Tibetan Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're headed to the wintry forests of the old Russian Empire. You'll discover that dolls make the best imaginary friends, that you should always keep a pie in your pocket for emergencies, and that even trees like to feel stylish. Then, in Gods and Monsters, some woodland critters are going to discover why you have to be careful when choosing your roommates. Source: Slavic Folklo...

This week on MYTH, a little boy with big dreams is going to meet a whole bunch of kings in the Philippines. You'll see that you should always dream big, that royalty in the animal kingdom is a lot more approachable, and that you should keep an eye on your jewelry. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you should always double check if the man of your dreams is secretly a literal monster. Source: Filipino Fo...

This week on MYTH, it's a stirring tale of a boy and his…cow? You'll learn that grit and kindness can accomplish a lot, that long hair can be a liability, and that you should always have an exit strategy. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a giant is going to demand too much cheese and reindeer steak. Source: Swedish Folklore

This week on MYTH, Theseus will finally face his most famous foe - the Minotaur. You'll see why you should never trust your uncle, why you should be careful who you give your heart to, and why you should spend more time being a king and less being an adventurer. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Icarus and Daedalus will attempt a daring escape from the tallest tower of Crete. Source: Greek Mythology

This week on MYTH, we're heading to ancient Greece to meet one of its most famous (or perhaps infamous) heroes - Theseus. You'll discover what ancient paternity tests looked like, how to kill someone with a bed, and why not all heroes are good guys. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we're traveling back in time for the origin story of Theseus' greatest foe and the inventor of its prison. Source: Greek M...

This week on MYTH, we're headed to the wilds of Rwanda to follow a wily hunter on the prowl. You'll discover that you shouldn't bet on a game unless you're good at it, that you shouldn't ignore bad dreams, and that you shouldn't marry someone unless you're sure they're not a shapeshifter. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young woman is going to wonder if she's fallen in love with a monster. Source: B...

This week on MYTH, we're getting a double dose of Loki goodness. You'll see what an otter costs, where to get gold on short notice, and what a curse can really do.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, our favorite trickster is going to get himself (and everyone else) into a very interesting bargain. Source: Norse Mythology

This week on MYTH, we're headed to the shores of Hawaii for our own mini shark week. You'll discover that sharks have the best lobsters, that shark royal courts are vicious and suspicious places, and that you can cook a delicious meal inside a shark. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll meet a different but perhaps familiar shark king from the comics. Source: Hawaiian Mythology

This week on MYTH, we're gonna look for lions in unexpected places. You'll learn that it's surprisingly hard not to lose a herd of cows, that it's surprisingly easy to find a hidden palace, and that human hair makes great thread. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll discover that help can come from the most unexpected of places. Source: Catalonian Fairy Tales

This week on MYTH, it's our annual New Year's special. You'll learn that a lot of strange things can come from bird eggs, that some babies look an awful lot like old men, and that it can be tough to chop down magic trees. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll find some sweet New Year's money inside a red envelope, as long as a demon doesn't kill us first. A holiday tradition. Source: Finnish Mythology...

This week on MYTH, it's our annual holiday special. You'll find that eternal youth lies in the cold northern wastes, that Santa makes a pretty awesome neighbor, and that Christmas is no time to be selfish.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, what happens when a Catholic saint clashes with the priests of Thor? A holiday tradition. Source: American Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're going to discover some ancient secrets of Long Island, New York. You'll see why you should be careful where you put your trash, that there's magic in art, and that even gods make mistakes.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, who doesn't love strawberries? Source: Turtle Island Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're heading to Australia for a story of the forces of nature. You'll learn that logs can be deadly, that you shouldn't let strangers take you fishing, and that the winds have a romantic side.  Then, in Gods and Monsters, what happens when a star is kidnapped? Source: Indigenous Australian Folklore

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