Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

This week on MYTH, we're off to Eastern Europe for a Slavic mix of several traditional tales. You'll discover that military pensions suck, that breaking and entering is a good idea, and that you should drink wine with demons. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a monster hunted by the Witcher will sneak into your bedroom to drain your blood and infest your nightmares. Source: Russian/Slavic Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're headed to India for a strange, old inversion of the sleeping beauty trope. You'll learn that dolls can talk, that you shouldn't trust people who are too flexible, and that you should stay out of magical doors. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a barber will match wits with a demon with the help of his trusty mirror. Source: Indian Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s once again time for my favorite tradition - the annual Halloween special. You’ll see that folklore fathers are the worst, that going in search of fear may not be safe but it can be rewarding, and that you can do a lot with the right tools. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a demonic spirit lurks in the seas off the coast of Scotland. Source: German/Scottish Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’ll travel to Korea for a tale from when tigers used to smoke tobacco pipes. You’ll learn that even supernatural bureaucracy makes mistakes, that the king of the underworld is usually a pretty chill guy, and that you should always have proof for your post-mortem messages. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a tiger will face off against its greatest foe - a fussy baby. Source: Korean Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed to the Philippines for the epic love story of a couple we already met. You’ll learn that vines can be a portal to the heavens just like in Super Mario Brothers, that you should listen when the sun tells you no, and how babies are really born. Then, in Gods and Monsters, the crabs will declare war on the ocean. Source: Filipino Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’ll catch up with our old pal Sinbad for his third legendary voyage. You’ll learn that you should really take the hint after the ocean tries to kill you twice, that it pays to know your classic mythology (even inside other mythology), and that it rarely ends well to be a nameless red shirt on a dangerous voyage with a folk hero. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a cousin of the great roc will teach us the secrets of modern obstetrics. Source: Middle Eastern Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’ll travel to modern Quebec for two stories from French Canada. You’ll discover that some royal relationships are inevitable (and that’s not necessarily a bad thing), that unhappy fairies can make their grumpiness everyone else’s problem, and that you should always know where your magic ring is. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a beautiful woman getting kidnapped by pirates doesn’t usually turn out as well as it did for Elizabeth Swan in Pirates of the Caribbean. Source: French Canadian Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s off to southern Turtle Island for two tales of powerful supernatural creatures. You’ll see that sky gods are assholes, that boiling water is the best medicine, and that gambling is a risky business, even with a magical ace in the hole. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you can’t trust anyone when there’s a shapeshifting ogress around. Source: Cherokee Mythology

This week on MYTH, we’re headed north of north to meet some very unusual husbands. You’ll learn that short kings make the best providers, that kayaks can be turned into submarines with a little know-how (and a lot of magic), and that you should be careful where you throw rocks. Then, in Gods and Monsters, handsome strangers are not always who they appear to be. Source: Inuit Mythology

This week on MYTH, it’s off to merry olde England for one of the most famous stories of Arthurian legend. You’ll see that kings are just better than everyone else, that even a holy duty is nothing compared to a jousting tournament, and that wizards are tricksy fellows. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a troublesome spirit is going to get into a battle of wits with a farmer. Source: Arthurian Legend

This week on MYTH, it’s off to a mysterious kingdom on the border of ancient Persia by way of Hungary. You’ll see that the right spouse makes all the difference, that almost anyone can be charmed by a purring cat, and that you should never trust a magician who lives in a cave. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young man will try to win a princess’ hand with a story of a spectacular pig. Source: Hungarian Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re headed to Japan for a look at the duality of foxes. You’ll learn that you should never make bets while drunk, that nothing good happens on a moor, and that tricks are less tricky when you expect them. Then, in Gods and Monsters, there’s no telling just how much a single act of kindness can change things. Source: Japanese Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s time for another exciting chapter from the chronicles of Lacplesis the Bearslayer. You’ll learn that God is a thief, that the Devil is extremely jealous, and that humans used to only have one eye. Then, in Gods and Monsters, hostilities are about to erupt in the Silly Goose War. Source: Latvian Mythology

This week on MYTH, we’re headed north to Sweden for some unlikely child heroes. You’ll learn that you really should be careful what you wish for when magic is involved, that sometimes magic is just hard work, and that you should never trust a bicycle. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young girl will set out into the wild to rescue her kidnapped brother. Source: Swedish Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re delving into the ancient kingdom of Kangleipak, now known as Maripur. You’ll learn why you shouldn’t trust strangers met after midnight, why you shouldn’t wear a king’s clothes, and why the best rice cakes fall from the sky. Then, in Gods and Monsters, maybe you shouldn’t ignore the warnings about drinking from the fountain that turns people into tigers. I’m just saying. Source: Meiti Folklore

This week on MYTH, we’re returning to the dawn of time for a tale from the very first city. You’ll learn that you shouldn’t trust a bad gardener, that cities make great hiding places, and that turning the seas to blood is a favorite pastime of pissed off deities. Then, in Gods and Monsters, the god of pestilence is going to risk a zombie apocalypse for a one night stand. Source: Mesopotamian Mythology

This week on MYTH, we’re going to cover one of the most famous stories from Greek mythology - Perseus and Medusa. You’ll discover that a wooden chest makes a dangerous boat, that heroing is all about the right accessories, and that prophecies are tricky. Then, in Gods and Monsters, no really, prophecy is very, very tricky. Source: Greek Mythology

This week on MYTH, we’re heading back to the magical wonders of The Thousand and One Nights for the second of the epic voyages of Sinbad the Sailor. You’ll learn that you shouldn’t nap in strange places, that you can do a lot with just a turban, and that diamonds are a bird’s best friend. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’ll meet a creature that is a half-human being. Literally. Source: Middle Eastern Folklore

This week on MYTH, it’s the epic conclusion to the tale of the Mayan Hero Twins. You’ll see that you should always be kind to orphans, that you shouldn’t let dancers burn down your house, and that resurrection is tricky. Then, in Gods and Monsters, if you hear whistling from the woods, hide your thumbs. Source: Mayan Mythology

This week on MYTH, Xbalanque is going to have to face the lords of death without his brother. You know, because he’s dead. Well, mostly dead. You’ll learn that decapitated heads make good balls, that it’s easy to confuse a skull ball with a rabbit, and that the best way to win a ball game is to destroy the ball. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you’ll discover that a magical goat man only has one weakness, and it’s both very obvious and very weird. Source: Mayan Mythology