Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

This week on MYTH, we'll travel through the mists of ancient Korea for a story of the protector of Seoul. You'll learn that palaces make the best meals, that laborers are smarter than kings, and that volcanoes are friends with the wind. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a tiger will get into a battle of wits with a bunny rabbit. Source: Korean Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're diving back into the 1001 Nights for the next Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor. You'll learn that you should always read the fine print, that there are worse fates than being eaten by cannibals, and that kings make bad friends. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a brave traveler will try to outsmart a ghoul. Source: Middle Eastern Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're heading to the days of legend for the Maori tale of creation. You'll discover that being a clingy couple is bad for everyone's wellbeing, that even gods get cold, and that some creatures have poorly-defined jobs. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a fiery volcano goddess will seek her new home. Source: Maori Mythology

This week on MYTH, we're heading to the province of Quebec in Canada for some supernatural warnings. You'll learn that you shouldn't pay for a flight with your soul, that air travel has always been hell, and that you shouldn't drink and cast dark magic. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll learn the secret to hunting a ghostly spirit. Source: French Canadian Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're headed to Germany for a listener request story. You'll see that it's rough being a fairytale mother, that magic mirrors are honest but snarky, and that you shouldn't accept gifts from strangers when someone is trying to kill you. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a thirsty little boy will disobey his mother and experience weird consequences. Source: Germanic Folklore

This week on MYTH, we'll dive into a particularly bawdy tale of French folklore. You'll learn that fairies can grant some very strange powers, that it's hard to speak around a mouthful of cotton, and that knights can make a fortune with this one weird trick. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a woman will get tired of her sexuality and separate herself from it. Literally. Source: French Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're riding back to the court of the legendary King Arthur for the next part of his story. You'll learn that rules are meaningless to the rich, that magic swords are awesome, and that Merlin always has the next plot hook. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Mr. Vinegar is going to learn a lesson in financial security. Source: Arthurian Legend

This week on MYTH, we're heading to Korea for a strange feud between a farmer and a frog. You'll see that bullfrogs can grow to enormous size, that rich men are always evil, and that it's not nice to trick someone into marriage. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a proud papa mole is going to seek the best possible husband for his daughter. Source: Korean Folklore

This week on MYTH, it's time for another exciting chapter from the chronicles of Lacplesis the Bearslayer.  You'll learn that you should never trust a Crusader, that lords are easy to bribe, and that sometimes evil gets the last laugh. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young man will be gifted magical music by a ghost. Source: Latvian Mythology

This week on MYTH, it's the conclusion to the annual New Year's special! You'll see that narrators get annoyed easily, that the Sun isn't as friendly as the Moon, and that there's still more things to blame Toad for. Then, in Gods and Monsters, Anansi the spider will go a-courting with his frenemy Nothing. Source: Basoko Mythology

This week on MYTH, it's the annual New Year's special! You'll learn that toads shouldn't try to create things, that the moon is extremely powerful, and that bananas make the perfect snack for new mothers. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a fish and a leopard will fall in love with the same elephant. Source: Basoko Mythology

This week on MYTH, it's once again time for the annual holiday special! You'll learn that being a magical snowman isn't all it's cracked up to be, that stoves are very sexy, and that you shouldn't steal a dog's bone (especially while it's still chewing on it). Then, in Gods and Monsters, a jolly Christmas elf is going to fly into a murderous rage over dairy. Source: Danish Folklore

This week on MYTH, we'll meet one of the great trickster figures of those stolen away to the Americas - Br'er Rabbit. You'll see that capitalism is cruel, that all tricksters love food, and that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a man will get a job working for the Devil. Source: Costa Rican/Cuban Folklore

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

This week on MYTH, it's finally time to play ball with Death. You'll learn that even death gods hate mosquitoes, that macaw feathers can be used to light cigars, and that you should always be wary of bats. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a temple will be built using nothing but a lot of hot air. Source: Mayan Mythology

This week on MYTH, the trickster Hero Twins are going to grow up and come into their own. You'll discover that farming is easy, that lice make bad messengers, and that you should be careful what you eat. Then, in Gods and Monsters, two brothers are going to get into a tussle over the love of a beautiful woman. Source: Mayan Mythology

This week on MYTH, we'll find out what happened to Lady Blood and meet the legendary Hero Twins.  You'll learn that owls may be death omens but they're also chill dudes, that it's surprisingly hard to kill a baby, and that monkeys are great dancers. Then, in Gods and Monsters, beauty and jealousy will get a lot of people in trouble. Source: Mayan Mythology

This week on MYTH, it's our annual New Year's special.  You'll see that games can be deadly serious, that you should never trust an owl, and that the lords of the dead are tricksy fellows. Then, in Gods and Monsters, be careful not to say the name of this trickster spirit lest ye incur its wrath. Source: Mayan Mythology

This week on MYTH, it's our annual Holiday Special as a special treat for your winter blues.  You'll learn why you shouldn't let children play with your valuables, why you should be careful what you drink, and why you should always do a barrel roll. Then, in Gods and Monsters, the animals will have to nominate someone to rescue the Sun. Source: Haida Mythology

This week on MYTH, we'll wander across ancient China in search of some truly strange sights.  You'll see that you should believe the locals when they warn you a place is haunted, that even tiny spirits can be very arrogant, and that books can make the best weapons. Then, in Gods and Monsters, strange things happen in strange hotels after dark. Source: Chinese Folklore  

This week on MYTH, we're traveling to the snowy north for stories from the Sami people.  You'll see that you should always watch where you're stepping, that giants sleep very soundly, and that all you have to do to get treasure is ask for it. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a young man will learn why you shouldn't mock the sky. Source: Sami Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're traveling to East India for a very special birth in a very unusual jungle.  You'll learn that stars and diamonds look a lot alike, that cattails make surprisingly good arrows, and that thieves make good husbands. Then, in Gods and Monsters, how far would you go to win a bet with your wife over a pancake?  This is the Myths Your Teacher Hated podcast, where I tell the stories of cultures from around the world in all of their original, bloody, uncensored glory. Source: Indian Folklore

This week on MYTH, it's once again time for the annual Halloween special.  You'll discover why you should never trust wandering strangers, why you should always handle eggs with care, and why you should be suspicious of unusual waterfowl. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we'll travel to the city of Ansbach for a very real and very macabre story of magic and murder. Source: German Folklore

This week on MYTH, it's off to snowy Norway for a trio of world-famous goats.  You'll learn that there's always someone bigger, that being a bully is a bad career plan, and that goats love violence almost as much as they love getting fat. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it's a freaky Friday switcheroo for one unhappy couple. Source: Norwegian Folklore

This week on MYTH, we're traveling to west Africa to discover the strange origins of Death and how it came into the world.  You'll learn that you should never ask the ingredients in a Michelin star meal, that your boss is not your friend, and that good hair can be a real curse sometimes. Then, in Gods and Monsters, what should you do when your firstborn child is a real snake in the grass? Source: Krachi Mythology

This week on MYTH, we'll catch up with Scheherazade as she spins out another of her 1001 Nights.  You'll see that sometimes complaining about rich people works, that you should always be careful when landing on weird islands, and that not all spirits actually do anything. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a gardener is going to get the runaround from a mischievous little bird. Source: Middle Eastern Folklore

This week on MYTH, it's time for another exciting chapter from the chronicles of Lacplesis the Bearslayer.  You'll learn that oaks make good victory crowns, that haunted castles show up in the strangest places, and that some warriors prefer the pen and the sword. Then, in Gods and Monsters, two brothers will go off in search of fortune and find a White Deer instead. Source: Latvian Mythology

This week on MYTH, we're journeying deep into the Brazilian jungle for a story about a tiger (who definitely shouldn't be in Brazil). You'll discover that tigers make bad farmers, that they make worse employers, and that they really can't trust rabbits. Then, in Gods and Monsters, those same rabbits will learn that some things are better than a tail. Source: Brazilian Folklore

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