Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast
195 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsThis is the Myths Your Teach Hated, a weekly podcast where I tell the stories of cultures around the world in all of their original, bloody, uncensored glory. Modern tellings of these stories have become dry and dusty, but I’ll be trying to breathe new life into them. These stories are NSFW.
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Episodes
Episode 132 - Fearless
April 07, 2024 15:08 - 30 minutes - 32.3 MBThis 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
Episode 131B - Theseus and the Minotaur
March 24, 2024 13:27 - 51 minutes - 55 MBThis 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
Episode 131A - Oracles and Omens
March 09, 2024 14:16 - 31 minutes - 33.6 MBThis 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 Mythology
Episode 130 - King of the Ghosts
February 23, 2024 22:55 - 22 minutes - 24.1 MBThis 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: Banyarwandan Mythology
Episode 129 - An Otter's Ransom
February 11, 2024 14:53 - 38 minutes - 40 MBThis 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
Episode 128 - King Shark
January 28, 2024 18:16 - 26 minutes - 28.8 MBThis 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
Episode 127 - I'm Not Lion
January 14, 2024 20:27 - 28 minutes - 30.3 MBThis 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
Episode 126 - A Whole New World
December 31, 2023 18:05 - 28 minutes - 29.8 MBThis 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/Chinese Folklore
Episode 125 - Christmas in the Eternal City
December 17, 2023 16:19 - 25 minutes - 26 MBThis 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
Episode 124 - Island of Dr Moreau
December 03, 2023 16:06 - 22 minutes - 23.4 MBThis 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
Episode 123 - Blow Thou Winter Wind
November 18, 2023 17:02 - 23 minutes - 24.1 MBThis 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
Episode 122 - To Catch a Thief
November 03, 2023 22:40 - 31 minutes - 33.5 MBThis 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
Episode 121 - Til Death
October 21, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 25.7 MBThis 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
Episode 120 - Son of a Peach
October 08, 2023 16:07 - 27 minutes - 28.2 MBThis 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
Episode 119 - Love, Marriage, and Dragons
September 24, 2023 13:01 - 37 minutes - 38.9 MBThis 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
Episode 118 Strange Magic
September 09, 2023 14:02 - 21 minutes - 22 MBThis 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
Episode 117C - Fee Fi Fo Fum
August 27, 2023 14:48 - 26 minutes - 28.3 MBThis 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
Episode 117B - The Prince is a Pauper
August 12, 2023 16:28 - 23 minutes - 24.4 MBThis 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. Source: English Folklore
Episode 117A - Slayer
July 15, 2023 23:43 - 31 minutes - 32.6 MBThis 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
Episode 116 - Dreams and Omens
July 02, 2023 15:40 - 28 minutes - 25.4 MBThis 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
Episode 115 - The Music Man
June 17, 2023 14:20 - 21 minutes - 19 MBThis 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
Episode 114 - Donkey Kong
June 03, 2023 14:49 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MBThis 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
Episode 113 - The Estonian Giant
May 21, 2023 15:12 - 24 minutes - 23.7 MBThis 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
Episode 112B - The Goblin King
May 06, 2023 18:26 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBThis 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. Source: Japanese Folklore
Hiatus Announcement
March 15, 2023 22:19 - 36 seconds - 608 KBHey 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 f...
Episode 112A - In the Hall of the Mountain King
March 05, 2023 13:26 - 28 minutes - 27.6 MBThis 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
Episode 111 - East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon
February 18, 2023 15:40 - 43 minutes - 42.5 MBThis 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
Episode 110 - Love's Labor's Lost
February 05, 2023 14:02 - 25 minutes - 25.9 MBThis 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
Episode 109 - As Above, So Below
January 21, 2023 16:05 - 32 minutes - 31.6 MBThis 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.
Episode 108 - Fire and Ice
January 07, 2023 15:42 - 19 minutes - 18 MBThis 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
Episode 107 - O Christmas Tree
December 22, 2022 21:00 - 19 minutes - 20.1 MBThis 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
Episode 106 - Cat Burglar
December 11, 2022 16:20 - 23 minutes - 23.1 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re headed to the woods of Armenia for a unique spin on a classic fairy tale trope. You’ll see that you should always part an old woman from her walking stick, that some animals deserve to be punished, and that orphans don’t always grow up to be heroes. Then, in Gods and Monsters, the cat’s got your tongue, but who has the cat’s tail? Source: Armenian Folklore
Episode 105 - The Hills Have Eyes
November 26, 2022 18:18 - 18 minutes - 18.3 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re bound for South Australia. You’ll see that little old ladies are dangerous, that it rarely pays to be bait, and that sometimes the killer is who you most medium suspect. Then, in Gods and Monsters, shifting shadows creep in the darkness in search of blood. Source: Aborigine Folklore
Episode 104 - Charlotte's Web
November 12, 2022 19:48 - 21 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week on MYTH, love is in the air, but so are some eight-legged creepy crawlies. You’ll learn how to make a spider house out of bread, how to pilot a rooster, and how to get rich in the shoe business. Then, in Gods and Monsters, spiders aren’t the only arachnids in search of love. Source: Portuguese Folklore
Episode 103 - Sympathy for the Devil
October 30, 2022 13:08 - 45 minutes - 45.6 MBThis week on MYTH, it’s our annual Halloween Spooktacular! You’ll discover that demons can really bust a move, that being a miser never seems to work out on holidays, and that you should be careful about what invitations you accept. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s the devilish origin story of a Halloween classic: the jack-o’lantern. Source: Czechoslovakian Folklore, Irish Folklore Halloween Special
Episode 102 - What Big Teeth You Have
October 16, 2022 15:12 - 28 minutes - 27.2 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re donning a red cloak for some variations on a classic fairy tale. You’ll see that you shouldn’t make pancakes out of donkey dung, that falling asleep on the toilet can get you killed, and that you should be careful with someone’s skillet. Then, in Gods and Monsters, putting snail eyes on your face doesn’t make you someone’s grandmother. Source: Italian Folklore, Taiwanese Folklore
Episode 101 - Islands in the Stream
September 30, 2022 19:14 - 23 minutes - 24.5 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re sailing out to one of the most isolated communities on the planet. You’ll see that meeting the Europeans is usually a bad thing, that you can totally navigate the open ocean with vague directions, and that you need to hide your traps better. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s the origin story for some of the most iconic statues in the world. Source: Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Mythology
Episode 100 - Dragon Tales
September 17, 2022 16:12 - 20 minutes - 20.3 MBThis week on MYTH, a young man is going on a journey across ancient Korea in search of some answers. You’ll find that straw sandals aren’t durable, that some people are just cursed, and that being a dragon has some weird prerequisites. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s the ancient origin of the dragonballs that spells bad news for rich people. Source: Korean Folklore
Episode 99 - Warts and All
September 01, 2022 14:12 - 31 minutes - 30.8 MBThis week on MYTH, it’s off to the Czech Republic for a twist on a classic tale. You’ll see that you should be nice to all your kids, that you should always let a stranger take you to a cave, and that you can be too good at questing. Then, in Gods and Monsters, a fox befriends a senior kitty. Source: Slavic Folklore
Episode 98 - Young Merlin
August 20, 2022 12:01 - 42 minutes - 41.2 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re riding back to ancient Britain for the origin story of one of the most famous wizards ever. You’ll see that you shouldn’t build on a dragon, that history used to be a lot more fun, and that mercenary armies usually aren’t your friend. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’re traveling even farther back in time to follow one of the fleeing heroes of ancient Troy. Source: Arthurian Legend See the link for the fantastic History of Rome podcast referenced in today's epis...
Episode 97 - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
August 05, 2022 22:52 - 31 minutes - 31.3 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re going to meet the owner of one of the most famous heads of hair. You’ll discover that judging can be very hands-on, that killing a lion is a right of passage for folk heroes, and that not all riddles are good. Then, in Gods and Monsters, two best buddy beasties learn the true meaning of the Safety Dance.
Episode 96 - Were Tiger? There Tiger!
July 23, 2022 19:25 - 18 minutes - 17.9 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re going to answer the question raised by William Blake - Tyger Tyger burning bright, in the forests of the night: what immortal hand or eye, dare frame thy fearful symmetry? You’ll see that you shouldn’t trust a weretiger, that your neighbors probably suck, and that carrying water is hard. Then, in Gods and Monsters, sometimes the best athlete is a frog.
Episode 95 - O Brother, Where Art Thou?
July 09, 2022 14:23 - 31 minutes - 30.4 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re visiting picturesque Romania to find the oddest twins you’ve ever met. You’ll see why you shouldn’t eat someone else’s leftovers, why you should always have a magic sword handy, and why you should always follow your dreams. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s very, very hard to cheat death even when he’s just a voice.
Episode 94 - The Gambler
June 24, 2022 13:38 - 25 minutes - 25 MBThis week on MYTH, you gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You’ll see that it’s not cheating if it's for a good cause, that you shouldn’t bet what you can’t afford to lose, and that it’s good to have animal friends. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you’ll discover that one-week old babies can do anything they put their minds to.
Episode 93 - Magic the Hedgehog
June 12, 2022 15:28 - 24 minutes - 24 MBThis week on MYTH, we’ve got a hedgehog on a rooster - your argument is invalid. You’ll learn what happens when you wish too hard, what a hedgehog’s favorite instrument is, and why you should obey legally binding contracts. Then, in Gods and Monsters, we’re headed into the grimdark world of…chickens?
Episode 92 - Adventure Time
May 29, 2022 13:18 - 31 minutes - 31.1 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re going to reconnect with a clever warrior from Celtic lore. You’ll learn that the best way to launch a boat is to kick it, that you should always feed the birds, and that video games get boss fights right. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you’ll see why you should never invite late night strangers into your home, no matter how rich you are.
Episode 91 - Roadrunner and Coyote
May 15, 2022 12:19 - 16 minutes - 15.9 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re dealing in tales of animal trickery and avian treachery. You’ll learn that clothes maketh the bird, that you shouldn’t trust royalty, and that it doesn’t pay to be generous. Then, in Gods and Monsters, you can totally trust the Coyote. Honest!
Episode 90 - Cloak and Dagger
April 30, 2022 15:39 - 30 minutes - 29.9 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re going to talk about some Norse poetry. You’ll discover why you shouldn’t bet on little boys, why you shouldn’t trust cryptic messages, and why squirrels make good insult messengers. Then, in Gods and Monsters, the gods go to war.
Episode 89 - A Hero's Journey
April 16, 2022 12:39 - 19 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re headed back to Latvia to catch up with our bear-slaying hero. You’ll learn that they just don’t make boats like they used to, that it helps if a goddess thinks you’re cute, and that it’s easy for jocks to become best friends. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s an adorable critter that might make you rich or burn everything you own.
Episode 88 - You're Welcome
April 01, 2022 23:51 - 30 minutes - 29.8 MBThis week on MYTH, we’re going to catch up with one of the all-time great tricksters. You’ll see that fire likes to hide, that you can’t trust birds, and that toenails are valuable. Then, in Gods and Monsters, it’s a tragic tale of jealousy, revenge, and…fluffy critters?