Episode 129 - An Otter's Ransom

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 Mythology

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: Banyarwandan Mythology

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/Chinese Folklore

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