Two stories from Japan about samurai (and wannabe samurai) following their dreams. Too bad it takes fights with giant creatures and a little bit of murder to do so.

303-Japanese Folklore: Rice and Means

Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

History

Society & Culture

Books

Back in the Journey to the West and Monkey has a fan club, the Tang Monk teaches an impromptu class, and Pigsy finds his calling: sitting and eating.



The creatures are the Ruslaki, and they're very easy to break up with. 



Shrok Pillow: https://myths.link/shrok



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Music:



"Germaine" by Blue Dot Sessions

 "Lush Arborio" by Blue Dot Sessions

 "Sparkling Craft" by Blue Dot Sessions

 "Simple Aside" by Blue Dot Sessions






366: Monkey King: Roadblock

Two stories of goblins (도깨비) from Korean folklore and how, if they stop by, you'll want to have drinks on hand because it might just save your life.



The creature is Ratatoskr, the greatest* squirrel in Norse myth.



*only



Disclaimer and list of Dokkaebi: https://myths.link/365



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BetterHelp: This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self.



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Music:

"Cornicob" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Lofoten Eggels" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Raskt Landsby" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Timble Rider Theme" by Blue Dot Sessions






365: Korean folklore: Goblin

When your parents get you three tiny men in a golden box as a going away present.



The creature is the Neugle, who will drown you but feel super bad about it.



AI Bird feeder that you probably shouldn't buy: https://myths.link/birdfeeder



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Can you solve the case? June needs your help, detective! Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://wooga.com/games/junes-journey



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Music:



"Delicious" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Crown of September" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Willow Willow" by Blue Dot Sessions










364: English folklore: Of Mice and Men...and Frogs...and Birds

The story of Yaroslav is one of growing up and figuring out who you are...so you can stop accidentally killing people with your deadly high-fives.



The creature is the Pombrero, a sleazy, muscly little hobbit who might already be in your house.



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Sponsors:



Can you crack the case? Download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android! https://www.wooga.com/games/junes-journey



This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your social sweet spot, with BetterHelp. Try online therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self.



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"Miniatures" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Stuffed Monsters" by Blue Dot Sessions



"Bird Language" by Chad Crouch






363: Slavic Folklore: One High Five Man

Two stories from Chinese folklore about broken things. A broken pot, a broken future, and how things can come together to heal. And why you shouldn't go to work drunk or else you might have to arrest a tiger.



The creature is the tooth tyrant, the Odontotyrannos, and it's not an angry dentist.



Links: 

Uncle Jim's Worm Farm: https://myths.link/liftinjimmy



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Sponsors:



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Music:



"Jumbel" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Gathering Stasis" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Lemon and Melon" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Liptis" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Town Market" by Blue Dot Sessions






303-Japanese Folklore: Rice and Means

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