Podcast #057: Myths & Legends

A wicker figure, depicted with a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left, stands in a low-reaching bush in an island surrounded by small roads. In the background are trees. To the figure's side is a large sign; a wooden board on which is written, in stylised Irish script, the words 'Cu-Chulainn challenges your arrival'.

Welcome to Episode 057 (kind of) of my “Travel Tales From Beyond The Brochure” podcast.

This episode is all about myths & legends from around the world. Or at least, mostly around the UK, Ireland, and Michigan. Myths and legends might be hyper-local, specific to one town, or they might be known worldwide with the very name invoking an instant impression. They could even be the driving force behind an entire cultural identity and assumed history. Whatever they were, they’re fascinating insights into a place and the people who live in it.

Topics discussed include:

  • My recent trips to London and hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks
  • The tale of the Nain Rouge, Detroit, USA
  • Other legends of Michigan (Dog Man, Melonheads, Pressie)
  • My uncle’s music collection is stuck in 1973
  • The tales of Tam Lin and Matty Groves
  • Lebor Gabala Erenn
  • The myths and legends of the Ulster Cycle, with apologies for my bad pronunciations
  • Take Good Care Of Your Cows
  • What the ancient Ulster capital of Emain Macha looks like now
  • Selkies. And Kelpies
  • La Llorona, and why children should stay away from water
  • The tale of the Wizard of the Edge
  • What do you mean Sherwood Forest is a real place?
  • Robin Hood, Sheffield’s biggest export
  • Some myths are just a tax-avoidance scam

You can listen via the feed above, or via Spotify, or on your podcast app of choice. Let me know if it isn’t, by the way, and I’ll see what I can do. In addition, a PDF transcript of this episode is available.

As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I now have a newsletter you can subscribe to, containing extra content, and it’s where I’ll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution.

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Contributions to this episode come from: