DeepSummary
The episode begins with a disclaimer about some strong violence in the stories being told. It then introduces three stories from Korean folklore during the Joseon dynasty, involving ghosts, goblins, and demons. The first story is about a literary man who uses his wits to intimidate and control demons through psychological manipulation, sometimes violently.
The second story follows an archer who kills a snake demon, only for it to be reborn as his son out of vengeance. After years of hatred from the 'son', the archer is forced to kill him when he tries to murder the archer. The snake demon's spirit is ultimately appeased when the archer shows it mercy.
The third story tells of a young man named Kidong who abandons his future as a governor's son to be with his lover Charan, a dancing girl. With Charan's help, Kidong ultimately becomes a high official by passing the prestigious government exam, and the couple is allowed to marry.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The stories blend horror elements from Korean folklore with human narratives exploring profound themes like vengeance, love, ambition and wisdom.
- Wisdom, mercy and understanding can break cycles of violence, even against supernatural forces born of vengeance.
- Cleverness, planning and the subversion of social constraints can allow the ambitious to achieve their desires.
- Vanity, manipulation and cruelty are present even among the educated and literary elites.
- The stories use hyperbole and humor to explore deeper truths about human nature.
- The power of storytelling allows folklore to impart cultural values across generations.
- There exists a rich tradition of Korean ghost stories and tales involving the supernatural.
- Finding balance between desires and karmic consequences is an enduring human struggle.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “He asked, what the supplies so we can run away together. Ciron grew a little nervous, he said, but what about her fathers ceremony? Oh, also, he thought her dad died in the winter. It was like middle of summer, she said. He did, and he was a jerk. They never did the sacrifices.“ by Narrator
- “She presented them to Kidong and told him to quit his job because they had other plans.“ by Narrator
- “The real takeaway here, though, is of course, definitely try to enslave demons, especially if, like me, youre absolutely terrible at chess. Youll never lose again. Also, you wont have to pay for hotel rooms, so thats a plus.“ by Jason Weiser
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Episode Information
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
1/3/24
The creature is the Kting Voar, a creature that definitely does not exist, but not for lack of being extremely normal and boring.
Kting Voar article: https://myths.link/academicrigorcryptidstyle
Cow eating snake (NOT the Kting Voar): https://myths.link/snakeyum
Story 1 (the literary man): https://myths.link/literaryman
Story 2: https://myths.link/snakesrevenge
Story 3: https://myths.link/charan
Explosion-proof your cloppy friend (but not really): https://myths.link/superhorse
Disclaimer: https://myths.link/350
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Sponsor:
This episode of Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/myths and get on your way to being your best self.
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Music:
"Cirrocumulous" by Chad Crouch
"Venus Aire" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Cortesia" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Flatlands 1st" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Night Music" by Blue Dot Sessions
"The Bond" by Chad Crouch
"Virginia Creeper" by Blue Dot Sessions