The Legendary Tales

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Every week we take two legends in history, investigate what brought them to the public eye, and look at the sources that can verify, or disprove their existence. Our topics range from biographies of legendary people, to spells cast with a Unicorn horn. A

Myths, Legends, and Notorious People


    • Apr 29, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 57 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Legendary Tales

    Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton (and real life) and The Minotaur (Greek)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 58:50


    Isadora covers Queen Charlotte and looks at how her real life differed from her Bridgerton persona - including how she is Englands first black Queen. Adam, who is in the middle of finals, does a quick Greek myth where everyone dies!

    Pirates, and Press-gangs (UK and USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 47:43


    Adam talks about Sir Francis Drake the famous British privateer, and Isadora looks at how waking up on a boat after a nights drinking was a real problem for men in the 1800's.

    Witness Ghosts (USA) and Bella in the Wytch Elm (UK)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 48:47


    We are back for season 2! Titling the episodes a little differently but still giving you your weekly dose of Legendary magic. Don't forget to review and subscribe!

    Season One Recap and Shakedown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 70:44


    We talk through most of the 50 episodes we have recorded, giving updates and snipits of information about the ones that suck with us the most. Ben joins.

    Grinling Gibbons (UK) and Opinel Knives (France)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 53:56


    Adam tells you about his favorite knife, and Isadora tangents from the amazing Grinling to Christopher Wren one of the greatest architectural minds.

    Absinthe (France), Prohibition (USA) and The Great Beer Flood (London)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 87:24


    Ben guests stars along side Adam and Isadora to talk about all things booze - how to drink it, when not to drink it and how to be swept away in a deadly floor of porter ale.

    Trash Island (Global) and the Johnstown Flood (PA, USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 66:01


    Adam gets passionate (and a little preachy) about the amount of trash/rubbish floating around the oceans and Isadora looks at the Johnstown Flood, and Dam bursting which accounted for 2,208 deaths.

    Catholic Saints

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 79:26


    Adam and Isadora learn about Catholic saints. Some of whom are responsible for some of the stranger aspects of human life.

    Jessie James (USA) and HH Holmes (USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 82:52


    Adam is well - and on the phone to tell us about Jessie James and his gang of murdering theives. Isadora explains how America's first serial killer was actually only convicted of one murder.

    Toilet Ghost (Korea) and Casper (USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2021 55:23


    Ben is in the hotseat with Isadora talking about friendly (and it turns out not so friendly) ghosts.

    Legendary Buildings from Australia and Ohio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 87:59


    This is one of our favorite epsiodes and since it was one of our first we thought it was a good one to release again while Adam recovers! We will be back next week. Isadora talks about two buildings in Australia, one still standing, and one which burnt in the 1800's, that highlight the competition between Sydney and Melbourne to be 'the' international city of Australia in the 1800's. Adam discusses a local legend of a building he has actually visited, and still remembers how much it made his skin crawl.

    Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 70:14


    Isadora looks at all the ways Sleeping Beauty is problematic, but also has one of the best female villans of all time. Adam looks at Cinderella and how these fairytales have evolved.

    Krampus (German) and The Yule Lads (Iceland)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 41:54


    Here is an episode about Christmas Legends: Adam talks about Krampus, the anti-Santa, and Isadora investigates a family of trolls.

    Shakespearean Conspiracies (UK) and Albert Camus (France)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 77:05


    Isadora looks at who really wrote Shakespeare's plays and Adam looks at a French philosopher, and author!

    Hanukkah Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 26:21


    Isadora's Jewish husband, Ben, teaches her about Hanukkah, dreidels, gilt, and the Rugrats comes up more than once.

    Vlad the Impaler (Romania) and Mata Hari (Europe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 66:22


    Adam starts looking at Dracula but his research takes him into the much darker world of his real life inspiration Vlad the Impaler. Isadora takes a swing at a beautiful spy with the world on a string, and a tragic backstory.

    Good Snakes (Global) and Anti-Heroes (Global)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 75:03


    Isadora does as rapid fire info dump on all the cultures in which snakes are used as a symbol of immortality. Adam slanders pop culture as he looks at the idea of what makes a hero, vs anti-hero, resulting in one of the biggest debates in Legendary podcasting history.

    Thanksgiving and Black Friday (USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 54:10


    In this early morning episode Adam talks about Thanksgiving and Isadora looks at the history of the term Black Friday. In a new holiday tradition this is, like most holiday events, unedited when it probably should be!

    The Presidential Curse of Tippecanoe (USA) and Russian Fairytales (Russia)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 62:52


    Isadora looks at a retaliatory curse for the Battle of Tippecanoe that claims the life of American presidents. Adam looks at the death of Koschei: The Deathless - in a surprisingly upbeat fairy tale.

    The Masters Golf History (USA) - Guest Host The Swingdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 54:51


    Racism, sexism and green jackets! We get schooled on the most famous golf tournament, The Masters. - with even more banter, and discussion than normal. Do you know someone who loves golf as much as Ben does? Tell them to check out https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-swingdom/ (The Swingdom. )

    Dyotlov Pass (Russia) and Hydra (Global)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 80:54


    Adam investigates the tragic tale of Dyotlov Pass - and looks at how the evasive nature of Communist Russia has kept the legend alive. Isadora does a rapid run through of Hydra: the Greek Myth, Hydra: the Constellation, Hydra: the immortal sea creature, and many other places the Hydra name has been used.

    Gunpowder Plot (UK) and Helltown (Ohio)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 76:25


    November 5th, Bonfire Night, Fireworks Night, Guy Fawkes Night... so many names from one failed terroist plot to blow up the houses of Parliment. Isadora looks at why it has gone down in history. Adam takes a look at some of the abandoned towns of Ohio, including two towns names Helltown

    Sleep Paralysis and The Call is Coming From Inside the House

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 53:33


    Halloween special! Adam looks at Sleep paralysis, and learns that it's more common than he thought - and not caused by demons. Isadora creeps herself out talking about the opening for Scream, and the real life babysitter slaying that started it all.

    Mahavir (India) and Children's Parables (India)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 71:23


    Isadora looks at one India's oldest stories which features a Princess with a very strange power. She also looks at some of the problems of patriarchy in India, and all the great ways it's changing. Adam tackles the way that tales in India are constructed differently than those in the Western world, and at a few children parables written for a King's witless sons.

    Hadrian's Wall (UK) and the Ghosts of Henry VIII's Wives (UK)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 87:07


    Adam talks about his recent trip to Hadrian's Wall and tells us about its history including ghost stories. Isadora looks at the lives of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard - including taking a look at ALL the places Anne Boleyn is thought to haunt.

    Plant Hunters (Scotland and Global) and Man Eating Trees (Madagascar)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 78:33


    Isadora questions why adventurous botantists risk their lives for the sake of discovering new plants. Adam looks at some legendary man-eating trees with a long-lasting legacy.

    Alexander of Abonoteichus (Greek) and Human Combustion (Global)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 71:06


    Adam looks at a false prophet from Greece, while Isadora investigates fanciful tales of Spontaneous Human Combustion.

    Rasputin (Russia) and Divination (Greek) - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 42:32


    In Part One, Isadora looks at the life, and death of Rasputin - developing some fairly strong opinions along the way. Part Two, Adam starts with Harry Potter, and ends with Oedipus, as he looks at the Fates.

    Rasputin (Russia) and Divination (Greek) - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 55:35


    In Part One, Isadora looks at the life, and death of Rasputin - developing some fairly strong opinions along the way. Part Two, Adam starts with Harry Potter, and ends with Oedipus, as he looks at the Fates.

    The Notorious RBG - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2020 38:22


    Isadora looks into the life, work and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg who passed away yesterday. She changed the world with her feminism, optimism and down right badassary.

    La Ciguapa (Dominican Republic) and Queen of Sheba (Yemen)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 54:37


    Adam looks at a spirit/siren from the Dominican Rebublic and Isadora learns about Yemen, including one of it's more famous (and more positive) leaders. Just a one-part episode this week!

    Snake Handling (USA) - Bonus Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 19:49


    Isadora semi-investigates semi-rants about the Church practise of snakes handling in the Appalachian mountains in this special bonus episode! 

    Smog (Global) and Chernobyl (Ukraine) - Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 37:02


    In part one Isadora looks at Foggy London Town and how Pea Soup Fog was even more disgusting than in sounds. In part two Adam takes time to explain the Chernobyl disaster and the devastating effect it had on people.

    Smog (Global) and Chernobyl (Ukraine) - Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 49:28


    In part one Isadora looks at Foggy London Town and how Pea Soup Fog was even more disgusting than in sounds. In part two Adam takes time to explain the Chernobyl disaster and the devastating effect it had on people.

    Hawaii Observatory

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 17:07


    Adam gives a quick run down as to why so many space-centric scientific discoveries come out of one Hawaiian mountain.

    Zoo Massacre (USA) and Big Cats of England (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 54:59


    In the first of our two part episode Adam talked about the Muskingum County Animal Farm Massacre in 2011, which resulted in the senseless death of many exotic animals and new welfare laws. In part two Isadora looks at how England became home to Big Cats, including their real life sightings and captures - and a few less convincing tales. https://www.gq.com/story/terry-thompson-ohio-zoo-massacre-chris-heath-gq-february-2012 (https://www.gq.com/story/terry-thompson-ohio-zoo-massacre-chris-heath-gq-february-2012)

    Zoo Massacre (USA) and Big Cats of England (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 38:48


    In the first of our two part episode Adam talks about the Muskingum County Animal Farm Massacre in 2011, which resulted in the death of many exotic animals and new welfare laws. In part two Isadora looks at how England became home to Big Cats, including their real life sightings and captures - and a few less convincing tales. https://www.gq.com/story/terry-thompson-ohio-zoo-massacre-chris-heath-gq-february-2012 (https://www.gq.com/story/terry-thompson-ohio-zoo-massacre-chris-heath-gq-february-2012)

    Government, Aliens (USA) and Oumuamua (Space)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 73:45


    Isadora does a quick run through of all the government agencies that the USA has run through in their quest to disprove aliens - including the infamous Blue Book and the more recent work by Marco Rubio. Adam looks at Oumuamua a mysterious rock hurtling through space from a place far beyond our galaxy. Is it an alien ship sent to spy on us? Or a part of planet pulled apart by its own sun.

    Argentina Bonus - Gauchos

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 20:47


    Isadora (an avid horse aficionado) talks to Adam about one of her favourite things - cowboys from around the world - in particular the Gauchos of Argentina. Special bonus episode.

    New Orleans Vampires (USA) and Voodoo Queen Mary Laveau (USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 78:07


    Adam investigates two serial killers in Louisiana whose bizarre behavior created vampire myths. Isadora takes a run at voodoo and one of its most famous practitioners.

    Nazi Escapes (Argentina) and Rougarou (France)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 80:43


    Isadora investigates the difficult topic of the Nazis who escaped using ratlines into Argentina. She also educates Adam on the involvement of the United States government and the Catholic Church in their escape. Adam talks about rougarou, a French-monster tale that made its way to America.

    The Great Train Robbery (UK) and Art Heists (France and Italy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 64:07


    Adam (phoning in from the South of France) talks about a very famous British criminal and fugitive who evaded capture for 35 years. Isadora looks at two notorious art thieves - one who steals for the love of art, and one for the love of the game.

    Unicorns (Europe) and Dragons (Europe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 73:10


    Isadora takes on the Unicorn - which grew out of the myths of India, and Adam gets to talk Pliny the Elder (again) when he tells his stories of Dragons. Plus they both give you advice on spells, and cooking these mythical beasts.

    The Flying Dutchman (Holland) and The Headless Horseman (Ireland, USA, England)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 68:01


    Adam learns about the Golden Age of the Dutch East India Trading Company, and the scientific explanation for ghost ships. Isadora travels around the world learning about a variety of headless horseman stories.

    Unlucky 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 9:51


    In celebration of Friday the 13th Isadora and Adam released their 13th episode, so they have done their first minisode on why 13 is a number millions of people fear.

    Howard Hughes (USA) and The Hindenburg (USA and Germany)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 83:54


    Isadora investigates the tragic life of Howard Hughes and finds an admirable man. Adam looks at airships and blimps, including The Hindenburg disaster. And we both root for the return of blimps as a mode of transportation.

    Amelia Earhart (USA) and Princess Diana (UK)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 81:35


    Adam looks at the theory behind the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, as well as the fabulous aviation history she left behind. Isadora teaches Adam (who was only 3 years old in 1997) about why Diana, Princess of Wales has such a legacy and why her death has created one of the biggest conspiracy theories in modern history.

    Atlantis (Greek), and Sea Serpents (Global)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2020 67:35


    Isadora looks at how Plato's writings have made their way into modern legends, while Adam tackles one of his biggest fears, the Ocean, as he looks at how most sea monster sightings are really just the elusive Oarfish.

    Shinigami (Japanese), Duppies and Folklore (Jamaican)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 67:14


    Adam explains how the Japanese Shinigami and the Grim Reaper are not the same thing. And also explains the premise of one of his favourite anime Death Note. While Isadora gives you a whole load of practical advice on dealing with ghosts, luck and moving house within the Obeah spirituality. Specifically she looks at the Rolling Calf, the Golden Table, and how almost all spirits can be stopped by salt.

    Exhibition Halls of Australia (Sydney, and Melbourne) and The Athens Lunatic Asylum (Ohio, USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 87:59


    Isadora talks about two buildings in Australia, one still standing, and one which burnt in the 1800s, that highlight the competition between Sydney and Melbourne to be 'the' international city of Australia in the 1800's. Adam discusses a local legend of a building he has actually visited, and still remembers how much it made his skin crawl.

    Joan of Arc (France) and DB Cooper (USA)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 92:28


    Isadora looks at how Joan of Arc was a mysterious tale built up around a very real, and troubled young girl. She investigates her cross-dressing, prophecies and how her lack of literacy could have contributed to her death. Adam takes on a fun tale of DB Cooper, who jumped out of a plane with a bunch of cash. There are a few suspects, but could DNA testing be the key to the mystery.

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