Myths and Legends Podcast Episode 398: Nordic Christmas – In the Bleak Mid-winter
In Episode 398 of Myths and Legends, titled "Nordic Christmas: In the Bleak Mid-winter," hosts Jason and Carissa Weiser delve into the rich tapestry of Nordic folklore, uncovering enchanting and eerie tales that shape the region's Christmas traditions. Released on December 18, 2024, this episode transports listeners to a wintry Scandinavian landscape teeming with trolls, Brownies, and other mythical creatures, all woven into the celebrations of the holiday season.
1. The Lieutenant’s Grim Christmas in Oslo
The episode begins with a framing narrative centered around a young lieutenant spending his first Christmas away from home in Oslo. Struggling with loneliness and the bleak winter, he receives an unexpected invitation from Mother Scow (Miss Met) to join a warm gathering celebrating Christmas Eve.
Jason Weiser [00:00]: “This week on Myths and Legends... it is nothing like what I think of when I think of Christmas stories, and I love it for that.”
This setting serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding of traditional Nordic stories, blending personal reflections with age-old myths.
2. Tales from Mother Scow’s Gathering
a. The Brownies and Stine’s Mischief
The gathering introduces listeners to the lore of Brownies, small household elves known for their industriousness and occasional mischief. Cousin Lizzie shares a humorous anecdote about two competing Brownies from Vegar and Burr, highlighting their unwavering loyalty and the chaos it can cause.
Cousin Lizzie [08:45]: “Two Brownies... solely determined to protect their family's hay, tearing into piles and sending dust into the river.”
The lieutenant contributes his own story about a Brownie incident in Hallingdale, where Stine defies the tradition by eating the porridge meant for the Brownie, only to engage in a haunting dance that leaves her forever changed.
Lieutenant [11:15]: “...she couldn't stop singing that song.”
b. Peter Gynt and the Battle Against Trolls
The narrative shifts to the tale of Peter Gynt, a resourceful man accompanied by his loyal bear. Each Christmas, trolls invade his home, consuming food and causing havoc. Determined to protect his family, Peter devises clever traps using household items like a giant shoe and hand spikes, ultimately driving the trolls away permanently.
Mother Scow [12:30]: “Peter and the bear... stopped until the trolls fled screaming back to the mountains.”
This story emphasizes themes of courage and ingenuity in the face of recurring threats.
c. Madam Evanson and the Christmas Mass of the Dead
Another haunting story is recounted by Mother Scow about Madam Evanson, an elderly widow who attends a mysterious Christmas Mass where the dead gather. This Mass is a spectral event where the veil between the living and the deceased is thin, leading to eerie encounters and the eventual entrapment of the unwitting attendees.
Madam Evanson [16:00]: “They are all dead. This was the Christmas Mass of the dead between midnight and 1am every Christmas.”
The tale serves as a chilling reminder of the thin line between the festive and the supernatural in Nordic lore.
d. Hans the Carl's Son: A Journey of Redemption
The centerpiece of the episode is the epic saga of Hans the Carl's son, a young man rejected by his family and deemed worthless. Abandoned, Hans embarks on a perilous journey where he encounters dwarves, magical artifacts, and ultimately proves his worth by rescuing his brothers from troll captivity. His bravery leads to the establishment of Christmas gift-giving traditions and his union with the princess, symbolizing redemption and acceptance.
Hans [20:45]: “Wow. First try. Who knew it was so easy to slay a dragon?”
This story encapsulates the transformative power of courage and kindness, reinforcing the spirit of Christmas through mythological storytelling.
3. Creature Highlight: Frau Galten and Her Cursed Dogs
Towards the episode's conclusion, the Weisers introduce Frau Galten, a formidable figure from Northern German folklore. Frau Galten is depicted as a huntress whose cursed dogs—her daughters transformed into stone when harmed—serve as both protectors and agents of her vengeance. Listeners are cautioned against engaging with her dogs, as any attempt results in fatal curses or an unending cycle of reanimated stone dogs.
Carissa Weiser [17:04]: “If you're like me, you'd freak out a little bit and then try to chase the dog out of your house. Apparently, that is the wrong answer.”
Frau Galten’s legend serves as a moral lesson, emphasizing respect for supernatural entities and the consequences of meddling with cursed beings.
4. Wrapping Up the Night
As the stories conclude, the lieutenant reflects on the warmth and camaraderie experienced during the gathering, contrasting it with the eerie tales shared. This blend of heartwarming fellowship and spine-chilling folklore underscores the diverse nature of Nordic Christmas traditions.
Lieutenant [17:00]: “This was actually a really great Christmas. He thanked her. The company and the stories. They made the night better.”
5. Announcements and Farewell
Before bidding farewell, the hosts announce a temporary hiatus for the Myths and Legends podcast. They reveal plans to switch to a bi-weekly schedule starting in 2025, allowing them to maintain quality while exploring new stories. Additionally, they tease an upcoming Christmas Ghost story special on their sister show, Fictional.
Jason Weiser [17:04]: “Next week on Fictional... seemingly like Odin's wife or, like, a consort or something.”
The episode closes with heartfelt holiday wishes, blending traditional storytelling with personal reflections on the season's significance.
Conclusion
Episode 398 of Myths and Legends offers a captivating exploration of Nordic Christmas folklore, seamlessly intertwining personal narratives with mythical tales. From mischievous Brownies and heroic battles against trolls to the haunting Mass of the Dead and the enigmatic Frau Galten, the Weisers present a rich mosaic of stories that illuminate the darker, yet enchanting side of Christmas traditions. This episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to appreciate the depth and diversity of global folklore during the holiday season.