Myths and Legends Episode 416: Hans Christian Andersen – "Humbugs"

Release Date: August 27, 2025
Hosts: Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser
Theme: Two of Andersen's lesser-known tales—satirical explorations of pride and power, first through a hubristic king who thinks himself greater than God, and then through an egotistical beetle whose self-delusion rivals any monarch's.

Episode Overview

This episode retells two striking stories by Hans Christian Andersen. The first is a grand, almost absurdist fable of a conquering king who sets his sights on waging war with God. The second features a humble beetle, whose self-importance and lack of self-awareness provide a mirror image of the king's hubris. Both stories lampoon pride, ambition, and the limits of power—whether on a throne, or in a manure pile.
The episode ends with a spotlight on the Elfolk—mysterious Danish "elves" or "Ells"—from folklore.

Story 1: The King Who Would Conquer Heaven

(00:40 – 52:11)

Summary

A King’s Insatiable Ambition:
The episode opens mid-cruelty, with a king punishing a soldier for refusing to kill innocents, only to hypocritically pretend mercy before ordering the soldier's family killed and bounty set for his head. (04:07)
Ruthless Rule:
The king manipulates and betrays other rulers (06:31), seeking ever-greater conquest, demanding worship from his people, and brutalizing anyone who hesitates.
Ultimate Hubris:
When priests refuse to replace their sacred images with the king's, he decrees open war—not just on rivals, but on God Himself. Purportedly, it's not enough to rule Earth. He will assault Heaven. (13:00)
Building A War Machine:
The king unveils an immense peacock-painted airship, powered by chained eagles, cannons facing all directions. His generals privately despair at the madness. "So… you're going to fly this to the sun… and fight God?" a general asks incredulously, sealing his fate. (22:54)
The Attack:
The ship ascends, the king and his men encounter an angel. They fire all weapons; a drop of the angel’s blood falls and burns through the hull, crashing the ship. (33:17)
A Second Try:
Seven years later, now with an armada and new technology, the king tries again with ships powered by “fire and lightning.” His challenge is met not by angels but by a cloud of gnats, who bite through every defense, leading the king—driven giddily mad—to strip off all his regal trappings and dance naked. (44:40)
Aftermath and Lesson:
The story closes without a clear fate for the king, but with the image of a once-terrifying man reduced to naked, foolish ridicule—undone not by gods, but by tiny gnats.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Absolute Power:
"The other kings didn't know that in five years' time their holdings would be his holdings ... Not even the other rulers could comprehend the cruelty that lurked behind the eyes of a man who had invited them to dinner and charmed their families." – Jason (06:42)
On Hubris:
"I've conquered the world. Now we are going to find and kill God." – The King (13:15)
When the Ship Ascends:
"He had done it. The King had built a flying machine. Now, suddenly, nothing felt impossible." (25:09)
The Defiant General:
"Seriously? This is why our people can't feed themselves ... So you can have a dry-docked ship in a mountain and think you’re going to go fight God and win?" (22:54)
The Ship’s Doomed Fate:
"The blood ... was burning the ship. The area around the drop was quickly ash, and then the drop melted." (34:30)
Ultimate Downfall:
"All you have to do is press onward, since the only thing God had to fight them with, apparently, were bugs. And then he felt it—an itch on his right earlobe ..." (46:53)
Host Reflection:
"You can literally have all the power in the world and still be at the mercy of some small, seemingly insignificant thing that will bring you to ruin. Death and, I guess, high-altitude bug bites are the great equalizers." – Jason (51:55)

Story 2: The Beetle’s Quest for Golden Shoes

(52:12 – 1:09:41)

Summary

The Aggrieved Beetle:
A beetle approaches a blacksmith, demanding golden shoes “because the Emperor's horse has them.” The blacksmith is unmoved, the beetle leaves, convinced of a personal slight. (52:20)
Travel and Disappointment:
The beetle embarks on a picaresque tour—flowers, caterpillars (who dream of wings), and frogs (who love the rain). Each creature finds joy in their way, but the beetle is annoyed and unimpressed. (55:02)
Brief Happiness, Sudden Discontent:
He marries amid admiring beetles but quickly tires of domesticity, thinking, "This is not my beautiful beetle house. This is not my beautiful beetle wife.” He abandons his family. (57:40)
Dream Fulfilled—Then Lost:
The beetle dreams of finally wearing golden shoes and being idolized, but wakes to reality—eaten by nostalgia, not glory. (59:49)
Perils and Perspective:
After being caught by a child and set afloat on a toy boat, the beetle is cut free by little girls (“they smelled like flowers, but fake flowers”) and finds himself, at last, back in the warm, manure-scented stables he first left. (1:07:25)
Return to Delusion:
He rationalizes that the horse's golden shoes were meant for him all along, assures himself of his superiority, and resolves to stay home and enjoy his "paradise."
Host Reflection:
The hosts note: "The beetle thinks himself a great creature, a world traveler, and a respected member of the empire, but he lives wrapped safely in his own delusions. He's a joke of his own making, whether he wants to realize it or not." – Jason (1:09:36)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Beetle’s Entitlement:
"'Why? Because I want them, that's why. Besides, the horse has golden shoes.'" – The Beetle (52:23)
On Dismissing Dreams:
"'That's stupid. Your dreams are stupid.'" – The Beetle to a caterpillar with metamorphosis ambitions (55:47)
The Lament of the World:
"'He only wanted what was his due, his golden shoes. And he was forced to suffer all these injustices, like being wet, having to listen to these fools and their ridiculous dreams.'" – Jason, narrating the beetle’s inner monologue (1:08:15)
Ultimate Rationalization:
"The beetle smiled, crawling on the back of the horse. Well, this was perfect. The world wasn’t so bad after all, as long as the people knew how to honor him." (1:09:03)
Host’s Moral:
“If you meet a jerk in the morning, you met a jerk. If you meet jerks all day, you’re the jerk … The beetle’s adventures don’t change him at all. He’s arguably more of a narcissist by the end.” – Jason (1:09:41)

Creature of the Week: The Elfolk (Ells)

(1:09:56 – 1:13:46)

Summary

Elfolk (Ells) Origins:
Danish legendary beings somewhat like elves, but distinct even in Norse myth-rich Denmark (Alfheim).
Distinct Traits:
Elfolk women: beautiful, young, hollow from behind; men: prematurely aged, hollow too.
Not Dangerous (Usually):
Prefer to lure people away for playful or ambiguous reasons, not fatal ones.
Cautions and Cures:
Men who catch a male Ell bathing risk disease via his breath; cattle might get sick unless guarded, usually by making cows eat St. John's Wort on June 23rd.
Practical Advice:
To prevent cows getting mixed with Elfolk’s fairy cows, shout “Thou little troll!” at the local hill—and hope you haven’t just offended something dangerous.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Elfolk Appearance:
"When viewed from the front, look like beautiful women or really old men. When viewed from behind, though, they're like walking troughs – completely empty." (1:10:58)
Practical Cattle Advice:
"All you have to do to make sure your cows don't get mixed in with theirs is, when you're letting your cows out, you just look at the ell hill and shout, 'thou little troll!' And that'll do it, I guess." (1:12:53)

Episode Themes & Takeaways

Satire of Power:* Both stories lampoon self-importance from opposite social extremes—a world-conquering king and a manure-loving beetle, neither able to see their own absurdity.
Limits of Ambition: Whether it’s gnats or social snubs, small things can topple even the greatest ambitions.
The Joke’s on the Proud: Both protagonists end in ridicule or delusion, untransformed by their journeys—reminders that self-awareness is the rarest kind of wisdom.

Timestamps for Key Segments

King’s Story Begins: 00:40
King Declares War on God: 13:15
Flying Ship Unveiled: 22:54
Crash and Angel’s Blood: 33:17
Seven Years Later – Round 2: 41:56
Gnat Attack/Naked King: 44:40
Hosts' Reflections: 51:55
Beetle’s Story Begins: 52:12
Beetle’s Travels: 55:02
Return & Rationalization: 1:07:25 – 1:09:41
Elfolk Segment: 1:09:56 – 1:13:46

Episode Tone

The episode stays true to the pod’s blend of witty, modern storytelling with sly, sometimes acerbic commentary on human folly—a mix of literary reverence for Andersen and playful irreverence.

Perfect for listeners who love their classical fairy tales seasoned with dark humor, cultural insight, and unexpected lessons.

Myths and Legends Episode 416: Hans Christian Andersen – "Humbugs"

Episode Overview

Story 1: The King Who Would Conquer Heaven

(00:40 – 52:11)

Summary

A King’s Insatiable Ambition:
The episode opens mid-cruelty, with a king punishing a soldier for refusing to kill innocents, only to hypocritically pretend mercy before ordering the soldier's family killed and bounty set for his head. (04:07)
Ruthless Rule:
The king manipulates and betrays other rulers (06:31), seeking ever-greater conquest, demanding worship from his people, and brutalizing anyone who hesitates.
Ultimate Hubris:
When priests refuse to replace their sacred images with the king's, he decrees open war—not just on rivals, but on God Himself. Purportedly, it's not enough to rule Earth. He will assault Heaven. (13:00)
Building A War Machine:
The king unveils an immense peacock-painted airship, powered by chained eagles, cannons facing all directions. His generals privately despair at the madness. "So… you're going to fly this to the sun… and fight God?" a general asks incredulously, sealing his fate. (22:54)
The Attack:
The ship ascends, the king and his men encounter an angel. They fire all weapons; a drop of the angel’s blood falls and burns through the hull, crashing the ship. (33:17)
A Second Try:
Seven years later, now with an armada and new technology, the king tries again with ships powered by “fire and lightning.” His challenge is met not by angels but by a cloud of gnats, who bite through every defense, leading the king—driven giddily mad—to strip off all his regal trappings and dance naked. (44:40)
Aftermath and Lesson:
The story closes without a clear fate for the king, but with the image of a once-terrifying man reduced to naked, foolish ridicule—undone not by gods, but by tiny gnats.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Absolute Power:
"The other kings didn't know that in five years' time their holdings would be his holdings ... Not even the other rulers could comprehend the cruelty that lurked behind the eyes of a man who had invited them to dinner and charmed their families." – Jason (06:42)
On Hubris:
"I've conquered the world. Now we are going to find and kill God." – The King (13:15)
When the Ship Ascends:
"He had done it. The King had built a flying machine. Now, suddenly, nothing felt impossible." (25:09)
The Defiant General:
"Seriously? This is why our people can't feed themselves ... So you can have a dry-docked ship in a mountain and think you’re going to go fight God and win?" (22:54)
The Ship’s Doomed Fate:
"The blood ... was burning the ship. The area around the drop was quickly ash, and then the drop melted." (34:30)
Ultimate Downfall:
"All you have to do is press onward, since the only thing God had to fight them with, apparently, were bugs. And then he felt it—an itch on his right earlobe ..." (46:53)
Host Reflection:
"You can literally have all the power in the world and still be at the mercy of some small, seemingly insignificant thing that will bring you to ruin. Death and, I guess, high-altitude bug bites are the great equalizers." – Jason (51:55)

Story 2: The Beetle’s Quest for Golden Shoes

(52:12 – 1:09:41)

Summary

The Aggrieved Beetle:
A beetle approaches a blacksmith, demanding golden shoes “because the Emperor's horse has them.” The blacksmith is unmoved, the beetle leaves, convinced of a personal slight. (52:20)
Travel and Disappointment:
The beetle embarks on a picaresque tour—flowers, caterpillars (who dream of wings), and frogs (who love the rain). Each creature finds joy in their way, but the beetle is annoyed and unimpressed. (55:02)
Brief Happiness, Sudden Discontent:
He marries amid admiring beetles but quickly tires of domesticity, thinking, "This is not my beautiful beetle house. This is not my beautiful beetle wife.” He abandons his family. (57:40)
Dream Fulfilled—Then Lost:
The beetle dreams of finally wearing golden shoes and being idolized, but wakes to reality—eaten by nostalgia, not glory. (59:49)
Perils and Perspective:
After being caught by a child and set afloat on a toy boat, the beetle is cut free by little girls (“they smelled like flowers, but fake flowers”) and finds himself, at last, back in the warm, manure-scented stables he first left. (1:07:25)
Return to Delusion:
He rationalizes that the horse's golden shoes were meant for him all along, assures himself of his superiority, and resolves to stay home and enjoy his "paradise."
Host Reflection:
The hosts note: "The beetle thinks himself a great creature, a world traveler, and a respected member of the empire, but he lives wrapped safely in his own delusions. He's a joke of his own making, whether he wants to realize it or not." – Jason (1:09:36)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Beetle’s Entitlement:
"'Why? Because I want them, that's why. Besides, the horse has golden shoes.'" – The Beetle (52:23)
On Dismissing Dreams:
"'That's stupid. Your dreams are stupid.'" – The Beetle to a caterpillar with metamorphosis ambitions (55:47)
The Lament of the World:
"'He only wanted what was his due, his golden shoes. And he was forced to suffer all these injustices, like being wet, having to listen to these fools and their ridiculous dreams.'" – Jason, narrating the beetle’s inner monologue (1:08:15)
Ultimate Rationalization:
"The beetle smiled, crawling on the back of the horse. Well, this was perfect. The world wasn’t so bad after all, as long as the people knew how to honor him." (1:09:03)
Host’s Moral:
“If you meet a jerk in the morning, you met a jerk. If you meet jerks all day, you’re the jerk … The beetle’s adventures don’t change him at all. He’s arguably more of a narcissist by the end.” – Jason (1:09:41)

Creature of the Week: The Elfolk (Ells)

(1:09:56 – 1:13:46)

Summary

Elfolk (Ells) Origins:
Danish legendary beings somewhat like elves, but distinct even in Norse myth-rich Denmark (Alfheim).
Distinct Traits:
Elfolk women: beautiful, young, hollow from behind; men: prematurely aged, hollow too.
Not Dangerous (Usually):
Prefer to lure people away for playful or ambiguous reasons, not fatal ones.
Cautions and Cures:
Men who catch a male Ell bathing risk disease via his breath; cattle might get sick unless guarded, usually by making cows eat St. John's Wort on June 23rd.
Practical Advice:
To prevent cows getting mixed with Elfolk’s fairy cows, shout “Thou little troll!” at the local hill—and hope you haven’t just offended something dangerous.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Elfolk Appearance:
"When viewed from the front, look like beautiful women or really old men. When viewed from behind, though, they're like walking troughs – completely empty." (1:10:58)
Practical Cattle Advice:
"All you have to do to make sure your cows don't get mixed in with theirs is, when you're letting your cows out, you just look at the ell hill and shout, 'thou little troll!' And that'll do it, I guess." (1:12:53)

Episode Themes & Takeaways

Satire of Power:* Both stories lampoon self-importance from opposite social extremes—a world-conquering king and a manure-loving beetle, neither able to see their own absurdity.
Limits of Ambition: Whether it’s gnats or social snubs, small things can topple even the greatest ambitions.
The Joke’s on the Proud: Both protagonists end in ridicule or delusion, untransformed by their journeys—reminders that self-awareness is the rarest kind of wisdom.

Timestamps for Key Segments

King’s Story Begins: 00:40
King Declares War on God: 13:15
Flying Ship Unveiled: 22:54
Crash and Angel’s Blood: 33:17
Seven Years Later – Round 2: 41:56
Gnat Attack/Naked King: 44:40
Hosts' Reflections: 51:55
Beetle’s Story Begins: 52:12
Beetle’s Travels: 55:02
Return & Rationalization: 1:07:25 – 1:09:41
Elfolk Segment: 1:09:56 – 1:13:46

Episode Tone

The episode stays true to the pod’s blend of witty, modern storytelling with sly, sometimes acerbic commentary on human folly—a mix of literary reverence for Andersen and playful irreverence.

Perfect for listeners who love their classical fairy tales seasoned with dark humor, cultural insight, and unexpected lessons.

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416: Hans Christian Andersen: Humbugs

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Summary

Myths and Legends Episode 416: Hans Christian Andersen – "Humbugs"

Episode Overview

Story 1: The King Who Would Conquer Heaven

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Story 2: The Beetle’s Quest for Golden Shoes

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Creature of the Week: The Elfolk (Ells)

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Episode Themes & Takeaways

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone

Summary

Myths and Legends Episode 416: Hans Christian Andersen – "Humbugs"

Episode Overview

Story 1: The King Who Would Conquer Heaven

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Story 2: The Beetle’s Quest for Golden Shoes

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Creature of the Week: The Elfolk (Ells)

Summary

Notable Quotes & Moments

Episode Themes & Takeaways

Timestamps for Key Segments

Episode Tone