This week on the Myths and Legends podcast, it's two Japanese fairy tales.

You'll see that supporting ocean wildlife conservation will end in tragedy for you

and everyone you've ever loved. Also, you'll see how an obsession with cat pictures

will do more for you than just get you in trouble at work. Then, on the creature of the week,

it's a naked, hairy little man who just wants to help you move as long as you don't criticize him,

or tell him to put on clothes. This is the Myths and Legends podcast, Episode 11, key details.

This is a podcast where I tell stories that have shaped cultures throughout history.

Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprising origins.

Others are stories you probably haven't heard, but really should.

Today, I'll be telling two Japanese fairy tales. These are folk tales that have traveled

down through generations, and as with any fairy tale, the dates and historical context really

don't matter that much, so there's not much in the way of an introduction.

The first story is a famous one, though I personally hadn't heard it before.

It's the story of a kind-hearted fisherman who rescues a turtle.

Urashi Mataro lived long, long ago. Like I said, the date is fairly irrelevant.

Though this one includes tobacco, which was introduced in Japan by Portuguese sailors in 1542,

that's likely an addition on the part of one of the later writers, because this story dates back to

the 9th century AD. Regardless, like I said, it doesn't really matter. Just think of it as medieval

or early modern Japan. Also, for those of you that speak Japanese, I know. My pronunciation is

going to be rough. I've researched and practiced the names, but it's still not going to sound like a native speaker.

Anyway, Urashi Mataro is a young fisherman in the province of Tango, in a fishing village.

Though he's only a young man, he's twice the fisherman his father was in his prime.

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