This week on Myths and Legends, it's the story of the monkey and the turtle from Philippine folklore.

We'll see how monkeys are bad-assestanable farming and learn why you don't want to know what's

in that jerky you're eating. Or maybe you do. But you probably don't. The creature this week is

the loathly worm, and it's one more reason to kiss a dragon on the mouth. Not sure why that's

become a thing on this podcast lately, but it has.

Myths and Legends Episode 133 Monkey Business

This is a podcast where I tell stories from mythology and folklore. Some are incredibly

popular stories you'd think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that

might be new to you, but are definitely worth listening. Today's story is a Philippine fable,

first published in the English language in 1889 by Jose Rizal. It's considered by many to be the

first formal beginning of Philippine children's literature, and the story itself comes from the

Yoko people and the Philippines. When you hear the words like fable, monkey, and turtle,

you might think about stories like the tortoise and the hare. Tales where these seemingly

weaker creatures out with some physically strong antagonist. I won't say you're necessarily

wrong here, but if you're not familiar with this particular story, you're in for some shocking

surprises. This is when you don't want to miss. Along the bank lined with tropical trees,

monkey trudged along, grumbling with every step. His tail dragged lifelessly behind, leaving a

faint trail in the sand. A dark stone caught monkey's eye, and he kicked it angrily into the water

as he passed. With a sigh, he hung his head, shushed the gurgle from his empty stomach, and continued on.

Just up ahead where the path began in narrow, a rustling of leaves and a faint whistling began.

Monkey paused mid-step, watching as the large turtle meandered from the foliage.

Slowly, the turtle looked fondly across and down the river before noticing the sad monkey approaching.

...