18-St. Nick: Rusty Chains and Candy Canes

Myths and Legends

Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser

Fiction, History, Arts, Books

4.8 • 25.4K Ratings

🗓️ 23 December 2015

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The story behind the transition from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus is one that includes murder, priest-punching, and ominous, demonic-looking companions. This episode looks at the legends behind an austere bishop who has been transformed into a magical, portly elf.
**Note: as I say in the show, this episode is not for young children. The story of St. Nick includes grisly murders and mentions of prostitution. Listener discretion is advised.**
The creature of the week is another sort of Santa from Spain who, in the old days, eschewed the coal for bad children for a long, deadly scythe.
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Krampus pictures
The History of Rome
Music
"The Krampus Song" by J Dobbs Rosa (J. Dobbs Rosa on Twitter)
"Threads and Veils" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Lathe" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Sirius" by Sergey Cheremisinov
"Cheap Suit" by Jason Staczek
"Dune" by Filip Roter
"Sorcery" by Bog
"Christmas Lights" by Patrick Poe
"Fledgling" by Psychadelik Pedestrian

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Before I begin, I just want to give a little bit of disclaimer.
0:03.0	This episode, though a Christmas episode, is probably not for small children.
0:08.3	There's nothing graphic in it, but it covers some of the grizzly, violent legends behind
0:12.6	Saint Nicholas and his scary helpers, as well as some slight adult themes.
0:17.9	So please don't just put this on for your kids because you saw Saint Nicholas in the title,
0:21.9	and then leave the room.
0:23.9	This week, on the Myths and Legends podcast, I'll be telling the bizarre legends behind
0:27.9	Saint Nicholas and talk about the ominous employees that accompany him on his transition
0:32.1	from an austere bishop to rotund elf that guides a magical flying sleigh.
0:37.6	Then, on the creature of the week, it's another Christmas creature from Spain.
0:41.5	You absolutely don't want to be on his naughty list because he'll drop down your chimney,
0:46.0	eyes glowing red, with a giant knife in hand.
0:53.9	This is the Myths and Legends podcast, episode 18.
0:58.1	Rusty chains and candy canes.
1:04.7	This is a podcast where I tell stories that have shaped cultures throughout history.
1:08.7	Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprise and origins.
1:13.3	Others are stories you probably haven't heard, but really should.
1:16.7	Today's a look at groups of characters and stories from folklore that have very clearly
1:20.2	shaped our cultures, at least Christmas time here in the West.
1:24.6	That being said, the main character of our story today, Saint Nicholas, is not at all
1:29.0	that jolly gentleman who sits up at the North Pole.
1:32.5	He was his historical figure, then a legendary saint, then a stern yet kind gift giver,
	...

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