Quick disclaimer, there's some stronger than usual violence this week. Please see the post on

Mythpodcast.com for more info. This week, on Myths and Legends, there are two stories of

pride and power from Hans Christian Anderson. You'll see how going to war with an omnipotent,

omniscient deity might be a bad idea, and how it doesn't matter that you love to berate people and decorate your

house and manure, you're not the problem. The creature this time is an elf, who's not an elf.

They're an L, which is different, and they'll make your cows sick if you confuse the two.

This is Myths and Legends, Episode 416.

Humbugs.

This is a podcast where we tell stories from mythology and folklore.

Some are incredibly popular tales you might think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen. Today, there are

two stories from the Danish fairy tale master Hans Christian Anderson, of power, pride, and the limits of both.

The first has to do with a king who wants to take over the world. And then some.

So, I hear you have a problem with shooting unarmed, surrendering civilians.

The king asked the man who had been dragged before him for disobeying orders.

Yes, the soldier said.

His face stained with the soot of the house he had rushed into trying to save a mother and child.

He was successful, but,

as they were separated, and the child was dragged to the enslavers and the mother dragged elsewhere, he had wondered whether he should have just left them. Frankly, your grace, I didn't

sign up for that. Well, you signed up to be part of your king's army, and your king commanded this, so you kind

of did. The king's Van Dyke beard warped into a smile. Still, it took courage, not just

to disobey an order, but to speak truth to his king. As a king, he could respect courage.

The man was released from duty. The man stood up in shock.

...