The Folklore Podcast

In this episode of the Folklore Podcast Book Club, originally made as a video release for YouTube, we discuss the book "Tales of Witchcraft and Wonder" with authors Candia and Tony McCormack, founders of the pagan rock group 'Inkubus Sukkubus'. The book examines the stories behind 13 of the tracks from their trilogy of albums bearing the book's title, looking at the history and folklore which led to the penning of the songs. Inkubus Sukkubus can be found on the web at www.inkubussukkubus.com To support the Folklore Podcast in producing folklore content across all of its strands and mediums, please visit our Patreon page

Our adventure in the Atlas Mines concludes as storyteller Matthew Dawkins brings our campaign in the folk horror world of Solemn Vale to a conclusion. Please note that this episode is not suitable for children. This episode was produced in association with Red Moon Roleplaying To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please sign up for our Patreon page,.

Storyteller Matthew Dawkins leads us further into the Atlas Mines in the second episode of our roleplaying adventure set in the world of the new Folk Horror game Solemn Vale, designed by Dirty Vortex. Please note that this episode is not suitable for children. This episode was produced in association with Red Moon Roleplaying To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please sign up for our Patreon page,.

We explore the history, arts and ritual practice of the artisan Japanese performers, the Geisha, with special guest Hachiko. Hachiko is a westerner who follows a Geisha lifestyle, based in the Devon town of Totnes. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please click here

We join up once again with our friends at Red Moon Roleplaying for a return visit to the fictional town of Solemn Vale. Our protagonists arrive in Solemn Vale to investigate the viability of reopening the tin mines buried beneath the town. Solemn Vale is a Folk Horror roleplaying game created by Dirty Vortex. For more information join the Solemn Vale Facebook Group. This episode is flagged as not suitable for children under the age of 15.

Guest book reviewer Charlie Farrow interviews with author C.M. Rosens about her book "The Folklore of Pagham on Sea" - a companion book to the paranormal novel "The Crows". Support The Folklore Podcast in its continued output of folklore-related content at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast Watch the YouTube version of this episode at www.youtube.com/FolklorePodcast Author website: www.cmrosens.com

Writer and broadcaster Danny Robins talks about his investigative docu-drama "The Battersea Poltergeist" which examines in detail a major forgotten poltergeist case from 1950s Britain. The series, starring Dafne Keen and Toby Jones in the dramatised elements, and with Ciaran O'Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow representing the parapsychologists, was released via BBC Radio 4 and used original case materials as well as throwing up some new details.​To support all of the work of The Folklore Podcast in bringing world-class presenters and folklore resources to a global audience, please consider joining our Patreon page

Audio version of the YouTube based Folklore Podcast Book Club. Dr Sharon Blackie discusses her anthology collection, published by September Publishing. Foxfire, Wolfskin features positive and powerful reworkings of folk tales from around the world featuring shapeshifting women at their heart. Sharon's website: https://sharonblackie.net/​ September Publishing: http://www.septemberpublishing.org/​ Follow Sharon on Twitter @sharonblackie To support the Folklore Podcast please visit our Patreon page or make a small donation at www.thefolklorepodcast.com

We take a deep dive into the world of urban legends, internet memes and more to try and make a case to legitimise the world of Digital Folklore. Does all folklore have to be old? What is digital folklore anyway? We explore the subject with assistant professor of folklore at Utah State University, and co-founder of the Digital Folklore Project, Dr Lynne McNeill. Content warning: Please be aware that this episode features discussion of suicide cult legends. Music guest: Helen Bell. Find her work at www.helenbell.co.uk Support the Folklore Podcast to help us keep making content on our Patreon page

Episode 4 of the Folklore Podcast Book Club, originally made as a video for the podcast YouTube channel. Folklore Podcast creator Mark Norman speaks to author Roger Clarke about his classic book 'A Natural History of Ghosts'. Watch the original interview on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/FolklorePodcast Support the preservation of folklore and creation of folklore content at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Creator and host of The Folklore Podcast Mark Norman is joined by highly regarded musician Einar Selvik, founder of the band Wardruna, to discuss Old Norse music - how it was created and what it meant to the people who played and listened. Einar is one of the world's leading experts in this field and his work is regularly accessed by scholars the world over. We also feature some music from the Wardruna back catalogue. To support all of the work of The Folklore Podcast in bringing world-class presenters and folklore resources to a global audience, please consider joining our Patreon page, or making a one-time donation via the Folklore Podcast website.

Audio only version of the original You Tube interview for episode 3 of the Folklore Podcast Book Club. Podcast host Mark Norman discusses the book 'Medieval Folk Tales for Children', published by The History Press, with the author Dave Tonge. Dave also performs one of the tales from the book. To support The Folklore Podcast and keep us producing regular, free content, please either: Join our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast Click the donate button: www.thefolklorepodcast.com

Season 6 of The Folklore Podcast kicks off with a special feature length interview. Lecturer and historian Dr Thomas Waters discusses some of the research which comprises his book 'Cursed Britain - a history of witchcraft and black magic in modern times'. Having spent 12 years trawling the case records in order to write this book, Thomas discusses some fascinating aspects of witchcraft belief and accusation which took place far later in our history than we might at first think. The conversation also looks at some of the famous practitioners and researchers in the field and covers both tragic and positive events in our history. This episode carries a content warning for its discussion of modern day witchcraft and abuse cases. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access extra content, please click here

Tracey and Mark Norman discuss the book Lanny, by Max Porter, published by Faber and Faber. This is an audio version of an episode originally filmed for YouTube. To see the original please visit www.youtube.com/FolklorePodcast and choose the Book Club playlist. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access bonus content and discussion, please click here

In the final episode of Season 5 of The Folklore Podcast, released on December 31st, 2020, we are joined by Swedish folklorist Tommy Kuusela to discuss the unique divinatory ritual of the Year Walk, which traditionally took place on this date. We also cover some of the Swedish forest spirits which may be encountered whilst undertaking the walk. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access bonus content, please click here

Folk song holds a vital place within everybody's culture. From political songs to work songs, lyrics record our feelings, our traditions and, of course, our stories across the ages. In the episode of the podcast, folk singers and writers Sandra Kerr and John Faulkner talk about their thoughts on the subject, developed over many years from their early careers being taught by such names as Lonnie Donegan and Peggy Seeger to university lecturing and 21st century performances. Plus, of course, we discuss the children's TV classic Bagpuss and its use of folk song and influence on culture even today - Sandra and John having written all the music and songs for this, as well as voicing Madeleine the Rag Doll and Gabriel the Toad. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access extra content, please click here.

Due to listener demand, we are releasing audio only versions of the Folklore Podcast Book Club, which is originally made for YouTube. In this episode of The Folklore Podcast Book Club, author and storyteller Tom Phillips discusses his book 'Forest Folk Tales for Children'. Tom's Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TomtheTaleTeller Tom's Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TaleTellerTom Tom's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj2-... Storytelling Cafe: https://worldstorytellingcafe.com/tom...

Mark Norman, the creator of The Folklore Podcast presents an investigation into the legend of the White Bird of the Oxenhams - a death portent said to be attached to a family in Devon which spanned many hundreds of years. This episode was written by Tracey and Mark Norman. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to access extra exclusive content for supporters. Visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Japanese culture and folklore is very distinctive, but not always as dissimilar from our own as we might think in the West. Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined by bestselling author Natasha Pulley to discuss the culture represented in two of her books - The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Lost Future of Pepperharrow - and Japanese ritual and belief more generally. The episode is closed by a track from musical guests Foxtails Brigade, who took the internet by storm recently with their unique video for the track 'My Favourite Things'. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon for extra content and rewards.

A free ghost story for Halloween. "The Diary of Mr Poynter" by MR James. Performed by Circle of Spears Productions. Learn more about the performers at www.circleofspears.com Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon

Bestselling author Joanne Harris joins Mark Norman, the creator of The Folklore Podcast in a discussion of the importance of folklore, storytelling and her brand new book Orfeia - the third in a series of folklore-rich novellas constructed as reworkings of some of the Child Ballads. At the end of the episode, as a bonus feature, Joanne herself reads the first chapter of Orfeia. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast where you can also access a whole catalogue of exclusive extra material.

We talk to the Welsh Children's Laureate Eloise Williams and children's authors P.G. Bell and Matt Brown about a really important new project to bring out the first ever dual Welsh/English language reworking of 'The Mabinogion' aimed specifically at children. The project, being realised through Unbound, will involve 11 of the best Welsh children's writers and will also include packages and teaching materials for schools. Musical guest: Sharron Kraus To support the project being discussed in this episode, please click here. To access exclusive bonus content and help keep The Folklore Podcast running, please click here.

Creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman, is joined by Carnegie shortlisted children's author Zana Fraillon, whose latest book 'The Lost Soul Atlas' deals with the folkloric trope of a passage through the afterlife. Zana also discusses her love of folklore generally and some of the Australian influences from her own culture in her writing. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to help us to keep making new episodes.

One year on from the phenomenally popular re-release of the classic Usborne book 'All About Ghosts', we return to the stable as Usborne reprint the equally iconic 'All About UFOs' from their World of the Unknown series. Joining host Mark Norman to discuss the topic are TV impressionist and astronomer Jon Culshaw (who wrote the foreword for the new printing) and returning guest Dr David Clarke, who was the official spokes-person when the Ministry of Defence declassified many of their UFO documents at the National Archives. Musical guest: Polly Preacher Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon for extra material and to keep the show going.

Journalist and author Asher Elbein and illustrator Tiffany Turrill join Folklore Podcast host Mark Norman to look at the folklore of the Appalachian regions of the United States. How did Cherokee and incoming tales and beliefs combine to forge the stories that we find in this area of the world? As a springboard for this discussion, we use Asher and Tiffany's book 'Ghost Days'. The stories of protagonist Anna O'Brien are set in the region and feature many of the characters and creatures from Appalachian lore. Tiffany's website: www.tiffanyturrill.com Asher's website: www.asherelbein.com To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and keep the free episodes coming, please click here.

We present the second part of our mass recording session with 11 other folklore and mythology themed podcasts, trying to decide who has the best and most entertaining folklore tale. Last week you heard the stories. This week ... it's the free-for-all discussion and voting. Who will come out on top? Featuring musical guests Strangefolk We are putting out an episode a week through September. If you would like to see more content coming out permanently, please consider helping us to reach our next support goal by signing up for our Patreon. You can access a whole back catalogue of exclusive extra content there too. www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast to keep us free and viable!

Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman invites 11 more of the world's great folklore and history podcasts - from America, Australia and the UK - to join a mass recording session to discuss their favourite folklore stories. In this episode you will hear stories from all 12 of the podcasts. Some of the tales are well known. Others far more obscure. But which one is the ultimate folklore story? In the next episode, you will get to hear the discussion and see which story was voted into the top slot. During September, the Folklore Podcast will be releasing an episode every week. If you would like to see more content as a permanent fixture, please help us to reach our next Patreon support goal. Visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast to sign up and receive extra content and rewards.

There can be little doubt that, of all the instruments in the orchestra, the harp is the most beautiful and ethereal sounding of them all. Its religious connections with the angelic host are widely known, but not discussed as often are its appearances in folklore. On this episode of the podcast, recorded in the open-air, host Mark Norman talks with professional harpist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry, the world's only silent movie harp accompanist and a composer whose unique research into fairy harp music led to a West End play with Simon Callow and a performance at Prince Charles's unveiling of the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and keep the project viable, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast To hear Elizabeth-Jane's radio interview on Fairy Harp music, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQoIO7uyc0

Following on from our foray into roleplaying games with bonus content adventures for the folk horror games of Solemn Vale and Shivering Circle, we explore the subject in more detail. How is folklore represented in the tabletop gaming environment? Is it all monsters and creatures, or are there other approaches which look more into our social history? What makes for a strong narrative dynamic and do these techniques draw on the oral storytelling which transmitted folklore in the first place? In an interview recorded for the 2020 Archaeogaming Convention hosted by the Archaeological Fantasies podcast, we are joined by game developer Matthew Dawkins and GM storyteller Tom Murr to examine this area. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and get uncut access to video versions of our interviews as well as much more extra content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Sensationalised by Hollywood, the reality behind the rituals and practices of exorcism is somewhat different. Historian Dr Francis Young joins podcast creator and host Mark Norman to discuss the approach taken in medieval times, representations of the rituals in folklore and more. Francis also offers the following book recommendations for further reading: A History of Exorcism in Catholic Christianity, and A History of Anglican Exorcism (by himself) The Devil Within (Brian P. Levack) The Haunted: A Social History of Ghosts (Owen Davies) Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to keep the show free and to allow us to create more content: www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Released on Midsummer Day 2020, Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman introduces a look at the festival through the lens of the folk horror film Midsommar. Mark discusses some aspects of the festival and presents two pieces by volunteer researchers Joana Varanda and Pola Schiavone. The first of these discusses a theory that the narrative construction relates to the cards presented in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. In the second, the role of food as a ritual within both the film and the festival is examined. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and receive the transcript of this episode and other exclusive content and rewards. Click here to visit the Patreon page.

Our adventure at The Shivering Circle concludes, and you get to hear what happened after the team left Hoddesham. Storyteller: Howard David Ingham Guest Players: Hjalmar Norden and Jenny Bremberg Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Music written and performed by Kai Engel. Used under a Creative Commons Licence from freemusicarchive.org Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to keep our content free and the show viable. www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

The penultimate episode of our Folk Horror storytelling game, The Austringer. Eric Higginson, the presenter of 'World of the Strange' arrives to film his segments for the programme on The Shivering Circle. And things continue do, indeed, get strange. Please note that this content is not suitable for children. Storyteller: Howard David Ingham Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Music by Kai Engel, under a Creative Commons License from freemusicarchive.org

All over the world, and throughout the ages, people have been convinced that we are not alone on this earth. That other creatures exist in our world, alongside humans and animals and that even though they may resemble us, they are entirely different beings, neither human nor divine but representing something else. They have been known by many names and take many forms. So begins the Introduction to the book 'Vaesen', by Swedish author and illustrator Johan Egerkrans. On this episode of The Folklore Podcast, Johan joins podcast creator and host Mark Norman to discuss his research into the Swedish creatures of myth and folklore known as the Vaesen. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and keep new content coming out ad-free, please click here.

Our storytelling adventure 'The Austringer' continues. As this episode begins, Gareth the runner is heading to the vets to report the unfortunate accident which the team had on the road to Hoddesford. Please note: this content is not suitable for children due to language. Special guests: Jenny Bremberg and Hjalmar Norden of Red Moon Roleplaying Storyteller: Howard David Ingham Music: Kai Engel, used under Creative Commons Licence from freemusicarchive.org Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing free content for you to enjoy. www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

We begin a new series of bonus content, with another roleplaying story which is rich in folklore. 'The Austringer' is set within the game 'The Shivering Circle' which was developed and written by Howard David Ingham, who also acts as storyteller for this adventure. Our team of characters are travelling to film at the mysterious stone circle on Hoddesham Down, which is known for its strange phenomena. They are making an episode of 'Eric Higginson's World of the Strange'. Will anything unusual happen while they are on site...? We are joined for this adventure by Hjalmar Norden and Jenny Bremberg from Red Moon Roleplaying. Please note: this content is not suitable for children due to language. Music: Kai Engel, used under Creative Commons license from freemusicarchive.org Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and help us to keep producing free content for you to enjoy. www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Our folk horror adventure in the fictional village of Solemn Vale concludes. Will Graham and Linda Parker resolve their difficulties and get back to normal life...? Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Storyteller: Matthew Dawkins Music by ProtoU. Used with permission from CryoChamber. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon here.

Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined by buildings archaeologist James Wright to explore the different ways in which both high status and the more common buildings were protected from harm by both their builders and their occupants, through the use of ritual marking. The discussion also takes in medieval graffiti along the way. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon for extra audio and other content, and help to keep the show free to listen to. Visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

Having finished the tour of the house left to her by her late aunt Demelza, Linda Parker and her husband Graham return to the 'Bowler's Arm' pub in Solemn Vale for a hearty pint of Badger's Stump and a look at the local entertainment. Nothing can possibly go wrong... Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying. Storyteller: Matthew Dawkins Music by ProtoU, courtesy of Cryochamber. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to enable us to keep producing free entertainment. Please click here.

Our adventure in Solemn Vale continues (and continues to get stranger). Graham and Linda choose to avoid a suggestion that they might want to return to London and instead find lodgings at The Bowler's Arm pub. What could possibly go wrong...? Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying. Listen to the unedited recordings and other bonus content, and help to support The Folklore Podcast and keep us producing extra content on our Patreon page.

As we pass Walpurgis Night, the Folklore Podcast releases from its archives a public lecture given in 2017 by the eminent and popular historian Ronald Hutton. Written just before the publication of his book, 'The Witch', in this talk Ronald picks apart the mythology of the Wild Hunt and argues that its origins come from a melding of various folk tales, rather than the traditional shamanistic pagan roots often attributed. The question and answer session from this talk is available on our Patreon page.

This episode contains adult language and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. Welcome to Episode 3 of “Family Matters” - a folk horror roleplaying adventure set in the fictional village of Solemn Vale. Located somewhere in the South West of England, an idyllic facade of rural bliss masks a dark and sinister side of a community riddled with malevolence and corruption. Solemn Vale is a narrative driven storytelling game where the players tell abhorrent tales of horror and the supernatural, making it a perfect mechanism for us to explore, through storytelling and narrative, ways of incorporating folklore into the everyday. If you want an easy-to-understand hint into the style of the game, think about the classic folk horror stable of films such as The Wicker Man or Blood on Satan’s Claw. Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Music by ProtoU, courtesy of CryoChamber Storyteller: Matthew Dawkins Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to help us keep producing content

This episode contains sexual content and is not suitable for listeners under the age of 18. Welcome to Episode 2 of “Family Matters” - a folk horror roleplaying adventure set in the fictional village of Solemn Vale. Located somewhere in the South West of England, an idyllic facade of rural bliss masks a dark and sinister side of a community riddled with malevolence and corruption. Solemn Vale is a narrative driven storytelling game where the players tell abhorrent tales of horror and the supernatural, making it a perfect mechanism for us to explore, through storytelling and narrative, ways of incorporating folklore into the everyday. If you want an easy-to-understand hint into the style of the game, think about the classic folk horror stable of films such as The Wicker Man or Blood on Satan’s Claw. Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Music by ProtoU, courtesy of CryoChamber Storyteller: Matthew Dawkins Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to help us keep producing content

Welcome to Episode 1 of “Family Matters” - a folk horror roleplaying adventure set in the fictional village of Solemn Vale. Located somewhere in the South West of England, an idyllic facade of rural bliss masks a dark and sinister side of a community riddled with malevolence and corruption. Solemn Vale is a narrative driven storytelling game where the players tell abhorrent tales of horror and the supernatural, making it a perfect mechanism for us to explore, through storytelling and narrative, ways of incorporating folklore into the everyday. If you want an easy-to-understand hint into the style of the game, think about the classic folk horror stable of films such as The Wicker Man or Blood on Satan’s Claw. Produced in collaboration with Red Moon Roleplaying Music by ProtoU, courtesy of CryoChamber Storyteller: Matthew Dawkins Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to help us keep producing content Please note that this content is not suitable for children.

Folklore Podcast creator Mark Norman presents a series of short bonus articles looking at Easter traditions in various parts of Europe, researched and written by members of the podcast volunteer team. Contributors: Selene Paxton-Brooks, Pola Sciavone, Joana Varanda and Lara C Cory. Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

In the last episode of The Folklore Podcast to be recorded out of the confines of a house, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Hedge Druid Stephen G. Rae (known as The Bard of Cumberland) discusses his path as a druid with podcast volunteer Joana Varanda. The conversation takes in such diverse elements as Cumberland and Tibetan folklore, yeti, boggarts, being a druid and more, along with some traditional folk tales. Music: Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon for additional content. Visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

John Billingsley: ​Soft Power: the emergence of modern apotropaics in Albania In the traumatic political upheavals that followed the overthrow of Albania’s Communist state, Albanians found that traditional apotropaics may have had metaphysical efficacy, but couldn’t protect them from capitalist evils. The result was the creation of a new apotropaic device that cynically reflects capitalist disposable culture as well as universal sentiment, and has an echo in contemporary western culture.

​Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman presents a study of the serpent-like creature of UK folklore, The Lambton Worm, and its place in the wider lore of dragons and similar creatures. Featuring guest contributions and a look at a new audio drama featuring the beast. Folk singer Roly Veitch performs the traditional song associated with the worm (click here to visit his website), Director Steven Sloss discusses the audio drama (available here).Musical guest: L.M. Cooke​Artwork donated by Laura Page. Visit her website here​Click here to support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon.

Author Edward Parnell joins The Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman to discuss his book 'Ghostland', which examines the intersections between folklore, folk horror, the landscape and literature. Musical guests: The Last Inklings Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast for exclusive extra content

In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, we hear from author of dark historical fiction Anna Mazzola about her book 'The Story Keeper'... A dark tale of folklore and disappearances on the Isle of Skye. Audrey Hart travels to Skye and to the mansion of a reclusive folklorist to collect the folk and fairy tales of the local people. It is 1857, the Highland Clearances have left devastation and poverty, and the crofters are suspicious and hostile, claiming they no longer know their stories. Then Audrey discovers the body of a young girl washed up in the bay beneath Lanerly, and the crofters reveal that it is only a matter of weeks since another girl disappeared. They believe the girls are victims of the restless dead: spirits who take the form of birds Anna discusses her research and the ways that she negotiates history and folklore to produce fiction based on historical fact and narrative. This episode is closed with music from singer/songwriter Sharron Kraus. To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast