Shows
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastOn the Longest Night - Cailleach Beira (S6, #1)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares a Scottish story about the changing seasons. It comes as we reach winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere. This is a story of the Cailleach Beira, the Queen of Winter. She may be frightening but she has much to tell us about our role as elders and how we should best approach the winter season. She’s a very wise crone indeed!Story: Donald Alexander MacKenzie, "Beira, Queen of Winter," in Wonder Tales from Scottish Myth and Legend (London, Blackie & Son, 1917).
2025-12-2231 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Delila the Wily" Arabian Nights - Part II (S5, #12)Send us a textIn this episode the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will continue reading from the Arabian Nights collection, “Delila the Crafty/Wily.” Delila is a trickster figure who brings chaos wherever she goes. In this episode, we'll discover how this wise old woman's story ends. Is she punished or rewarded for her acts? Her acts of cunning cause the listener to reflect on justice, law, morality and the ability of women to be the author of their own lives. In Delila’s world actions are not black or white but a multitude of shades of gray. Be ready...
2025-12-0643 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Delila the Wily" Arabian Nights - Part I (S5, #11)Send us a textIn this episode the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read a story from the Arabian Nights collection. It is entitled “Delila the Wily.” This is a long story that will be completed over the next three episodes: two for the actual story and one for our discussion of this tale. Delila is a trickster figure who brings chaos wherever she goes. But she is much more than that. Her acts of cunning cause the listener to reflect on justice, law, morality and the ability of women to be the author of their own lives. In Delil...
2025-10-1444 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast“The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts” – a Russian Folktale (S5, #10)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read to you a Russian folktale: “The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts.” It’s a poignant story, nonetheless, and one you’ll long remember.Story: "The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts," in The Golden Fairy Book, H.R. Millar, illus. (London: Appleton & Co., 1894), 195-206. Illustration: "The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts," illustration by H.R. Millar (1894). Other Resources: Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic This podcast is licensed under Creativ...
2025-08-0333 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastBride of Prince Lindworm (S5, #9)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will continue her discussion of the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” We began our analysis in the last episode, but there is much more to share. This story is filled with metaphors and symbols. It can be viewed in many ways. That fact alone emphasizes the power of folktales to bring understanding and healing to issues we deal with today.Story: East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North, illus. Kay Nielsen (New York: George H. Dorwan Co., 192...
2025-06-1441 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Prince Lindworm" - a Danish Folktale (S5, #8)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” It’s a story of shadow and light, female agency and transformation. It’s also a story with a sequel. This mash-up or compilation of folktales is filled with metaphors and symbols. There is so much to discuss that will carry this on to the next podcast.Story: East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North, illus. Kay Nielsen (New York: George H. Dorwan Co., 1922). "Strong Fairy Tale Heroines #21: Prince Lind...
2025-04-0221 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Vampire Skeleton Corpse" an Iroquois Folktale (S5, #7)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Vampire Skeleton Corpse." This is a frightening tale from the Iroquois tradition. Although there is never a single meaning for any story, this one has an important teaching for the days ahead.Story: This story is a conflation of early Iroquois variants and my version of the story as told by Joseph Bruchac. Iroquois Stories: Heroes and Heroines, Monsters and Magic as told by Joseph Bruchac (Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1985).Illustration: Birch bark lon...
2025-02-2127 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 4-5 (S5, #6)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter four and five (or what Dickens called Stave Four, The Last of the Spirits and Stave 5, The End of It). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Future." He will again visit the home of Bob Cratchit and discover the fate of Tiny Tim and of himself...
2024-12-2558 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 3 (S5, #5)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter three (or what Dickens called Stave Three, The Second of the Three Spirits). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Present." He will visit the home of Bob Cratchit and his nephew Fred. You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so you can read al...
2024-12-231h 06
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 2 (S5, #4)Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter two (or what Dickens called Stave Two, The First of the Three Spirits). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Past." He will visit his childhood, time when he was apprenticed, and his failed relationship with Belle. You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so...
2024-12-1650 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 1 (S5, #3)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over the next four episodes. This is chapter one (or what Dickens called Stave One, Marley’s Ghost). You'll find a link in the credits to the tale, so you can read along. At the end of each reading, there will be questions for you to journal and reflect on. Although Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol long...
2024-12-1357 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Stribor's Forest": A Croatian Tale (S5, #2)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading “Stribor’s Forest.” It’s a Croation literary tale written by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic. It is a tale longer than most, so grab some tea and your journal before we begin. After listening to this story, you might have some thoughts to jot down and ideas to explore. Story: "Stribor's Forest" by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic in Croation Tales of Long Ago, trans. by F.S. Copeland (New York: Frederick A. Stokes Co. Pub., 1924). (In Project Gutenberg.)Illustration: Vladimir Kirin.Music: The Snow Queen...
2024-11-1136 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Abandoning the Old Woman"; Elder Abuse & Grief (S5, E1)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore elder abuse, as seen in stories, folklore and actual life. We'll start our exploration with a practice found in Japanese stories called ubasute or "abandoning the old woman." Then we'll shift to modern day America and the recent death of my friend who was killed by a family member in an unspeakable act of "elder abuse."Story: Uchida, Yoshiko, The Wise Old Woman. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1994. Illustration: By Yoshitoshi ( Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid...
2024-10-0227 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Old Woman and the Tiger" - A Chinese folk tale (S4, E12)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Chinese folktale, “The Old Woman and the Tiger.” The story is retold by Mary Hemingway who grew up in northern China. In this story, we’ll see a different side of the wise crone archetype. No longer a side character, she is now the protagonist. And rather than serving as the “helper,” this old woman puts herself first. She shows us that one person can make a difference and achieve justice to boot. It’s an old message but especially relevant today.Story: Mary...
2024-09-0125 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastCackling and Crackling: “Frau Trude” Starts a Fire (S4, E11)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the Grimm tale “Frau Trude.” It’s a short didactic story that allows for many surprising interpretations. Whether she be a witch or a crone, there’s a lot of cackling and crackling going on. Hopefully, we can stay out of the fire without getting burnt! Either way, she's a friend you'll want to have. Fingers crossed! My latest blog post discusses the color implications in this story. Check it out to learn even more!Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Frau Trude, Kinder...
2024-07-2624 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 9: "Hecate at the Crossroads"Send us a textIn this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the relationship of the crone within the maiden, mother, and crone trilogy. She tells the Greek myth of "Demeter and Persephone" and shares a lesser known variation in which Hecate plays a pivotal role.Story: "Demeter & Persephone" (a traditional Greek myth) as told by Kathy Shimpock. Cover illustration: "The Night of Enitharmon's Joy," by William Blake, 1795.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2020 Kathy Shimpock. All rights r...
2024-06-2822 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastChatting 'Bout "Tatterhood" (S4, #10)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, meets again with Master Hypnotherapist, Linda Bennett. Together they discuss the Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood," and explore its many meanings and interpretations by looking at its symbols, metaphors, and archetypes. It's a fascinating model for dream interpretation too. Part 2 of their conversation continues on the "Crone & Queen's Fireside Podcast" where they discuss ways traditional stories can be used as a tool for personal growth and holistic healing. They explore the work of psychologist, Milton Erickson and share ways they've used stories within their own practice. As you’ll soon...
2024-05-2845 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Tatterhood" - A Norwegian Folktale (S4, #9)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore a little known Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood." It's a story in which an unexpected, young girl goes on a hero's journey. She has quite a surprising role to play in a very unusual story.Story: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Lurvehette [Tatterhood], Norske Folkeeventyr (Christiania [Oslo], 1842-1852), translated by George Webb Dasent (1859). Translation revised by D. L. Ashliman. © 2001. More on Tatterhood:"Dreams Vermilion" by Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman on Corvid Queen."The Feminine, Libido and Narcissism: Tatterh...
2024-04-0942 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastArchetypes in Story & Life (S4, #8)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will discuss archetypes with renowned hypnotherapist Linda Bennett. Together, we’ll identify common archetypes and discover how they can be identified in both life and stories.Cover Image: Photo by Linda Bennett.To learn more about Linda Bennett, check out her website for services offered (https://www.lindahypnoqueen.com). For more information on Kathy Shimpock's transpersonal work see (https://www.symbolsofsoul.com). The book referenced in the podcast as "Story Myths" is Winning the Story Wars: Why Those Who Tell - and Live - the...
2024-02-0143 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastKrampus, Goblins & Switches, Oh, My! (S4, #7)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will focus on the Shadow side of the Christmas holiday. Not all folklore surrounding this time is happy and gay; some of the characters are birthed from our deepest nightmares. This time, we’ll look at Krampus and the goblins from Charles Dickens’s imagination. She'll read “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton.” It’s a shadowy precursor to the Dickens' story “A Christmas Carol.”Story: Dickens, Charles, "Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" in The Pickwick Papers. Part 10. 1837.Cover Image: "An Extraordinary Su...
2023-12-2845 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What" - Part II (S4, #6)Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will continue our discussion of the Russian folktale "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." In doing so, we'll learn a bit more about Baba Yaga, the Slavic character who's part witch and part wise crone. Who is she in this story? Maybe it's a bit of both. (Because this is a long story, our discussion is broken into two parts. Last month the story was shared and this episode furthers the discussion.)Story: "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch...
2023-12-1325 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What" - A Russian Tale (S4, #5)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read the Russian tale, “Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What.” It’s a story with two crones: one the wise crone and the other the infamous Baba Yaga. Perhaps she’s a wise crone too. Only time will tell. (Because this is a long story, our discussion will be broken into two parts. This month is the story and next month will be the discussion.)Story: "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." Adapted from Bain, R. Nis...
2023-11-0540 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Old Rinkrank": a Grimm Brothers Tale (S4, #4)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the story of “Old Rinkrank.” It’s a Grimm Brother’s tale with a surprising ending. We’ll discuss the innocent persecuted heroine and how her journey differs from the traditional hero’s journey tales. Where is the wise crone in this story? I can’t wait to tell you!Story: "Old Rinkrank" in Grimm's Household Tales, eds. Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. London: George Bell and Sons, 1884. Cover Image: Illustrated by John Dickson Batten. "The Glassy Hill," in More English Fairy Tales, eds. J...
2023-10-0825 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds" (S4, #3)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the literary fairy tale, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds." It's a story written by the Swedish author Harald Ostenson in the early 20th century. We'll identify the differences between traditional folktales and literary tales. Finally, we'll discuss how older characters are depicted in stories and discover how a hero's journey can become an example of positive aging.Story: Ostenson, Harald, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds"( in Jungfrun i Rosiga Molnens Borg, 1911). Great Swedish Fairy Tales, ed. by...
2023-08-0132 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastThe Wise Crone Meets the Devil Again and Again! (S4, #2)Send us a textIn this episode, we’ll look at three stories in which an old woman meets and outwits the devil. The first is “Devil’s Bridge,” a Welsh legend. The second, “The Devil and His Grandmother,” is a German folktale recorded by the Brothers’ Grimm. The last story, “Kitta Grau” is from Sweden. The old woman in these tales runs the course of characters from helper to hero and villain too. But no matter what her role, the wise crone knows exactly what to do to come out on top! Story: Baring-Gould, S., A Book of South Wa...
2023-06-2030 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastMore Hands Lost and Found (S4, #1)Send us a textIn the last "Wise Crone Cottage Podcast," storyteller, Kathy Shimpock shared the Grimm fairy tale "The Girl Without Hands." This is a continuation of that discussion. This time we'll focus on the earlier 1812 version of the story. We'll see how the Handless Maiden shifts from a persecuted figure into a heroine. We'll also explore the ways this story has been used for both healing and empowering. Finally, Kathy will share her version of this tale. I wonder which you'll enjoy best. I'm sure the wise crone knows. [For best understanding, start by listening to the...
2023-05-0628 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Hands Lost & Found" - Variations on a Grimm Theme (S3, #12)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Grimm tale, "The Girl Who Lost Her Hands." It's a story that packs a punch and leaves listeners quaking in the dust. Well, maybe that's a bit extreme. You can judge for yourself! We'll look at several versions of the story, its derivation and multiple interpretations. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, there will be an interview with the Handless Maiden herself. Who will give the interview? Why the wise crone, that's who! Story: from Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, "Das Mädchen ohne...
2023-04-0836 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastNisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log" (S3, #11)Send us a text In this episode, we’ll be exploring the folklore around the "nisse," a Norwegian house spirit, found throughout Scandinavia (by different names). I’ll read the story “Round the Yule Log,” by P. Chr. Asbjornsen which includes several folktales. Further, we’ll reflect on the negative stereotype of the old maid. What should we do with the stories from the past that no longer fit with our modern sensibilities?Story: from P. Chr. Asbjornsen, “Round the Yule-Log" In Christmas in Norway. Boston, MA: Colonial Press, 1895. (Found at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files...
2023-02-2555 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastThe Cailleach in "The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" (S3, #10)Send us a textIn this episode, we’ll be exploring the Cailleach, the Celtic goddess of winter. She’s found in both mythology and folktales in Ireland and Scotland. She sometimes appears as the sovereignty goddess. I’ll read the Irish myth, “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon,” which addresses issues of gender, power, land, and kingship. Further, we’ll reflect on our cultural taboos around aging women and how they continue to impact us today. Story: Adapted from “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" found at the Celtic Literature Collective....
2023-01-0234 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Ariadne’s Thread" - A Twist on a Greek Myth (S3, #9)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will tell you the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Her version is one you may not have heard before, for it tells this story from the eyes of Ariadne. In doing so, we’ll discover how a single shift in perspective can make all the difference.Story: Derived from "Ariadne's Lament" by Catullus.Cover illustration: Statue of Sleeping Ariadne in the Vatican Museums. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licens...
2022-11-0436 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastWhy We Still Remember "Star Wars" and King Arthur's Court (S3, #8)Send us a textIn this episode we'll reflect on two stories that demand retelling. In each tale (from "Star Wars" to King Arthur), we'll see how the story is poised to continue through the intervention of a single storyteller. In the sharing of the story, its meaning, values, and Truth continue to inspire and motivate those who stop to listen and tell again.Story: White, T.H., The Once and Future King. New York: G. P. Putnam's, 1939. "Star Wars, the Rise of Skywalker," J.J. Abrams, director. San Francisco, CA: Lucas Films, 2020.Cover illu...
2022-09-2228 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Witches' Excursion" an Irish Folktale (S3, #7)Send us a textIn this episode we’ll explore the Irish folktale “The Witches Excursion.” It was recorded by Patrick Kennedy in the book Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts published in 1866. Like the Grimm tale, “Frau Holle,” here is another story that began as a myth and became a folktale. We’ll discuss how the character of Queen Medb is reflected in this tale and how the wise crone once again saves the day! Story: "The Witches' Excursion" collected and narrated by Patrick Kennedy in Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts (London: Macmillan), 1866.Cover illus...
2022-08-1420 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"From Bluebeard to Mr. Fox - Corrupting the Legend" (S3, #6)Send us a textIn these very dark days, when the world has gone awry, a story comes out of the darkness. In this episode, we're entering a haunting tale with storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. It is a dire tale rarely told to children. Over time, the story grew even darker, more dire and its message corrupted. It is the corruption of that message, that we'll explore. And so, before we can get to the hope, and before we can get to the light, we must first enter the secret chamber of Bluebeard! Sadly, it’s a place we are...
2022-06-0736 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Brewery of Eggs" - An Irish Story (S3, #5)Send us a textIn this episode, we're in the world of Irish fairies with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Our story is called "The Brewery of Eggs." It's a changeling legend in which the wise old woman saves the day by bringing the right baby home. We're also going to explore how women stories may be coded, so they can share topics too difficult to address directly. Stories: Croker, T. Crofton, Fairy Legends & Traditions of the South of Ireland. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1844.Cover illustration: "The Changeling" by Arthur Rackham, 1905.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod...
2022-04-2824 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Interview with Medusa" - The Wise Crone Speaks (S3, #4)Send us a textIn this episode, we’ll meet Medusa with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Some call Medusa a Gorgon, others a cursed beauty. Maligned in popular media, controversy has followed Medusa wherever she goes. In her first recorded interview, Medusa will sit down with the Wise Crone for a tell-all exchange. Her visit is courtesy of the Jungian technique “active imagination.” Hold on to your seats, there is much more to come!Stories: "Interview with Medusa" by Kathy Shimpock.Cover illustration: Pixabay (http://www.pixabay.com).Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (inco...
2022-03-2028 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Stories that Must be Told" (S3, #3)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the stories that must be told and what happens when we try to forget them. We'll look at three tales from India. Each one addresses stories that are untold, the need to find a willing audience, and the consequence when they are hidden. Finally, we'll discuss how traditional stories from the oral tradition, hold the truth and history that needs to be remembered. As the keepers of stories, we must learn from the tellers of long ago - why these stories were used in the pas...
2022-02-0823 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastItaly's Holiday Witch -"La Befana" (S3, #2)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, explores La Befana, a crone character from Italian folklore. Befana appears on January 5th to give gifts to children. I'll share with you my story that consolidates many of the tales surrounding her. Finally, we'll look at how La Befana compares to some other legendary figures (who also appear during the season of Epiphany). Remember, Befana shows us that it's never too late to go on a true adventure! Story: Traditional interpretation by Kathy Shimpock.Cover illustration: CC0 Dominio publico.Music: The Snow Que...
2022-01-0520 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Midwife to the Fairies" (S3, #1)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the crone's role as the midwife in Irish and European folktales. The story she will share with you is called "Midwife to the Fairies." In this story, we'll learn more about the crone and even more about those disagreeable fairies. Finally, we'll ponder medieval midwifery, and in doing so perhaps uncover some healing wisdom for today.Story: Anna Eliza Bray, "Midwife to the Fairies," in Traditions, Legends, Superstitions, and Sketches of Devonshire on the Borders of the Tamar and the Tavy, vol. 1 (London: John...
2021-11-0322 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Pesta's Norwegian Plague Tales" (S2, #12)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores Norwegian folktales surrounding the Black Death. She shares a story that incorporates many of the motifs and elements found in these tales. It's the story of two very different old women. One is the wise crone and the other is Pesta! Perhaps we'll uncover some plague wisdom we can use today!Story: a creative compilation based on Andreas Faye’s Norske Folke-Sagn (Norwegian Folk Legends, 1844) .Cover illustration by Theodor Kittelsen's Pesta series (1894–1914) .Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creat...
2021-09-2918 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Crones in Disguise: Stories of Greek Goddesses" (S2, #11)Send us a textGreek mythology has a full pantheon of gods and goddesses. Each deity has a story line with the past and present clearly defined. There are stories of triumph and petty jealousies. There are stories of conflict. Their relationships with humans and other gods are often tempestuous. Rarely do we see these gods and goddesses as exemplars. More often than not, they teach the audience what not to do and who not to be. In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares stories of the Greek goddesses - Hera, Athena, and Demeter. When does the...
2021-08-0417 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Story that Grew in My Heart" (S2, #10)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the power of story. What is it? How can a simple tale impact our lives so deeply? The story I will tell (as the wise crone) provides one answer. “The Story that Grew in My Heart” was crafted from a book written by Walter Hackett entitled The Swans of BalleyCastle. It contains clear references to Irish mythology and folklore. Finally, we’ll examine the role of the storyteller in sharing these stories.Stories:The Swans of Ballycastle by Walter Hackett. (NewYork: Ariel Boo...
2021-07-1040 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastMore on "The Goose-Girl at the Well" (S2, #9)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read you the Grimm tale, "The Goose-Girl at the Well." It's a tale within a tale - a story of a young girl's initiation into womanhood and the guiding hand and protection of the wise crone. First discussed in an earlier podcast (S1, #4), this story just won't go away! It is categorized as Aarne-Thompson tale type 923 ('Love Like Salt'). But even more importantly, the old woman in this story is a study of delightful contrasts. Both young and old, trickster and crone, she has much to...
2021-05-2836 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastSpring's Gift - the Flower-Elves! (S2, #8)Send us a textIn this episode, we'll explore the magic of spring. I'll share two stories: one from Europe and one from China in which the beauty of the natural world is both honored and rewarded. It's a message we all need to be reminded of after a long cold winter and an even longer pandemic. In these stories we see the creation and protection of the flower-elves who bring forth pure pleasure and joy.Stories:"Goldenrod and Aster," in Phyllis' Field Friends: Flower stories, by Lenore Elizabeth Mulets ( Boston, MA: L.C. Page...
2021-04-1228 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"Crone vs. Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest" (S2, #7)Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Crone vs. the Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest." It’s a fun story filled with motifs from both folklore and mythology that she wrote long ago. These elements fill fantasy literature today and can be an excellent way to get the imagination going. Finally, we’ll explore how these stories can be analyzed for psychological and cultural insights. In many ways, they become dreams made real with wisdom we can take into our daily lives.Story: "The Crone vs...
2021-03-0424 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast'Truth, Lies and Story" (S2, #6)Send us a textIn the wake of insurgents overtaking the U.S. capital in pursuit of a “big lie,” this episode explores the truth that is found in stories. The storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will start by reading a Spanish tale entitled “Falsehood and Truth.” Next, we’ll look at those folktales that provide a context to current events. Finally, she will tell you a more positive counterpoint to the first tale. It’s the Yiddish folktale of “Truth and Story.” Stories: Édouard de Laboulaye , "Falsehood and Truth," in Last Fairy Tales, trans. Mary L. Booth (New York: H...
2021-02-0238 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Little Match Girl" (S2, #5)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen. It is a tragic, Danish, literary tale written in 1845. The subject has similarities to Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" written two years earlier in Victorian England. Both tales focus on the fate of the poor when the world is divided into "haves" and "have nots." We'll also explore the character of the grandmother as a figure of hope and rescue.Story: "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen. Anonymous translation. At Projec...
2021-01-0325 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastSanta is Gender-Neutral (S2, #4)Send us a textIn this episode, it's all about Santa: the folklore, story, and the greater archetype. I posit the question of whether Santa can be gender-neutral. We'll explore an adapted version of the poem, "A Visit from Santa Claus" written by Clement Clarke Moore, Think on it, for just a moment. Santa as the wise crone? Why not?Story: "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1892).Cover illustration: Pixabay.com Music: Up on a Housetop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org...
2020-12-1530 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces" (S2, #3)Send us a textIn the third episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces." This Grimm Brothers' tale has variants found throughout Germany and central Europe. We’ll also explore how the wise crone handles youthful indulgence.Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 133.Cover illustration: by R. Anning Bell in Grimm's Household Tales, Edwardes & Bell, 1912.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under C...
2020-11-0323 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastDisappointing Grannies - Russia's "Hansel & Gretel" (S2, #2)Send us a textIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Witch." It's a Russian variant of the Grimm's tale "Hansel & Gretel." In this story, we explore the character of the grandmother. These characters surprise us more in what they don't do than in what they actually do. They stand in stark contrast to the figure of the wise crone.Story: "The Witch" (a Russian folktale). Andrew Lang, The Yellow Fairy Book, new impression (London: Longmans, Green, and Company, 1906 [first published 1894]), pp. 216-21. "Hansel & Gretel" (a German folktale). Jacob and Wilh...
2020-10-0324 min
Wise Crone Cottage Podcast"The Golden Key" (S2, #1)Send us a textIn the first episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Golden Key." This version of the Grimm Brothers' tale is created for the child in all of us. Once told, we'll see if we can uncover just what was inside that box! Finally, we'll discover what the wise crone found.Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 200.Cover illustration: Pixabay image.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incom...
2020-09-0116 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 12: "Three Spinning Women"Send us a text In this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores stories of spinning, as the wise crone spins the world - to help and guide 7 generations forward and 7 generations back. We'll focus on Native American mythology and compare those stories to the Grimm versions of the "Three Spinning Women."Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 14.Cover illustration: Arthur Rackham for "The Three Spinners," from Little Brother & Little Sister and Other Tales by the Brothers Grimm, 1917.
2020-07-2928 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 11: "Baba Yaga & The Kitchen Witch"Send us a textIn this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the character of Baba Yaga as she confronts "Vasilissa the Beautiful." She will also discuss the way folktales and their characters can impact our lives today. These stories can serve the same function as Vasilissa's tiny wooden doll, providing needed guidance and insights for us all.Story: A.N. Afanasev, "Vasilisa Prekrasnaia," in Narodnye Russkie Skazki (Russian Fairy Tales), (Moscow: A. Semena, 1855-63).Cover illustration: "Vasilisa the Fair," by Ivan Bilibin, 1900. "Kitchen Witch Doll," by Kathy Shimpock, 2019.Music: The Snow Queen Ke...
2020-07-0445 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 10: The Story of One WorldSend us a textIn this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock shares an original creation myth written in 2014. We'll discuss creation mythology generally and look at what these stories and the wise crone might have to say about the troubled times we face.Story: "The Story of One World" (an imagined creation myth) written by Kathy Shimpock. Cover illustration: Photograph from Pixabay.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2020 Kathy Shimpock. All rights reserved. Support the show...
2020-06-0127 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 8: The Three Bears and the Little Old WomanSend us a text In this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock tells you a little known version of "The Three Bears." In this version, the character of Goldilocks is traded for that of an old woman. This 1837 literary tale was written by Robert Southey. The story reflects Victorian stereotypes and biases that viewed the old and the poor as criminals. We see similar beliefs expressed today. The crone in this story, however, gives us all a dire warning.Story: Southey, Robert, "The Three Bears," in The Doctor (London, 1837). Story: "The Story of Sarah Collins" wr...
2020-03-3023 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 7: ''Godmother Death and the Healer Urssenbeck"Send us a textIn this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock tells you the Grimm Brothers' tale "Godfather Death." She then reads her new version of this story, one that is placed in a much earlier time. Her version is entitled, "Godmother Death and the Healer Urssenbeck," a story derived from several European variants. It is placed in the 1300s, at the time of the Black Death. In this version, the characters are female. In so doing, we'll learn something about gender, history and the wise crone. Story: "Godfather Death," recorded by Jacob and Wilhelm Gri...
2020-03-0244 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 6: Awaken to WonderSend us a textIn this episode, storyteller Kathy Shimpock, shares her story "Awaken to Wonder." In this literary tale of the wise crone, we see many of the same elements and plot structures found in traditional folklore.Story: "Awaken to Wonder" by Kathy Shimpock, copyright 2015. Cover illustration: Pixabay. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2020, Kathy Shimpock.Support the showFor more crone tales, visit the "Wise Cr...
2020-02-0128 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 5: "The Very Black Witch" from "How Culwhch Won Olwen"Send us a textIn this episode storyteller Kathy Shimpock, shares two versions of "The Very Black Witch" found within the story of "When Culwhch Won Olwen." The first is the traditional story as found in The Mabinogion, the second, is a newly created variation. She also discusses the wisdom this witchy Crone can share with women today.Story: "How Culwhch Won Olwen," in The Mabinogion, as translated by Lady Charlotte Guest in 1894.Cover illustration: Fountains Abbey bestiary. England, probably North Yorkshire, ca. 1325-1350. MS M.890. Fol. 013v Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod...
2019-12-0218 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 4: The Goose-Girl at the WellSend us a textIn this episode storyteller Kathy Shimpock, reads the Grimm brothers' story "The Goose-Girl at the Well." She also explores the character of the crone archetype. Is the crone simply a witch or is she something more?Story: "Goose-Girl at the Well" recorded by the Brothers Grimm.Cover illustration by Rie Cramer, found in the book Grimm Fairy Tales (1927). Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2019, Kathy Shimpock.Support the showFor mo...
2019-10-2832 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 3 - Ceridwen's QuestSend us a textIn this episode, Kathy Shimpock tells the Welsh tale of "Ceridwen's Quest" also known by the title "The Birth of Taliesin." We then explore the concept of archetypes and especially the archetype of the wise old woman. All rights reserved.Story: "The Birth of Taliesin" from Medieval Welsh poetry.Cover Image: Pixabay.com.Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2019, Kathy Shimpock.Support the showFor more crone tales, visit...
2019-09-3029 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 2 - Frau HolleSend us a textIn this episode, Kathy tells the story of “Frau Holle,” a German folktale, recorded by the Brothers Grimm. We explore the relationship between its young and old characters - especially the role the wise crone plays in the initiation of the young woman. We also look at the symbolism found within this story to see what it has to offer from a psychological perspective. Finally we discover what Frau Holle can teach us about living today as an elder. All rights reserved.Story: "Frau Holle" recorded by the Brothers Grimm.Cover il...
2019-09-0139 min
Wise Crone Cottage PodcastEpisode 1 - The Old Woman and the Wicked OniSend us a textOn this episode, Kathy discusses the creation of the Wise Crone Cottage podcast and the importance of folktales today. She'll tell you a Japanese story, "The Old Woman and the Wicked Oni." It's a story that explores the concept of the "Other." We'll see how the wise old woman becomes an unlikely hero, facing her opponents bravely and finding unexpected solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. All rights reserved.Story: From several variants of the "Old Woman and the Wicked Oni." Japanese folktale.Cover Image: Edmund Dulac from the book The Sleepin...
2019-07-2119 min