Shows
The Folklore PodcastEpisode 172 - DRACULA AND THE WESTCOUNTRYFolklore Podcast creator and host, Mark Norman, explores the rumours that the author of 'Dracula', Bram Stoker, found inspiration for his famous count in the rural backwaters of the county of Devon, in the South-West of the United Kingdom. Could there by any truth to the ideas that Count Dracula emerged as much from the Devon countryside as he did from the Carpathian mountains?This episode of The Folklore Podcast is written and presented by Mark Norman. To support the podcast, and help to facilitate the creation of more episodes featuring new research, please...
2025-04-0731 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 167 - The 10th KingdomIn this episode, the first show of the 10th anniversary season of The Folklore Podcast, we look at the classic TV mini-series 'The 10th Kingdom' which is celebrating its 25th birthday.Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman gives an overview of some of the content that you can expect during the season. This is followed by an interview with special guest Simon Moore, who wrote the screenplay for 'The 10th Kingdom'.Simon gives some insights into his writing and the show and discusses the subjects of fairy tales...
2025-01-041h 09The Folklore PodcastEpisode 153: EVERYDAY FOLKLOREWe welcome writer and folklore graduate Liza Frank to the Folklore Podcast for an episode looking at the many different ways in which you might be able to combine a bit of folklore into your daily life.In conversation with Mark Norman, creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, Liza looks at divination, calendar customs, food folklore and lots more ideas which came out of the Everyday Lore Project which she ran for a year through lockdown. Liza also discusses how this material then went on to form the basis of her book Everyday...
2024-03-111h 03The Folklore PodcastEpisode 151: RAT HOLES, POTHOLES AND MANHOLESFolklorist Mark Norman, the creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, returns to write and present an individual episode of the show.Spurred on by the recent viral sharing of the Chicago Rat Hole, Mark takes a look at the history of this simulacrum as well as other folk art and belief associated with our roads from flacking to the Virgin Mary, and from holes in the ground to manholes in space. Maybe.To support The Folklore Podcast and help us to keep writing and creating free folklore content...
2024-02-1431 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 145 - THREE RAVENSIn a crossover episode, The Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux, the creators and presenters of The Three Ravens podcast.Between them, the trio have an in-depth discussion of all things folklore and folk tale, and Eleanor and Martin present their version of the story The Two Sisters.Visit www.threeravenspodcast.com to find out all about Eleanor and Martin, or listen to their podcastSupport The Folklore Podcast in what we do and access...
2023-11-2759 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 141 - REBEL FOLKLORERebels come in many flavours. Cultures around the world have their own examples of rebellious characters embedded within their folk tales. Some help others, some help themselves. Some you would love to meet, others you would do well to avoid.But what exactly is the meaning behind our rebellious folk characters? What purpose do their stories hold and what do they tell us about ourselves?Joining Mark Norman, creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, to discuss the role of the rebel in world folklore is returning guest Icy...
2023-10-1457 minThe Folklore PodcastFOLKLORE IN THE FIELD - Gunnella Thorgeirsdottir and Tommy KuuselaIn this second of three bonus mini episodes recorded live at the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research 40th anniversary conference in Sheffield, Perry Carpenter (Digital Folklore Podcast) and Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman chat about the folklore, creatures and beliefs of Iceland and Sweden with our two international guests.To support the work of The Folklore Podcast in continuing to produce episodes of the podcast, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-09-1714 minThe Folklore PodcastFOLKLORE IN THE FIELD - Diane RodgersIn a new occasional strand of The Folklore Podcast, 'Folklore in the Field', we will be presenting interviews and other items of folklore interest which we have captured on location.This episode, recorded at the 40th anniversary conference of the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research at Sheffield Hallam University, features Mark Norman (host of The Folklore Podcast) and Perry Carpenter (co-host of Digital Folklore Podcast) in conversation with Dr Diane Rodgers of the Centre for Contemporary Legend Research Group.If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting the...
2023-07-1218 minThe Folklore PodcastBONUS FEATURE: Lauren McMenemyIn this last of three interviews recorded live at the UK Ghost Story Festival in Derby, podcast host Mark Norman chats with author Lauren McMenemy, who was also one of the people helping with the organisation of the festival itself. The pair discuss ghosts, recommendations for spooky fiction and the time that Lauren spent living in the bizarre serial killer capital of Australia!To support the work of the Folklore Podcast and help us to keep producing more folklore content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-06-0123 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 133: DEATH FOLKLORE IN 19th CENTURY ENGLANDFollowing on from our last episode looking at execution ballads, we stick with the subject of the folklore of death. This time, we focus our attention on England in the 19th century. Discussing the topic with podcast host Mark Norman is author and researcher Claire Cock-Starkey whose PHD research covers this subject.To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon and access extra content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-05-2747 minThe Folklore PodcastBONUS FEATURE: Camilla BruceIn another interview recorded live at the 2023 UK Ghost Story Festival at the Museum of Making in Derby, Folklore Podcast host Mark Norman chats with Norwegian author Camilla Bruce about the folklore of her country, ghosts, witches and the inspiration for her writing.Visit Camilla's website at www.camillabruce.comTo support the Folklore Podcast and the Folklore Library and Archive in its work preserving folklore materials for the future, and to access bonus material, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-04-0316 minThe Folklore PodcastBONUS FEATURE: Stephen VolkA Folklore Podcast Bonus Feature.Recorded live at the UK Ghost Story Festival 2023 at the Museum of Making in Derby, host Mark Norman chats with screenwriter and novelist Stephen Volk.To support the work of the Folklore Podcast and the Folklore Library and Archive is preserving folklore for the future, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-03-1127 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 124: SOUL OF A RAVENGuest interviewer, writer Beth O'Brien (the founder of Disabled Tales) meets with author Catherine Bloor to discuss her novel 'Soul of a Raven', a genre-defying mix of magic, folklore and mystery set across generations and steeped in real-world history and lore.This is a Folklore Podcast Book Club episode.To support the work of The Folklore Podcast and access extra exclusive content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2023-02-0730 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 123: PETRIFIEDWe meet writer/director Peter Dunne and actress Margaret McAuliffe from the celebrated Irish horror podcast 'Petrified' to discuss dark folklore from Ireland, how the horror genre and folklore utilise in-built human fear reactions and how folklore and belief can be used to write in the horror format.Support the work of The Folklore Podcast and The Folklore Library and Archive in collecting and preserving folklore for everyone on our Patreon page where you can also find more exclusive folklore content.
2023-01-2951 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 122: COOPER BRAUNIn the first of a short series of episodes profiling American storytellers, we meet Cooper Braun who reminds us that folk and fairy tales are not just for children. An accomplished and prize-winning slam teller, Cooper's first love is traditional tales and he discusses this in great detail.The episode ends with his telling of "The True Confessions of Prince Charming".Join our Discord server and access extra content at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast and help our work this year. Visit Cooper's website at...
2023-01-111h 17The Folklore PodcastEpisode 121: ENGLISH FOLKTALESSeason 8 of The Folklore Podcast kicks off with an exploration of the subject of the English folk tale, with guest Neil Philip. Neil, who originally published the Penguin Book of English Folktales years ago now has a new revised edition out with Watkins publishers, full of analysis and insight into some famous and lesser known folk tales. Neil's work has been highly praised by the likes of Neil Gaiman (who supplied the foreword for this book), Alan Garner (who is discussed in this episode too) and Philip Pullman.Neil is in conversation with Dr...
2023-01-0147 minThe Folklore PodcastBONUS CONTENT: DivinationA bonus episode of The Folklore Podcast exploring the different types of divination found in cultures around the world, and looking at how these can be used through storytelling mechanisms for playing games.Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman talks to David Whitworth of The Drunken Storyteller podcast about a new book on this subject which he is developing for UK-based game company Hive Mind Games. To support the Folklore Podcast and the Folklore Library and Archive in their goal to collect and preserve folklore materials, and make...
2022-10-1755 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 116: ARCHAEOLOGICAL STORYTELLINGStorytelling is not just about entertainment. Now, and especially in the past, the purpose of story has also been to educate, to inform, and to place us within our own culture, time, place and landscape.In a new collaboration, TV presenter and anthropologist Mary-Ann Ochota teams up with professional storyteller Jason Buck to provide historical interpretation of real-world artefacts and archaeological sites through story, blending the facts with creative retellings of possible events which might lie behind them.In the episode of The Folklore Podcast, folklorist Mark Norman discusses...
2022-09-2559 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 115: SELKIESThe legend of the Selkie, a woman or man who comes ashore as a seal before shedding their skin to turn human, is common in the Scottish Islands, but has parallels in other cultures. In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman summarises a little of the Selkie folklore, before introducing an in-depth look at the new independent film 'Mara: The Seal Wife' which has the story of the Selkie Wife at its heart. Podcast film reviewer Tracy Nicholas discusses the film with its writer and director, Uisdean Murray.Also featured in this...
2022-09-1446 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 114: THE SPIRIT ENGINEERThe investigation of alleged physical medium Kathleen Goligher by the engineer William Jackson Crawford is both fascinating and strangely tragic, but remained until recently a 'lost case' of Edwardian Spiritualism.In the episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman is joined by the author A.J. West whose research into the story has led to the highly praised gothic novel 'The Spirit Engineer', supported by the family descendants of both the Crawfords and the Golighers. You can read much of the research into this case and view some...
2022-08-2354 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 113: FOLKLORE AND DR WHOWe travel through both time and space to discuss the representation of folklore in the long-running British science fiction TV show "Doctor Who". Host of the Folklore Podcast Mark Norman is joined by BBC Audio Original Dr Who writer Will Hadcroft, and Gareth Preston of the 'Very British Futures' podcast.The Folklore Podcast is the official podcast of the Folklore Library and Archive. You can find out more about the Library at www.folklorelibrary.comTo support our work preserving folklore material for the future, please visit www.patreon...
2022-08-011h 04The Folklore PodcastEpisode 112: HAUNTED FORESTS OF ENGLANDWe turn our attention to the medium of film in this episode of The Folklore Podcast. Host Mark Norman is joined by film director and presented George Popov to talk about his new documentary feature 'Haunted Forests of England'. This film is part of the new Sideworld project and is the first in a series which will look at different aspects of folklore, myth and legend. It is released by Rubicon Films.The Folklore Podcast is the official podcast of the Folklore Library and Archive. To support our work, please visit our Patreon page...
2022-07-0944 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 111: A GOTHIC COOKBOOKMark Norman, creator of 'The Folklore Podcast' is joined by guest Dr Alessandra Pino to discuss the importance of food in gothic literature; what it can signify, how it can an important mechanic in storytelling and how its importance has moved over time from the concept of the ritualistic dinner party to something much different.Together with food journalist Ella Buchan, Alessandra has written 'The Gothic Cookbook' which analyses a number of gothic tales and creates or reproduces iconic recipes based on their content. The book is coming out via Unbound and you can...
2022-06-0541 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 109: BOGGARTSWhen most of us think of the term boggart, we probably first come up with the idea of a shapeshifting creature represented in the Harry Potter universe. But this is nothing like the actual folkloric creature which the word actually refers to. Boggarts have not been studied in particularly great detail until recently – they are a supernatural being specific to the north of England but having much in common with other creatures from our folklore.Joining Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman to discuss the subject is historian and author Simon Young. Simon di...
2022-03-261h 11The Folklore PodcastEpisode 108: STORYLANDDr Amy Jeffs is the author of the book "Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain" which sees Amy retelling some of the well known and more obscure mythological tales of the British Isles, along with expert analysis on their themes and content. The title has been phenomenally well received and has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year prize.In this episode, hosted by the creator of The Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman, Amy discusses her research, themes of British mythology and some of the sources for it, and we get to listen...
2022-02-1638 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 107: FOLKLORE 101Mark Norman, creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, welcomes folklorist Dr Jeana Jorgensen onto the show to discuss the study of folklore, why it is important and the types of approaches which could be used. Acting as a springboard for the discussion is Jeana's book 'Folklore 101' which is one of the liveliest and most accessible introductions to the subject which anyone could hope to read.Follow Jeana on Twitter hereClick here for Jeana's blog on Only Sky.Please help to support...
2022-01-3041 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 105: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2021We round off Season 6 with a special feature length episode. Broadcaster and comedian Robin Ince is in conversation with podcast creator and host Mark Norman in this live recording, made as part of Robin's 100 Bookshops tour in 2021, supporting his book "The Importance of Being Interested". The discussion covers science, folklore, storytelling and the intersection of all three things in an free-form conversation.This episode is closed in traditional fashion by the talented music duo Lunatraktors, with a unique performance of "The Holly and the Ivy" using reconstructed pre-Christian themes of the song.
2021-12-301h 20The Folklore PodcastEpisode 103: THE POOKASculptor Aidan Harte joins podcast host Mark Norman to discuss the figure of the Pooka in Irish folklore, as well as the recent controversy surrounding the design for a statue of the beast which he was commissioned to produce for the town of Ennistymon.This episode also features musician Enda Haran performing his protest song about the Ennistymon Pooka.Visit Aidan's homepage hereVisit Enda Haran Music hereThe Folklore Podcast is part of the Folklore Network, working to...
2021-10-2247 minThe Folklore PodcastBOOK CLUB 16: The Good NeighboursHost Mark Norman is joined by Nina Allan, author of 'The Dollmaker' to discuss her novel 'The Good Neighbours' which fuses crime investigation, the power of myth is shaping human narratives and the world of fairy belief.We discuss some of the themes of the book, including the work of Victorian painter Richard Dadd, whose most famous work 'The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke' adorns the cover of the novel and beliefs in the world of fairy.Visit Nina's website hereThe Folklore Podcast Book...
2021-10-0251 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 102: SLAVIC FOLKLOREFolklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined by Gabriela Houston, author of the fantasy novel 'The Second Bell' to discuss the folklore of her native Poland. Gabriela uses various aspects of Slavic lore, in particular a reworking of the traditions relating to striga, in this book, although the conversation branches out far more into various aspects of folklore including healers, superstition and all things monstrous.The Folklore Podcast is part of The Folklore Network, which aims to protect and preserve our folklore for future generations. To help support what we do, please...
2021-09-2038 minThe Folklore PodcastBOOK CLUB 04: A Natural History of GhostsEpisode 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
2021-02-1834 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 92: OLD NORSE MUSICCreator 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...
2021-02-0847 minThe Folklore PodcastBOOK CLUB 03: Medieval Folk Tales for ChildrenAudio 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
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2021-01-2836 minThe Folklore PodcastBOOK CLUB 02: LannyTracey 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
2021-01-0718 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 88: THE OXENHAM OMENMark 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
2020-12-0132 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 87: Working & Writing with Japanese FolkloreJapanese 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...
2020-11-0450 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 86: JOANNE HARRIS: ORFEIABestselling 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.
2020-10-211h 14The Folklore PodcastEpisode 84: THE LOST SOUL ATLASCreator 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.
2020-09-3045 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 83: ALL ABOUT UFOsOne 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
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2020-09-2151 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 82: GHOST DAYSJournalist 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...
2020-09-141h 20The Folklore PodcastEpisode 80: FOLK-A-PA-LORE-ZA Part 1Folklore 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...
2020-08-311h 21The Folklore PodcastEpisode 79: THE HARP IN FOLKLOREThere 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...
2020-08-1046 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 78: EXORCISMSensationalised 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...
2020-07-2041 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 77: MIDSUMMER THROUGH MIDSOMMARReleased 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...
2020-06-2439 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 76 - VAESENAll 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...
2020-06-0849 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 75 - RITUAL BUILDING PROTECTIONFolklore 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
2020-05-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastBonus Content 02: Easter Traditions in EuropeFolklore 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
2020-04-1200 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 72 - THE LAMBTON WORMFolklore 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. CookeArtwork donated by Laura Page. Visit her website hereClick here to support the Folklore Podcast on Pat...
2020-03-1800 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 71- GHOSTLANDAuthor 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
2020-03-0500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 67 - CELTIC AND WESTERN EUROPEAN FAIRIESSeason 5 of The Folklore Podcast kicks off with a special extended episode. Host Mark Norman is joined by author Morgan Daimler to discuss their book 'A New Dictionary of Fairies' which builds on the research done by eminent folklorist Katharine Briggs, focusing on fairies in the Celtic and Western European traditions.
Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
Visit Morgan's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MorganDaimler
Featured music guest, Chalk Horse Music: www.chalkhorsemusic.com
2020-01-1000 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 65 - CHARMS AND CHILDBIRTHCompared to the amount of folklore surrounding death customs and beliefs, there is little discussion about the beginning of our timelines - the traditions relating to pregnancy and birth. Redressing the balance, on this episode of The Folklore Podcast host Mark Norman is joined by Jemma Nicholls, a doula who has recently begun developing workshops looking specifically at these traditions and customs. Jemma has been researching these areas for some time, leading to the putting together of her new workshop entitled Charms and Childbirth.
Website: www.thefolklorepodcast.com
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2019-11-2500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 63 - SLAVIC WITCHCRAFTRussian hereditary witch,occultist and witchcraft scholar Natasha Helvin joins podcast host Mark Norman to discuss the beliefs, traditions and practices associated with witchcraft in the Slavic tradition. In what ways is this similar to other traditional witchcraft practices and how does it differ?
To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2019-10-1100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 62 - THE GIRL WHO SPEAKS BEARThe Girl Who Speaks Bear is Sophie Anderson's second book based around traditional Russian folk tales. Despite having only been published for a short time, she has already been shortlisted for a whole raft of awards - the Carnegie Medal, Children's Fiction Book of the Year, the Waterstones prize and many more.
On this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman talks to Sophie about Russian folklore, why it is important to her and how she uses it in her writing as a storytelling mechanism.
To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon to keep the...
2019-09-1700 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 61 - WORLD OF THE UNKNOWN: GHOSTSIn 1977, a set of three childrens books were published which would go on to become a cult classic. Among the most borrowed (and probably most stolen) from school libraries across the country, these three titles made up the Usborne Mysteries of the Unknown series. Individually, they were the Worlds of the Unknown that looked at Ghosts, Monsters and UFOs.
Recently, an internet petition and campaign ran to bring back the most loved of these three titles, Ghosts. In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman discusses the importance of this book with Usborne...
2019-09-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 59 - THE GLASS WOMAN1686, Iceland. A wild, isolated landscape that can swallow a man without so much as a volcanic gasp, where superstitious Icelanders are haunted by all-too-recent memories of witch trials.
Such is the setting for the novel "The Glass Woman", written by the special guest on this episode of The Folklore Podcast, Caroline Lea. The book is variously described as 'rich in superstition and mystery' and 'both chilling and beguiling'.
Caroline joins podcast creator and host Mark Norman to discuss her research into the folklore and superstition of historic Iceland, how she came to weave it into...
2019-07-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 58 - ICELANDIC FOLKLOREThe country of Iceland is both bleak and beautiful in equal measure, and is also home to some of the darker aspects of folklore and belief. In this first of two episodes of the podcast looking at Icelandic Lore through the lens of popular authors, host Mark Norman is joined by bestselling Icelandic crime novelist Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Yrsa has lived in Iceland her whole life and has woven many aspects of its folklore into her award-winning crime novels. She discusses her memories of folklore as a child and those stories which resonate today.
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2019-05-3000 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 57 - TALES OF BRITAINIn this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman is joined by comedian and author Jem Roberts to discuss his new book, 'Tales of Britain'. A number of years in the compiling and producing, Tales of Britain takes 77 well known and more obscure folk tales from around the country and retells them for the 21st century, along with a unique travel guide which allows the reader to visit the locations in which they were set.
To support the Folklore Podcast and access extra content, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2019-05-0800 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 56 - REDISCOVERING RENAISSANCE WITCHCRAFTThe second of two interviews examining themes of witchcraft. Following on from the last episode of Cunning Folk, in this episode of the podcast Mark Norman is joined by Marion Gibson, Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Exeter. Marion discusses her latest book, 'Rediscovering Renaissance Witchcraft' and the unique degree course on magic and witchcraft that she teaches at the University.
To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2019-04-1700 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 55 - CUNNING FOLKPhD researcher Tabitha Stanmore joins the Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman, and historian Tracey Norman, to discuss her research into the role of the service magician in history. Spanning the years from c. 1350 to c. 1650, Tabitha researches how magic was practiced and by whom, whether this changed over the period, and how magical practice was affected by perspectives on gender. She also explores the extent to which magic was tolerated at different social strata, from the employment of village cunning folk to magic's use at the English royal court.
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2019-03-2500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 53 - ROSES ARE REDIn this episode, Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman takes a look at some of the old (and a few of the modern) customs and traditions associated with Valentine's Day. From the medieval period, by way of early house visiting traditions and love divination, the episode explores many of the UK practices before travelling around the world to look at a selection of other ways that Valentine's is celebrated
2019-02-1800 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 52: GHOSTS IN CINEMAFolklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined in this episode by folklore blogger and film academic Icy Sedgwick to discuss the genre of horror and supernatural in film. The discussion explores the research being undertaken by Icy as part of her PhD on the representation of hauntings on the movie screen and particularly looks at the tropes we find in folkloric accounts of ghosts. Do these translate to the portrayal of the ghost in film, and do the films themselves create their own folklore and mythos which works its way back into our own cultures?
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2019-02-0500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 51 - HAPPY NEW YEARTo kick off Season 4 of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman examines traditional New Year customs and celebrations around the world, noting the many similarities in different cultures as well as the unique aspects found from place to place.
To support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon, and keep the show running, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2019-01-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 50 - PERCHTENThe Krampus has become a big folkloric figure at Christmas time in recent years. But less discussed and of equal interest are the female figures of the Perchten from the alpine regions. On this, the final episode of Season 3 of the Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman redresses the balance in an interview with alpine folklore expert Al Ridenour, the creator of the Bone and Sickle podcast.
To support the Folklore Podcast, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2018-12-2900 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 49 - IN COMES I ...In the first of two episodes of the podcast examining festive folklore for December, Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman looks at the history and origins of the Mummers Play and other Yuletide folk plays and traditions. Contesting the broad opinion that they plays 'are just pagan' the episode traces similarities and differences through other performances such as the pantomime and the Commedia Dell'arte before examining other similar practices such as the Mummering house visits of Newfoundland and the Irish Wrenboys. This episode also contains recordings of performances made in the field.
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2018-12-1000 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 48 - LORE OF THE LOCKSPrejudices against people because of the colour of their skin are unacceptable. And yet, it is often socially accepted to make fun of people because of the colour of their hair. Why should this be any different? And is there any evidence to back up the beliefs?
In this episode Mark Norman, the creator of The Folklore Podcast, discusses the beliefs, superstitions and folklore attached to those sporting red hair.
To support the continued ad-free production of the podcast, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
2018-11-1400 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 47 - TALES OF THE LANTERNAs beautifully performed and presented as it was, there is far more to the concept of the 'genie' than Disney's manic blue singing version in Aladdin. The genie is the Westernised version of the Jinn, the supernatural being from Islamic and Arabian mythology and lore. On this episode of the Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman and researcher Tracey Norman are joined by Dedra Stevenson, an author from the UAE who draws on a lot of this folklore in her fiction writing. Dedra explains exactly what the Jinn are, and how they are a very real part of Muslim beliefs.
2018-10-2200 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 46 - HUSH LITTLE BABYThe lullaby as a song type is found in cultures all over the world. Whilst the familiar interpretation is as a gentle song to lull a child to a restful sleep, in this episode podcast creator and host Mark Norman offers some alternative readings where the lyrics and back-story are somewhat darker and more likely to induce nightmares. The episode also features a guest talk from Armenian folklore researcher and lecturer Hasmik Matikyan on the lullaby as a form of work song, drawn from her own cultural experiences and interviews.
2018-09-2600 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 40 - FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOWIn the winter of 1855, after a heavy fall of snow, residents across a large area of the county of Devon, in the South West of the UK, awoke to find a mysterious trail of prints in the snow. Looking like an hoof, the single-file line of prints allegedly covered a distance of some 100 miles, ignoring obstructions in their path and continuing over high walls hayricks and even the roofs of houses. No satisfactory explanation has ever been given for the event, which became known as the Great Devon Mystery.
Although the case has been widely reported, interestingly...
2018-04-0400 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 39 - CRAVING SUPERNATURAL CREATURESIn this episode of the Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman is joined by guest Dr Claudia Schwabe, assistant professor of German at Utah State University. Amongst other things, Claudia teaches classes on fairy tales and in this interview she discusses the content of her forthcoming book "Craving Supernatural Creatures" which examines German fairy tale creatures through the lens of American Pop Culture.
2018-03-1600 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 38 - MIRROR MIRROROf all the objects in your house, the mirror probably has more superstitions attached to it than any other. It may be used for divination. It may be a portal to another dimension. And woe betide you if it should fall off the wall and break.
In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, folklorist Mark Norman - the creator and host of the podcast - looks at the mirror through history and in various cultures to explore some of the more obscure folklore attached to it.
Research assistance provided by Tracey Norman.
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2018-03-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 37 - ALIEN BIG CATSThis episode presents a recorded folklore talk from the archives of the podcast creator and host, Mark Norman.
Alien Big Cats was recorded in September 2013 at the Folklore Society conference 'Beasts in Legend and Tradition'. The talk, presented by writer and folklorist Steve Patterson, examines the zoological phenomenon of out of place cats in the landscape. Whilst there is plenty of evidence to suggest that big cats do live in the British landscape, Steve discusses the ways in which these cases feed into the folklore narrative of the creatures before moving on to discuss the image of...
2018-02-2100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 36 - INVESTIGATING GHOSTS: THE ROLE OF FOLKLOREThere is no doubt that modern day ghost hunting is a big deal. From television programming to participatory events, the search for evidence of ghosts is more prevalent than ever. But how does folklore have a role to play in paranormal investigation? Benjamin Radford is editor of Sceptical Inquirer science magazine, a critical investigator and author or co-author of over 20 books and many hundreds of articles. In the episode of the Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman discusses Ben's book 'Investigating Ghosts' and looks together they look at the important place for folklore in the field of ghost investigation.
2018-02-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 35 - THE TRUTH ABOUT HANSEL AND GRETELMany fairy tales have their roots in a much darker past, but these origins are watered down to make the tales more wholesome or moral. But did the story of Hansel and Gretel really stem from a case of entrepreneurial intrigue and murder in 17th century Germany? And did the Grimm Brothers know more than they were letting on it their version of the story? Why do the illustrations in their book look so similar to modern day locations? In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman examines a case to which their is certainly...
2018-01-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 33 - GEF! THE EXTRA SPECIAL TALKING MONGOOSEThe case of Gef, the alleged talking mongoose, which may or may not have been a poltergeist, or a ghost, or a hoax, or any one of a number of things, took place over a period of around 8 years on a remote farm in the Isle of Man in the 1930s. It was investigated by Harry Price, Nandor Fodor and other researchers, but there was never a definite conclusion as to what was going on.
On this episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman talks to Christopher Josiffe, the author of the award winning...
2017-12-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 32 - SPINDLE, SHUTTLE AND NEEDLEThe skills of weaving, spinning and knitting were vital to clothe and keep warm members of every class, race, religion or social group from the poorest to the richest. And so, we find wool, yarn and thread and the working of those materials rooted very deeply in the folklore of countries around the globe.
In this episode, Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman discusses the folklore associated with wool, thread, spinning and associated crafts, through folk and fairy tales, customs and more.
Support the Folklore Podcast at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast and receive bonus...
2017-12-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 31 - OPERA WITCHThis episode of the Folklore Podcast examines the broad themes of witchcraft and the supernatural, but focuses down to look at how they were portrayed in the early modern period; specifically, how witches were represented on the 17th century musical stage. Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman is joined by special guest and musicologist Shauna Caffrey who discusses her unusual research into the role of witches in the opera. To find out more about Shauna and her work, please visit the guests page on our website at www.thefolklorepodcast.com
2017-11-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 30 - VAMPIRES: A FOLKLORE PERSPECTIVE PART 2In the second part of this two-part examination of vampire from lore from around the world, Folklore Podcast creator and host Mark Norman moves on to discuss ways of ensuring that the recently deceased do not rise again as vampires and, if these measures fail, what differing methods are available to destroy a creature. What are the differences between pinning and staking? Which wood should you use for your stake? Why were some bodies buried with farm implements?
To access the entire back catalogue of the Folklore Podcast for free, purchase episode supplements or other folklore products...
2017-11-0100 min
Everything Band PodcastMark NormanMark Norman is the director of bands at the North Carolina School of the Arts, a professional tuba player, and owner of the Charlotte Music School and he brings his wonderfully varied experiences to the podcast in a conversation that takes some unexpectedly informative turns. Topics: Mark’s background, Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968, and the Selmer Musical Aptitude Test. Creating experiences for his ensembles and a story about David Maslanka. Mark’s time in the Navy Band and his journey to becoming a college band director. Putting yourself in a position to be successful by bei...
2017-10-2359 minThe Folklore PodcastOnce Upon A Time: Folklore and StorytellingMany of the folk tales that inspire us, teach us or just intrigue us have been passed down through many generations. In some cases we can find a root for the story. In most, we cannot. But they draw on the knowledge, the beliefs and the imaginations of our ancestors. Many of the stories that we have today, both the well-loved tales and the more obscure lore, survive because of the practices and skills of the storyteller.
In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman is joined by classically trained actor and professional...
2017-10-151h 02The Folklore PodcastEpisode 28 - VAMPIRES: A FOLKLORE PERSPECTIVE PART 1Most people are familiar with the story of 'Count Dracula' and have more than a good general knowledge of the typical vampire tropes of stage and screen; the fangs, the pale skin, the blood sucking. But to truly understand the motif of the vampire in culture, we need to look across the world at all of our cultures and this is where the folklorists approach is so valuable. In the first of this special two-part examination of the vampire, podcast creator and host Mark Norman examines the origins and emergence of the idea of the vampire across races, religions...
2017-10-0133 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 27 - THE GREAT FOLKLORISTS: HELEN CREIGHTONThrough the early to mid part of the 20th century there were a number of characters, often women, who would travel their parts of the world collecting folk songs, stories and superstitions and recording them for the future. These people are often forgotten in modern times, but without them we would not have the archives and knowledge of our folkloric past that we do now.
In this episode of the Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman talks to Cindy Campbell-Stone, Vice-president of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society about Canada's 'First Lady of Folklore' and offers a chance to...
2017-09-151h 04The Folklore PodcastEpisode 26 - VOICES FROM THE DEEPReturning from its month off for the summer, the Folklore Podcast takes to the water with an episode on the folklore of the mermaid. From Cornish folk tales to Slavic undead, from TV mockumentaries to outright hoaxes and all points in between, podcast creator and host Mark Norman offers a look at the nice, and not so nice aspects of the mer-creature, both male and female.
The Folklore Podcast will always be free to listen to, but to help secure the long term success of the show please consider joining our Patreon page where you can get transcripts and bonus...
2017-09-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 24 - EVERYONE NEEDS A HOBBYAnimal totems as symbols in folk rituals are common and go back probably further than any of us can track. By far the most prolific of these is the hobby horse. Often associated with calendar customs as well as an accompanying figure for many Morris dance sides, there are a number of common varieties of hobby horse and they are found in customs around the world.
In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman examines the motif of the hobby horse as well as telling a little about a very unusual one that he is currently...
2017-07-0200 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 23 - THE PADDING HORRORA deviation from the normal format of the podcast for this edition by way of a change. In this episode, host Mark Norman introduces a reading of a fiction story which he wrote using themes from his research into Black Dog apparitions, and local tradition and folklore from his area of the world.
In this podcast, the story is read by Sam Burns.
"The Padding Horror" is a Lovecraftian style short story which was originally written for an anthology of similar tales put together by authors voluntarily to raise money for the mental health charity MIND. An ebook of the...
2017-06-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 22 - DEVOURING THE SUNBefore naturally occurring events were understand by humans, they needed stories in order to explain them, much in the same way as we have seen with physical conditions such as the Old Hag phenomenon which we examined earlier in this season. In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman looks at the eclipse in folklore, both solar and lunar, and relates some of the mythological and traditional tales associated with these events, as well as some obscure lore on what you should and should not do while an eclipse takes place. For the episode supplement for...
2017-06-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 20: TRADITIONAL WITCHCRAFT NOW AND THENCreator and host of the Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman, examines the lore and practices of those who follow a Traditional pathway of Folk Magic: the Cunning Man, the Wise Woman, the pellar and the wayside witch. This episode examines to what extent the role and the techniques of the Traditional Witch have changed over the last 200 years and how similar the folk magic beliefs are in more modern times.
2017-05-0134 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 19 - KNOCK ONCE FOR YESThe topics of spiritualism and mediumship have always been, and will always be, controversial. It is important to note that as folklorists, we should not be judging whether such things are 'real' or 'imagined', but rather the role that the phenomenon and the stories associated with it play within our cultures.
What is certainly the case is that there have, through history, been people who claimed mediumistic powers when they had none.
In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman examines some of the cases of séance room fraud through history, why people did it, how they d...
2017-04-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEPISODE 18: SPECTRAL HOUNDS: A Monster Talk CrossoverIn this episode, host of The Folklore Podcast Mark Norman links up with Blake Smith and Dr Karen Stollznow of Monster Talk podcast in the US for a joint episode examining the field of spectral hounds. Monster Talk is an official podcast of Sceptic Magazine and takes a critical, but open minded look at fields of the paranormal, cryptozoology and folklore.
The show also goes more deeply into oral traditions and the use of the motif within folklore. This podcast is simultaneously released by Monster Talk and it is suggested that you listen to their version of the show too...
2017-04-011h 06The Folklore PodcastEpisode 17 - FOLKLORE IN FANTASY FICTIONIn this episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman interviews special guest Carin Marais, a qualified language practitioner from South Africa and writer of specualtive and fantasy fiction, about the ways in which fantasy authors use the folklore of the real world as a basis to form their own fictitious worlds. Also, how the fictitious folklore then begins to bleed back into our own lore. Using authors such as Tolkein, Terry Pratchett and Jim Butcher, as well as examples from her own Africaans and other cultures, Carin explores many well known books as well as drawing upon her own...
2017-03-1400 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 15 - FOLKLORE: MORE THAN JUST A WORDMORE THAN JUST A WORD: "Folklore" : What It Meant and What Happened To It. On this episode of the Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman is joined by fellow Folklore Society committee member Dr Paul Cowdell. In what you might like to consider as a kind of 'Folklore 101', Paul goes back into history to examine the emergence of both the word Folklore and the discipline itself and traces them through to the modern day. What exactly was, and is, 'Folklore' and what do we study as 'Folklorists'? A full transcript of this valuable academic discussion on the nature of the...
2017-02-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 13 - FAIRY LORE AND THE WITCH TRIALSThe witch trials of the 16th and 17th century have many facets within the accusations of the women (and men) involved. One of the most intriguing is the links between accused parties and the fairies. How did these people claim to be convening with the fae? What fairy magic did they profess to use? In this special extended episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman is joined by historian and tour guide of London's Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Jon Kaneko-James. Jon works extensively with original documents from the period and discusses a case that he stumbled across about which l...
2017-01-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 12 - FOLKLORE IN GOTHIC CHAPBOOKSBefore the rise of the Gothic novel, faciliated by the development of cheap printing systems, the Chapbook and Bluebook were common forms of literature, particularly in the United Kingdom. For a penny or half-penny, members of the public of any class with the ability to read suddenly had access to a wealth of information (of varying degrees of accuracy) and stories of adventure and morality through these publications. Although looked down on by the higher classes of the time, and indeed by scholars of today, the Chapbooks and Bluebooks are a wonderful repository of folklore which can tell us...
2017-01-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 11 - BUNYIP: DEVIL OF THE RIVERBEDCryptozoology is an area of 'Fortean' study (or zoological study depending on your views) which can be of great interest to folklorists because of its reliance on anecdote and oral transmission of stories. In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman introduces a guest lecture from Paul Michael Donovan of Federation University, Australia on the indiginous legends surrounding the cryptid known as the Bunyip. An e-magazine supplement for this episode with further reading suggested by Paul is available to download from The Folklore Podcast website at www.thefolklorepodcast.com
2016-12-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 10 - YULE BE SURPRISEDNo matter which was you cut it and no matter how you celebrate it, there is no doubt that Yule is a time of year steeped in tradition. Some of this will be unique to your own family and some will be more generally known. Other symbols and motifs occur frequently and are either timeless or have been changed and appropriated in other ways over the years.In this edition of The Folklore Podcast, creator and host Mark Norman examines some of the customs, traditions and beliefs surrounding the festivities of Christmas, Yule and/or the Winter...
2016-12-0100 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 9 - MODERN FAIRY SIGHTINGSBelief in fairies throughout the world is ancient and deep-rooted, and this means that there is much folklore and tradition surrounding fairy in all of its forms: elves, pixies, sprites, brownies ... the list continues. Widespread belief in fairies waned enormously in the 19th century but this does not mean that it has died out.In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, host Mark Norman talks to Jo Hickey-Hall about their research into modern fairy sightings and how they sit alongside our more traditional patterns of belief.For more information on this episode, our guest, and...
2016-11-1500 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 7 - GLITTER AND GRAVEDUSTHallowe'en, Samhain or Allantide. However you view the time surrounding October 31st, it is an important part of our ritual year. It is traditionally a time when the veil between the worlds is thinned, when magic is more powerful and when spirits roam the Earth.
Joining regular host Mark Norman on this edition of The Folklore Podcast is special guest Judith Hewitt. Judith is co-manager, with her husband Peter, of the world famous Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall. Throughout 2016, the Museum has staged an exhibition looking at representations of Hallowe'en in the past and...
2016-10-1547 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 6 - APPLE OF YOUR EYEThe Autumn Equinox passes and as the Wheel of the Year turns we enter a state when the world is said to be in balance. This is a time of harvest and of appreciation for the fruits of the land. The Folklore Podcast moves into October with two seasonal episodes looking at important folklore at this time of the year.
In this episode, The Folklore Podcast's creator and host Mark Norman moves from broader folklore themes to something much smaller, and discusses the varying roles of the apple and apple trees in our folklore. Superstitions, traditions and...
2016-10-0127 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 4 - BLACK DOGS & THE WILD HUNTHost of the Folklore Podcast, Mark Norman, is one of a few researchers specialising in the field of Black Dog ghosts and holds what is thought to be the UKs largest archive of sightings and traditions. In this episode, Mark draws on his extensive archive to examine ghostly apparitions of Black Dogs in folklore and specifically how the relate to the wider European folklore of the Wild Hunt legend. An electronic magazine supplement accompanies this show with more information on the subject matter included. Visit www.thefolklorepodcast.com and click on Episodes.
2016-09-0134 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 3 - CONCEALED REVEALEDCats ... shoes ... bottles ... coins. At first glance these objects don't seem to have much in common. But these, and many other objects, are all items which have been found concealed within the fabric of old buildings during renovations or other works. Why were they placed there?
Joining host Mark Norman on this episode of The Folklore Podcast is Dr Ceri Houlbrook, an historical ethnographer and archaeologist who works as research assistant on the Concealed Revealed project, which is asking just this question.
A 16-page electronic magazine supplement is available to complement this edition, featuring a...
2016-08-1529 minThe Folklore PodcastEpisode 2 - COCKSTRIDES AND CARRIAGESGhosts are undoubtedly one of the most popular aspects of folklore stories. But in folklore there are two distinct types of ghost: the folk (or legendary) ghost or the haunting. In this episode of The Folklore Podcast, regular host Mark Norman examines two particular folk ghost motifs, the 'Cockstride' ghost, which serves some form of penance for evil, and the Phantom Coach.
The talk is illustrated with many examples from the South West of the United Kingdom, where these folk ghosts occur a lot in traditional accounts.
An episode supplement is available to download for...
2016-08-0141 min