Podcast Episodes

How to use rowan to protect your house (and livestock)

Rowan is a popular tree for protection against witchcraft and fairies. You often find its wood or branches being used in building work, or even to ha…

5 years, 6 months ago

Halloween Fiction: Icy Reads 'The Dead-House'

Earlier today I published an episode about the folklore of the dead house. 

I wrote a short story inspired by this folklore, which you can now find i…

5 years, 6 months ago

The Folklore and Ghosts of the Dead House

The dead house was a common occurrence in the days before refrigerated mortuaries. 

People stored bodies at the graveyard in the dead house prior to …

5 years, 6 months ago

Meet Charon: the legendary ferryman of Greek myth!

Charon, the ancient ferryman of Greek myth, is one of those figures that pops up even where other deities get ignored or forgotten. Sometimes people …

5 years, 7 months ago

Why Is The Fetch Seen As A Death Omen in Irish Folklore?

The fetch appears in folklore as an apparition seen when another is apparently dead or dying. 

But what is it? Is it always a death omen? And why do …

5 years, 7 months ago

Why is the Bean Nighe seen as an omen of death in folklore?

You've probably heard about the banshee, announcing deaths with her keening cry. But what of the 'washerwoman of the ford', the Bean Nighe?

She haunt…

5 years, 7 months ago

Autumn Superstitions: Conkers, Roses, and Falling Leaves

The 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness' is upon us again! It's a time of harvest, and watching the natural world prepare for sleep. 

In days go…

5 years, 7 months ago

Why did these 3 hybrid mythical beasts fall out of fashion?

Not all mythological creatures are as popular as the unicorn or dragon. 

Some of the more strange hybrid mythical beasts, like the manticore, Chimera…

5 years, 7 months ago

Unicorns: The Myths & Legends Behind the Glitter & Rainbows

Unicorns might be more popular as children's decorations, or even as 'themes' in makeup collections for adults.

But how do these gentle creatures app…

5 years, 8 months ago

Dragons in Folklore: The Lambton Worm and the Laidly Worm

There are tales of dragons in folklore all over the world. But how do the worm tales of northern England differ from traditional dragon legends?

Let'…

5 years, 8 months ago