-
The Hammer Heist: A Norse Tale
Today’s story is all about what a bad idea it can be to steal from the wrong person. Specifically, what happens when you steal from Thor Odinson. The Lay of Thrym comes to us from the Poetic Edda which was probably written in the second half of the 13th century. This manuscript is a collection of old Norse poems and stories. Its authorship is unknown but while some think it is the work of Snorri, a master in Old Norse poetry and storytelling, it is also believed to have been compiled by a variety of minstrels and poets similar to…
-
Mullah Nasruddin
As many of our listeners know, the month of Ramadan is when Muslims worldwide fast and give thanks for all they have. Last year for Ramadan and Eid, we told the moral tales of the Wise Fool, a folk figure known as Mullah Nasruddin and now, following Eid al-Adha, we have our post! Of course, this is just one of his names since his tales come from many different regions. In Turkey, for example, he is known as Nasreddin Hodja of Anatolia and is believed to have been a real historical figure from the Seljuk empire. These stories are not…
-
How the Rabbit Lost its Tail
How the rabbit lost its tail Brazil, 11 minute read This explanatory tale comes just in time for Spring and all things Easter. Did you know Rabbits used to have long tails? To find out how they ended up with just a tuft, be sure to listen to the episode or read the notes below! I’m sure you’re all gearing up to grab your Easter baskets, chocolates and, for some, preparing for your Easter festivals! In central Europe, our town centers are all decorated for Osterfest, while the Canadian supermarkets are bursting with their chocolate displays. And, of course, somewhere…
-
Festive Folklore Figures
Festive Folklore Figures Various, 10 minute read Folklore Figures in January? Have we missed the memo or are we just recovering from the bliss of Folklore Festivities? No! It’s January 6th which marks Perchtatag and the end of the “Rauhnächten” (the time between the solstice and Epiphany). So in the spirit of Frau Perchta, here is our list of some monstrous creatures of Yuletide! We have previously covered many different types of Christmas tales so look at the list below if you are searching for something specific: If you are interested in Christmas ghosts and the Victorian obsession with them,…
-
Beware of Auntie Tiger
Hóo-Koo-Pô Taiwan, 7 minute read So, this story is one that I found months ago when I was looking at folk horror from Korea, Taiwan, China and the Philippines. Specifically, the story I chose is based on the Aunt Tiger or Auntie Tigress folklore and the most well-known version is by Taiwanese author, Wang Shilang. A long time ago, many people in Taiwan believed spirits and Gods roamed among us. They believed that animal spirits could transform themselves into human beings to trick other humans before devouring them. This sets the stage for our story of the Tiger Witch, the…
-
Billy Duffy and the Devil
Using Emerson and Carleton’s “Billy Duffy” stories, we retell the hilarious tale and examine different elements like the Faustian Pact, Blacksmith and the Devil archetype, Will-o’-the-Wisp and so much more!
Tales from the Enchanted Forest 