On this episode we learn about the origins and legends of the Skogsrå, or Huldra, from Scandinavian folklore. I combined a few stories from across Sweden and Norway to put together this week’s Five Minute Folklore. Thanks to Nordic for use of the song ‘Döden’, HerrSpelman for his song ‘Trasklåt’, and to Alice Bergqvist for providing the voice of the Skogrå.

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On this episode we learn about the origins of the Wendigo, from Native American and Canadian folklore, and also look at the beliefs surrounding it and real life aspects of the legend, including Wendigo Psychosis and Wendigo Hunters. There are lots of Wendigo tales out there, so more than one story this week – The First Dog, Windigo, and The Wendigo Child. Thanks to Rick Dove, James Mildenstein, Malcolm Shoyer and Rebecca Chapman for providing voices on this episode.

On this episode we learn about the origins of Momotaro, the Japanese ‘Peach Boy’, in a more fairy-tale style of story, and his use as role model to children, as well as a World War II propaganda figure. The story of ‘The Monkey-Crab Battle’ is also covered. Thanks to Rick Dove, James Mildenstein, Karen Chapman, Malcolm Shoyer and Rebecca Chapman for providing voices on this episode.

On this episode we learn about the origins of Ankou, who originates in Breton mythology, and is one of many Death representations in folklore. (*This was the first episode I out together so is shorter, and less polished than the others.*)

We delve into American Tall-Tale Folklore on this episode, to talk about Captain Alfred Bulltop Stormalong. Pirates, Krakens, Shanties, and more!

This episode is all about the villainous Russian folklore character – Koschei The Deathless. I retell the classic story ‘The Death Of Koschei The Deathless,’ and we talk about some other Russian stock characters; Baba Yaga, Prince Ivan, and Marya Morevna.

This episode looks at the ‘God Of All Stories’ – Anansi, the trickster spider. Originating in Ghana, but spreading across the the Caribbean, and the rest of the world; Anansi stories are some of the most far-reaching folklore tales.

A festive Five Minute Folklore, that looks at the Nisse. Farm helpers from Scandinavia, who only wish for Christmas Pudding as their payment. What they are, where they come from, and how they became a Santa figure.

Welsh Folklore this week. The stories of Ceridwen the Enchantress, and Taliesin the Bard were too connected to split into separate episodes, so I will be talking about both on this one. Pagan beliefs, ancient texts, and Arthurian connections.

This week we’re taking a look at the world’s oldest religious symbol – The Rainbow Serpent, from the indigenous cultures of Australia. It is an aboriginal creator God whose first images appeared over 6000 years ago.

This episode looks at Headless Horseman stories from all over the world. From the oldest stories of the Dullahan in Ireland, and the German horsemen written down by the Brothers Grimm, to Ichabod Crane and The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow.

Real or Myth? This episode takes a look at The Alps Dragon – Tatzelwurm. We talk about the legend of Heinrich Von Winkelried, variations of the Tatzelwurm, and some real life sightings and hoaxes.

Folklore from the north of England, and my most requested topic – Boggarts. Includes the stories, ‘The Farmer and The Boggart’, and ‘The Legend of Boggart Hole Clough’. I also talk about superstitions, appearances in fantasy media, and The Grizlehurst Boggart.

Mexican folklore. La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, has been told in many variations across generations. There are a few versions of the tale on this episode as well as a look at similarities to Greek and Aztec folklores, and how the stories have endured until this day. Is La Llorona merely a ghost story to scare children, or something more…?

Folklore from the Philippines. The Tikbalang is half-man, half-horse, and dwells within the forests to trick travellers into losing their way. This episode looks at the many variations of Tikbalang beliefs, possible sightings, and origins possibly coming with the Spanish conquistadors, or through Hindu imagery.

Folklore from the north of England, and my most requested topic – Boggarts. Includes the stories, ‘The Farmer and The Boggart’, and ‘The Legend of Boggart Hole Clough’. I also talk about superstitions, appearances in fantasy media, and The Grizlehurst Boggart.

Mexican folklore. La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, has been told in many variations across generations. There are a few versions of the tale on this episode as well as a look at similarities to Greek and Aztec folklores, and how the stories have endured until this day. Is La Llorona merely a ghost story to scare children, or something more…?

Folklore from the Philippines. The Tikbalang is half-man, half-horse, and dwells within the forests to trick travellers into losing their way. This episode looks at the many variations of Tikbalang beliefs, possible sightings, and origins possibly coming with the Spanish conquistadors, or through Hindu imagery.

This episode explores the heroic Iranian folklore character of Arash The Archer. He is a symbol of sacrifice and bravery in Persian culture, and his story has been told for many, many years. We look at the many variations of his tale, his importance to Iran, and who he is in relation to other Persian folklore figures.

This episode looks at Eloko – the grass-covered trolls which dwell within the rainforests of the Congo. A five-minute story, followed by a closer look at the Eloko, variations on the legends, and what the creature possibly represents.

This episode is all about the guitar-playing, hair-braiding, sombrero-wearing, El Sombrerón, from Guatemalan folklore. His music can mesmerise young girls, as he attempts to woo them, and possibly steal their souls…

This episode looks at the legendary trickster from the folklore of Kazakhstan – Aldar Kose. He is a hero of the lower classes who always comes out on top, by outwitting the wealthy.

Folklore from Estonia – The legend of Suur Tõll, otherwise known as Toell the Great, or Tyll the Giant, who defends his island of Saaremaa, alongside his wife Piret, against the attacking hordes, the evil Warlord, and his rival, Vanatuhi, The Old Vile One.