The Folklore Podcast

Welcome to the 2025 Folklore Podcast Christmas Special.Folklorist Mark Norman, the creator and host of The Folklore Podcast for the last 10 years, relates the legend of the Mistletoe Bride and provides a rare look at a very obscure reference to what is probably the earliest version of the tale in print, from 1809, placing the story in Germany and not England at all.The episode is rounded off with a performance of the song which popularised the legend, 'The Mistletoe Bough' given exclusively for the audience of the podcast by critically acclaimed English folk singer Jackie Oates.Visit Jackie's website at www.jackieoates.co.ukSupport The Folklore Podcast on Patreon for extra content at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman discusses some points relating to the folklore of rivers, with a particular focus on their perceived need for sacrifice and to 'claim a heart' each year.This is followed by a discussion with writer Darren Simpson, the author of a new folk horror book for young adults, 'Thirst', which uses similar themes in its plot.And finally, the show is closed with a new single from folk duo Lunatraktors, 'Yarrow', based on a Child Ballad.You can find Darren Simpson online at https://darrensimpsonwrites.co.uk/Lunatraktors have a website at https://www.lunatraktors.space/To support The Folklore Podcast, please visit https://wwwpatreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

I chat with author Michelle Paver about all things ghost story. What makes a good haunt? Which are her favourites and which doesn't she like? And what do ghosts mean to her?For the second part of the interview we take a look at Michelle's new novel 'Rainforest', a ghost story set in the Mexican rainforest. Having previously placed her ghosts in the isolation of the Arctic and high up a mountain, Michelle once again shows that you can have an effective haunt in an unexpected location. We explore Mayan folklore, shamanism and the cultural roles of that civilization on the story.The episode includes an extract of the audiobook version of Rainforest, read by Richard Armitage.You can visit Michelle's website to find our more about her work at https://michellepaver.com/Please support the work of The Folklore Podcast on the Patreon page. You can join as a free member and, even if you cannot support financially, help to grow the audience and access even more content. Go to https://www.patreon.com/c/thefolklorepodcast

The British ritual year is full of fascinating public events, sports, games, processions and festivals. Whether long-running or modern, revival or continuous, there is something for everyone and a rich background of folklore and tradition behind them all.A new 6-part documentary series, "Gatherings", shines a light on some of these, but in an unusual way. No presenter. No celebrity. No narrative. Gatherings presents the events as the onlookers would see them, along with interviews with organisers, participants and visitors.In this episode of the podcast, I meet with the director Dave Brewis to learn more about how the series came about, the ethos behind it and, of course, the events themselves.You can learn more about Gatherings, and find out how to watch, at https://gatherings.tv/Support the Folklore Podcast and get extra content, as either a free member or on a supporter's tier, at https://www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcastThe Folklore Podcast is an independent podcast. Please help to spread the word by sharing episodes and other content.

I gather together a gaggle of witchcraft historians to discuss the cult TV gameshow 'The Traitors'. To what extent do the machinations of the contestants in the show, whichever version that might be, draw parallels with the witch-hunts of the Early Modern Period?Joining me to debate this are:Professor Marion GibsonDr Tabitha StanmoreTracey NormanAll of whom are returning guests to the show.Support the Folklore Podcast on Patreon for extra content at http://www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast