The Scottish Folklore Podcast

Yuletide is for feasting, festivities, and fireside stories! In this episode Jenny tells two traditional Christmas time tales, ‘Dancing in the Fairy Knoll’ from Glen Etive and Duncan Williamson’s ‘The Hare and The Scarecrow’. Fairies flit in and out of both stories, but in very different ways, showing just how fickle and friendly they can be!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jenny as she explores some of the many Yuletide and Hogmanay traditions, customs, rituals, and rites that have been practised in Scotland over the millennia. From ancient burial cairns being aligned with the setting winter solstice sun, to different types of divination, cow-hides and clubs, and of course, first-footing, these traditions are part of the celebration of the darkest days of the year, and the rebirth into a new cycle of life. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is one of Scotland’s greatest wonder tales - it is a story of gargantuan proportions, tremendous sacrifice, and unlikely heroes. It comes from Orkney in the far north and tells of Assipattle, a lazy layabout farm lad, and the arrival of the dreaded Mester Stoorworm, a ginormous sea-serpent that can wrap its body around the entire earth and kill everything on land with its terrible breath. But that’s all info you’re getting, as it’s best to just dive right in and enjoy! Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seals under the waves, humans upon the shore, selkies are some of Scotland’s most well loved folkloric beings, and for good reason too, for their beautiful eyes and gentle nature have captured our imaginations, and hearts, for centuries. In this episode Jenny dives into the world of the seal-folk, their lives both above the surface and below, their many origin stories, and the story of MacCodrum of the Seals. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mountain builder, bone singer, bringer of winter, the Cailleach Beira is a Hag unto her own. Join Jenny in this episode as she tells many tales of the giant blue-faced deity who rules over the cruel, harsh winters of Scotland. From her shaping of the land, to her protective peace, to her bitter rage-filled jealousy of the beautiful maiden of spring, Bride, the Cailleach Beira rules over not just winter, but also our hearts. Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.