Five Minute Folklore

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Folklore from West Africa, specifically the areas of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, that originate from the Ewe, Akan, Ashanti and Dahomey people.The story on this episode tells of the Adze, a creature with the ability to travel as a firefly to sneak into houses and drink the blood of children. Aside from the Adze, two other African vampires are also covered; the Asanbosam, and the Obayifo, otherwise known as the Asiman.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Folklore from Eastern Europe, specifically Romania and Croatia.The first of two episodes dedicated to vampire folklores. This episode looks at Strigoi, the inspiration for the most famous vampire of all; 'Dracula', from the novel by Bram Stoker. There is a retelling of the opening chapters of 'Dracula' on this episode, as well as the real-life Croatian story of 'Jure Grando'; the first man in historical record to be described as a vampire.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Folklore from Brazil.The Protector of the Amazon Forest; Curupira, and Transforming Party-loving Dolphins from the Amazon River; Boto Encantos.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Folklore from Greenland. The Goddess of the Sea; Sedna, and the exiled wandering spirit; Qivittoq.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The episode is all about the snake spirit river God; NyamiNyami, who lives within the waters of the Zambezi river, that runs between the African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The story on this one is a retelling of actual events that occurred around the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This festive episode of Five Minute Folklore takes a look at La Befana - the Christmas witch of Italy, who visits children to delivery gifts of the eve of Epiphany. There are many similarities between her and the more modern Santa Claus, although she is much more closely tied to the traditional Christian Christmas story.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode features two stories; both longer than usual, from two different African countries - Sudan and Libya. The Sudanese story of Fatma Al Samha, or Fatma The Beautiful if one of the most well known folklores in the ahaji style, and the story of Fatoom is a very strange Libyan tale that I have barely any information on. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Slavic folklore originating in Serbia, but told over many European countries, Vila are nature spirits that are also fearsome warriors, and mesmerising dancers. Otherwise known as Wilis, they are also the inspiration for the ballet Giselle, and the Veela from the Harry Potter series.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode covers two different folklores from Argentina - The Legend of the Cactus; Pasancana, and The Devil's fearsome debt collector; El Familiar. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celtic folklore. On this Halloween episode, I decided to look at the most famous ghost of them all - The Banshee, an omen of death which originates in Irish folklore. This episode looks at the possible origins of the myth, similar figures from other folklores, and tells a few stories, one about a young girl named Alice, and the other about a young girl named Maeveen.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Folklore from South Africa. Mistakenly created at the dawn of time by the Gods, the Grootslang is a cryptid that now lurks the rivers and caves of South Africa, eating elephants, and hoarding diamonds. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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...Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Maori folklore from New Zealand on this episode - we take a look at the Taniwha, the protective, or dangerous, water-dragons. This episode explores Maori beliefs and superstitions, taniwhas role as a monster or protector, and it’s similarities to other myths, monsters, and even dinosaurs.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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...?Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We delve into American Tall-Tale Folklore on this episode, to talk about Captain Alfred Bulltop Stormalong. Pirates, Krakens, Shanties, and more!Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.*)Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.comwww.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com www.fiveminutefolklore.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode we learn about the origins and legends of Selkies, including the stories - 'Kopakonan; The Seal Woman', 'The Goodman o' Wastness', and 'The Grey / Great Silkie o' Sule Skerry'. Thanks to Dora Darling-Swann for use of the songs 'The Selkie (or) From The Sea', and 'Silkie Song / The Grey Selkie Of Suleskerry', and to Rebecca Chapman & Rick Dove for providing voices. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coming soon... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.