The Folktale Project

Follow The Folktale Project
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Folklore, fairytales and legends from around the world the way they were meant to be. Brought to you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Who says you're too old for a good story?

Dan Scholz


    • May 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 1,352 EPISODES

    4.9 from 78 ratings Listeners of The Folktale Project that love the show mention: old stories, folklore, tales, dan, charming, relaxing, calming, reading, fascinating, short, voice, subscribe, story, nice, around, great, world, like, love, thanks.


    Ivy Insights

    The Folktale Project is an incredible podcast that delves into the rich world of folklore and fairytales from around the world. Hosted by Dan, the podcast features him narrating these enchanting stories with great skill and passion. One of the best aspects of this podcast is Dan's narration style, which is both soothing and engaging. He uses character voices to bring the tales to life, making it a joy to listen to. Whether I'm walking on campus or falling asleep at night, The Folktale Project never fails to captivate me.

    What sets The Folktale Project apart from other podcasts is its focus on stories from different cultures. Rather than just retelling the well-known Grimm fairy tales, Dan explores lesser-known tales that come from various parts of the world. This provides listeners with a diverse range of stories and allows them to learn more about different cultures and their folklore. As a teacher, I appreciate that this podcast can be used as an educational tool in introducing children to different cultures through storytelling.

    Another aspect that I love about The Folktale Project is its overall feel and atmosphere. Dan's natural mellow voice creates a cozy environment, reminiscent of a father reading a bedtime story to his child. He lets the stories stand on their own, only providing a little commentary at the end, which allows listeners to immerse themselves fully in each tale. This podcast truly fosters a love for reading and storytelling.

    While there isn't much negative to say about The Folktale Project, one small criticism would be that I wish there was more post-story commentary from Dan. His quips and insights are always entertaining, and it would be great if he had more to say after each story.

    In conclusion, The Folktale Project is a gem among podcasts. With its captivating narration style and exploration of stories from different cultures, it provides listeners with an enjoyable and educational experience. Whether you're a fan of folklore or simply love a good bedtime story, The Folktale Project is a must-listen.



    Search for episodes from The Folktale Project with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Folktale Project

    The Folktale Project - The Story of a Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 12:36


    I apologize in advance that this is perhaps the saddest story that I've ever told on The Folktale Project. Han Christian Andersen's 'The Story of a Mother' begins sadly and ends sadly with a bit of melancholy in the middle. Trigger warning - the story begins with the death of a child. Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject

    The Folktale Project - The Fair Angola

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 10:44


    This week's new story is a bit of an Italian mashup. A little Rapunzel, a bit of Beauty and the Beast, and a dash of Baba Yaga. I do hope you enjoy it! Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject  

    The Folktale Project Classics - Queen Aster

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 15:58


    This week brings the revisiting of a classic tale by Louisa May Alcott - 'Queen Aster'. Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject  

    The Folktale Project - The Little Brother and Sister

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 13:05


    A new tale this week from the Brothers Grimm, and it's about as wholesome as they get! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Wise Men of Gotham

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 10:37


    The tale of The Wise Men of Gotham goes far beyond the stories you'll hear today, but that doesn't make these stories any less fun! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Boy Who Was Called Thick-Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 12:18


    This week's new story comes to us from Canada and Professor Cyrus Macmillan and his 'Canadian Fairy Tales'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Wind in the Pine Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 11:01


    Apologies for the last few missed episodes, adjusting to new schedules is always a bear. But we're back today with a new story from Japan! 'The Wind in the Pine Tree' is a perfect little love story in honor of my wife and the large pine at our new home. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project Classics - Tattercoats

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 9:24


    Fresh from the archives - one of my favorite English folktales - Take one part "The Goosegirl", one part "Cinderella", and mix it with a little 'Pied Piper' and you'll get the English folktale of 'Tattercoats'.

    The Folktale Project - How the Turkey Buzzard Got His Suit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 6:57


    Today's story is a tribute to my wife's discovery of a turkey buzzard near our house last week. It's the Iroquois tale of 'How the Turkey Buzzard Got His Suit'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project Classics - Dr. Knowall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 6:01


    A classic from 2017's season - the German tale of 'Dr. Know-All' as brought to us by The Brothers Grimm. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Two Cat Witches

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 8:57


    Our newest tale comes to us from Wales and features a wise and brave traveller named Hugh. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project Classics - Finist the Bright Falcon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 18:09


    This week we go all the way back to Episode 100 of the podcast. 'Finist the Bright Falcon' is a Russian tale that certainly deserves to be replayed. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - Two Stories from Japan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 8:58


    This week on for our new tales we have two stories from the Ainu people of Japan - 'The Kind Giver and the Grudging Giver.' and 'The Man who was changed into a Fox.' To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project Classic - The Glass Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 15:27


    This week on Folktale Project Classics we dive into the archives for 'The Glass Dog' from "American Fairy Tales" by L. Frank Baum. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!

    The Folktale Project - The Wise Bat

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 7:19


    A new story this Friday from Tibet! The Wise Bat tells the story of an easily conviced King and a rather smart subject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The King and The Apple

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 7:49


    This week we have a new tale from Georgia read in honor of my wordplay and riddle loving wife and father. I do hope you all enjoy 'The King and The Apple'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Good Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 9:07


    This week we celebrate a move to Fridays with a Slavic tale of resistance to tyranny. 'The Good Children' comes to us from "Sixty Folk-Tales from Exclusively Slavonic Sources", by A.H. Wratislaw. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project Classics - Knight Roland

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 17:29


    One of my favorite tales from "Legends of the Rhine" tells the story of the heroic Roland, a knight and nephew of Charlemagne. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Folktale Project - The Crow-Peri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 13:33


    We're back with a new story from Turkey this week. 'The Crow-Peri' from "Turkish Fairy Tales and Folk Tales" is a really wonderful way to jump back into things, happy ending and all. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    Folktale Project Classics - The Box of Robbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 16:33


    This week we have a story from the archives and one of my favorite collections of tales - American Fairy Tales. 'The Box of Robbers" is a hilarious story of a curious child and a hidden crate's contents.

    The Three Billy Goats Gruff 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 4:59


    While I'm focusing on new stories from new regions this year this tale was suggested and I just had to share it! Enjoy the classic - Three Billy Goats Gruff. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    Our Top Story of 2024 - The Voice of Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 9:31


    One last (or first) tradition this holiday season at The Folktale Project - the most popular story of 2024. This past year was certainly a hard one for some and I do hope that next year is better than the last for all of us.

    A Visit from St. Nicholas - 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 5:05


    Today is my very favorite tradition - the annual reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    Folktale Project - Jack Hannaford

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 5:48


    A new story this week from English Fairy Tales - a collection we know quite well! 'Jack Hannaford' is a tale of two fools (a husband and a wife) and an old soldier out to fool them. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    Folktale Project Classics - Prince Autumn

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 13:09


    This week's classic tale is a story of autumn, something that seems to have come and (mostly gone) in the blink of an eye this year! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!  

    The Fool and the Birch-Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 7:22


    Today's brand new story from "Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore " is 'The Fool and the Birch-Tree'. A tale of three brothers, murder and riches. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!

    Folktale Project Classics - Mrs. November's Dinner Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 11:28


    It's Thanksgiving here in the US tomorrow so today we have a revisiting of one of my favorite Thanksgiving tales. Mrs. November's Dinner Party perfectly captures that chaos that is a family holiday dinner. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!

    The Skunk in Tante Odette's Oven

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 16:01


    This week we have a new story, a listener suggestion from Liz Spiva from "The Talking Cat and other tales of French Canada". Liz, I hope you enjoy the story!   Book: The talking cat, and other stories of French Canada Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject.

    Folktale Project Classics - The Capture of Father Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 15:54


    This week's Folktale Project Classic is a fun tale from "American Fairy Tales" - 'The Capture of Father Time'. Join us next week for an all new tale. If there's a story you'd like to hear please reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    The Buried Moon

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 12:17


    Today we have a listener submission from Jennifer Longe who is working on a film based on the tale of 'The Buried Moon'. If there's a story you'd like to hear please reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com. Book: More English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject.

    Folktale Project Classic - Stingy Jack

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 4:03


    I know that I promised new stories (and that this one is a day later than normal) but today is Halloween and that means we had to adjust our schedule to release the annual telling of our favorite Irish Halloween tale - Stingy Jack.   Image © National Museum of Ireland

    The Six Sillies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 7:04


    We're back! This week we have a new story, one that I think is the perfect way to ease back into new tales. Something short and silly :) I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - A Tuscan Bluebeard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 9:28


    This week's story of 'A Tuscan Bluebeard' is my last Folktale Project Classic for a while! Beginning next week I'll be returning with new stories, plus some new stories from you! I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - The Master Maid

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 34:00


    This week's story of 'The Master Maid' is quite a tale indeed! As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - The Fairies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 9:58


    This week's tale is my favorite version of 'The Fairies' and I hope it's yours as well! As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - A Misfit Ghost

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 7:38


    This week's tale is the story of a ghost ship encountered by the predecessor of the US Coast Guard. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 16:23


    This week's tale is the classic story of Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - American Fairytales

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 174:46


    This week's story is a full book! "American Fairytales" by L. Frank Baum is filled with vignettes and followed hot on the heels of the wildly successful "Wizard of Oz".  As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - Hansel and Gretel

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 16:13


    This week's tale is the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com. 

    Folktale Project Classics - The Princess Rosette

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 47:26


    This week's tale comes to us from France. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com. 

    Folktale Project Classics - The Dreamer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 14:53


    This week's tale comes to us from Armenia. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - The Fountain of Giant Land

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 14:18


    This week is one of my favorite folktales from Brazil. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. Have an idea you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - Raiko and the Shi-Ten Doji

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 10:43


    This week one of my favorite Japanese folktales. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. Have an idea you'd like to share? Reach out at dan@folktaleproject.com.

    Folktale Project Classics - Genovefa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 16:16


    This week on Folktale Project Classics we have the origin story of Count Siegfried of the Palatinate and his saint-like wife, Genovefa.

    Folktale Project Classics - Little Red Riding Hood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 5:11


    The first of our Folktale Project Classics is truly a classic tale with a (perhaps) unfamiliar ending?

    The Voice of Death - A Roumanian Folktale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 7:38


    Our last new story for a bit is a short (but very good) tale about death. Starting next week The Folktale Project will be replaying classic stories while we get ready for something completely new. Title: Roumanian Fairy Tales Author: Various Compiler: Mite Kremnitz Editor: J. M. Percival Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    Reflections - A Japanese Fairytale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 16:13


    This week's tale comes from rural Japan and shows how a young couple discovers some modern conveniences. Title: Japanese Fairy Tales Author: Grace James Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    Little Annie's Dream - An American Fairytale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 21:34


    This week's story comes to us from the one and only Louisa May Alcott. 'Little Annie's Dream" is a story about controlling our negative emotions, something that I'm sure we all struggle with from time to time. Book: Flower Fables Author: Louisa May Alcott Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    The Two Jewels - A Jewish Fairytale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 10:40


    A story with quite the important message about tolerance, particularly when it comes to religion. Title: Jewish Fairy Stories Translator: Gerald Friedlander Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    The Woodman and the Mountain Fairies - A Korean Folktale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 14:49


    A very familiar tale of a human getting caught up in the affairs of fairies, but this time from Korea. Book: Korean Fairy Tales Author: William Elliot Griffis Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    Uncle Capriano - An Italian Folktale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 10:29


    From 'Italian Popular Tales' we have the story of practical jokes gone (in my opinion) too far with Uncle Capriano. Book: Italian Popular Tales Author: Thomas Frederick Crane Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!    

    Claim The Folktale Project

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel