Last time, Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of war, love and sexuality stole the Mes, fought against Gilgamesh and lost while getting her brother-in-law killed. Now, she's on her way to pay her respects in the underworld to her sister, Ereshkigal, but unsurprisingly things do not go as planned. Join us in the second part of our Inanna series which incl…

Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of war, love and sexuality is used to getting her way, but when she's rejected by Gilgamesh, her fury knows no bounds. Screaming down the heavens, getting her brother-in-law killed, and stealing the very essence of human civilization make up just the long list of what she does. Join us for part one of the tale of Inanna…

They say strange things happen in the Bayous of Louisiana. Hauntings, ghosts, mysterious disappearances and pirates. That's right, pirates! It's time to hoist the colours with Fox and Sparrow as they recount the tale of the Pirate Ghost of Gombi Island. This story comes from "Gumbo ya ya: A Collection of Louisiana folklore." Enjoying the Podcast? W…

Travel with us to the Isle of Mull today as we share the story of the two sisters and a curse! Sibling rivalry maybe goes a bit too far in this revenge drama and the cost of betrayal is heavy. Listen to us chat about the corn maiden, folk traditions around the harvest, fae and of course, little sisters. This version is retold from “Clan Traditions …

Continuing with our Campfire Tales, we have a hauntingly heroic tale from Uzbekistan! A haunted wood in Bukhara that no one dares step foot into, a poor cobbler's son and a beast of unimaginable horror....or is it? Step inside this unexpected folktale by Amina Shah as we explore more of the campfire tales told around the world. Enjoying the Podcast…

There's a slight chill in the air which means its time for falling leaves and tales of horror! Before there were True Crime Podcasts, there was just a campfire and the desire to scare your friends. So, join Fox and Sparrow as we explore the world of campfire tales, especially in North America! Our story is from Doc Forgey's retelling of the Minneso…

Heists are all fun and games until somebody gets caught. Or was the person getting caught part of the REAL plan? And what happens if you're stealing from Thor the Thunderer himself? Join Sparrow as she explores The Lay of Thrym from the Poetic Edda. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodp…

It's a little bit too early to be celebrating the Chinese Qixi Festival or the Korean Chilseok, but the Japanese Tanabata festival is just around the corner, so we are sharing the tale of the Sky Bridge of Birds! You may know the story better as the Tale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, but this version has a little more gambling and bankruptcy!…

Meg just wants to manage her coven of daughters in her quiet Cumbrian village, but when the solstice falls on the day before Lord's Day, she knows they have a strict curfew. Too bad that the Devil or the wizard Michael Scot (not affiliated to Dunder Mifflin) have other plans. Come join us as we explore the folktales around this Neolithic stone circ…

Today's episode is all about Japanese Yōkai and Thersa Matsuura's new book "The Encyclopedia of Japanese Folklore." We chat about moving to a completely different country, crows, everyday folklore and the process behind compiling a book on folklore! You can find out more about Thersa's Uncanny Japan Podcast and books! The gorgeous illustrations wer…

This episode is sponsored by cats! Join Fox and Sparrow as we delve into the wonderful world of Japanese Yokai, particularly the Bakeneko and the Nekomata. Be sure to check out the episode for some exciting news about our special guest for the next episode! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us …

Join Fox on a solo trip down to Mexico with three fun regional folktales! From the Endless Story to Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet, these delightful stories are the perfect transition away from the doom and gloom of winter as we celebrate May! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and…

This week Fox & Sparrow laugh out loud as they retell a series of very short stories starring Mullah Nasruddin. His stories come from all over, but they share something in common- readers are left feeling confused on whether Nasruddin is wise or a fool. Today we explore some of his tales from Turkey and Iran! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear f…

Hoppy Easter Travellers! In this week's solo episode, Sparrow explores a rabbit-centric Brazilian folktale from Elsie Spicer Eells's 1917 book, Fairy Tales from Brazil. This cute explanatory story recounts why rabbits no longer have a tail and why another animal now does. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchase…

Spring has finally arrived in the Enchanted Forest, but it's also the Persian New Year, Nowruz! In honour of this celebration, Fox and Sparrow explore the classic Persian folktale: Fatima and the Crow. This cozy story will make you feel like you have entered a Studio Ghibli film before moving to a higher-stakes ending where an old grandma learns ho…

In honour of St Patrick's Day, Fox and Sparrow look at an Irish folktale from the county of Kildare. In this quaint county, there is a grand manor with some peculiar goings on, and the servants are spooked. Little do they realize that a pooka, a trickster spirit, is the source. But is the Pooka here to help? Or does this fae creature have a more si…

Storms, doctors of dead things, a damp mob and a miserable mermaid make this a mermaid story straight from the heart and soul of South Carolina’s literary tradition. Please enjoy the African-American tale of the "Apothecary and the Mermaid" collected by John Bennett and retold by Virginia Hamilton in "Her Stories" as "The Mer-Woman out of the Water…

Fox & Sparrow are back together for a new year with a new wild tale to tell! This Italian tale is like Snow White if it was made by Studio Ghibli. From an evil stepmother to a mischievous eagle and a questionable prince, our female protagonist, Ermellina, will have her work cut out for her to avoid her fate in the Crystal Casket. Enjoying the Podca…

Sparrow soars solo this week to Greenland for a wild tale about brothers and what happens when they make some pretty big decisions for their sisters. From surprise marriages to murder and even an epic boat chase, this tale will keep you guessing until the end. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow …

Join Fox for the first story of the year where we'll dive into a story gifted by a friend. Enjoy a short, weird tale that takes us over rivers, over fields, over ridges, over bens and glens and seas! Eachann MacPhaidein's "The Butterfly's Wedding" (Pòsadh An Dealan-dè) comes from Highland Legends (1905) as edited by Johnny Mains for the British Lib…

Happy New Year! Join Fox and Sparrow for the final story of the year, a whirlwind of a tale from the enchanted forests of Bulgaria! Can a little orphan girl with a warm heart thwart the witch's plan for a forever winter? In the final episode of 2023, Fox and Sparrow reflect on what they have been into the previous year. From getting sick to enjoyin…

The winter holidays are fast approaching and to celebrate, Fox & Sparrow are teaming up with a special guest Julia, aka Kuzco! Together they will cover not one but three Festive Folklore Figures! From Krampus to the Kallikantzaros to the Yule Cat, these animal companions are dedicated to sharing the Christmas whimsy and terror of these holiday crea…

Ever wonder why a jellyfish looks the way it does? Well, wonder no more! Fox and Sparrow retell a Japanese fairy tale that explains the appearance of one of the ocean's more peculiar creatures and the importance of staying in school. In this week's catch-up, Sparrow has caught the Animal Crossing bug and Fox is getting amped for the upcoming Percy …

November is when the dark creeps up on us and nightmare creatures run rampant in the night! So, snuggle in as Fox and Sparrow dig deep to find the tale behind the Wampus-Cat with the Cherokee tale of Running Deer and the Ew'ah. Also, catch-up with us as we have some spoiler-free Iron Flame and 'Jetlagged' chatter before the story! Enjoying the Podc…

Catch up with Fox and Sparrow as they talk about Animal Crossing, cozy games, and Dungeons and Dragons! The story for today comes from Edith Howes. Two friends set off to gain immortality for all of mankind, but despite their success and fairy intervention, the Sky Father has other plans! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a r…

With Halloween fast approaching, Fox and Sparrow bravely explore the spookier part of the Enchanted Forest. This Taiwanese tale features two sisters who are left home alone until they suddenly hear a mysterious knock at the door. During this week's Current Obsession catch-up, Fox tells of her latest Netflix binge and kindly explains Korean reality …

Join Fox and Sparrow as we share two Nigerian Animal Tales and contemplate the existence of animal tales in a bleak future of extinct mammals! Will Elephants join the mammoths in the folkloric landscape? Chat with us about the strongest Nigerian birds, and African trickster animals! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review …

Cosy up with Fox and Sparrow as we travel to Romania/Ukraine to bring you the Bukovinian fairy tale of the Fairy Queen's Daughter! It's like the Persephone myth...if the Persephone myth had a seductive Dragon Mother, three very old men, a magic bell and a runaway mare! Who needs House of the Dragon? Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! L…

This week, Fox and Sparrow toss and turn over this small tale. Is it just a fun silly little story? Or is there more below the surface of Hans Christian Anderson's retelling? Find out the truth of the seemingly simple story of the Princess and the Pea (or as it was originally known: The Princess on the Pea). Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear fr…

Join Fox and Sparrow as they Dance the Night into Barbieland and examine the Grimm story behind Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses. For our Five Fantastic Finds we look at the origins of the Barbieverse movies, the ballet connection, the locked room trope and much more! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podch…

Join Fox's solo episode on the Rainbow Serpent, a Dreamtime Creature from Aboriginal Australian Stories. The Rainbow Serpent is a creation creature from "Everywhen" that created the rivers, mountains and (sometimes) humans! There is also a darker, bloodier underbelly to this rainbow snake... Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us …

Join Sparrow as she dives into this fishy tale of man's greed, a great Lobster's power, and the sardines' tragic fate. This week's story comes from Professor Cyrus MacMillan's 1922 book, which is simply titled Canadian Fairy Tales. This collection covers various stories all across Canada but the story of this episode originates from Canada's east c…

Join Fox's solo episode on the entire tangled web of the Caledonian Boar Hunt! From Atalanta and Meleager to Jason and Heracles, all of our favourite Greek Heroes are involved in this extended marvel cinematic universe style showdown. Also, of course special smiting appearances from Artemis, Aphrodite and Zeus. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear…

What if you could know when Death was coming for you? Would you want to know? And would you even be able to recognize the signs? Join Sparrow as she explores these ideas in the Brothers Grimm story: Death's Messengers. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you …

Join Fox as she explores the Nahua story of Princess Iztaccíhuatl and her star-crossed lover, Popocatépetl. This story from Mexico explains how the volcanoes came to be and a fun story about how another mountain lost his head after fighting Popocatépetl! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on …

We all love to find answers and understand the world around us. But when does that curiosity stop making us happy and start becoming an obsession with empty knowledge? Join Sparrow as she explores a tale from Estonia, which sees how far one will go to see what mortal eyes have never seen before. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave…

Join Fox's solo episode on an Afghan Fairy-tale featuring a Poor Prince and his two idle brothers. After their father's death, the youngest brother must face a giant, a tower, and magical spells in order to win the hand of a beautiful princess. Originally published in Kabul, Afghanistan's bimonthly Folklore Journal. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to…

Our tale today is “Baingan Bádsháhzádi” meaning the Aubergine Princess or Princess Aubergine. It is a Punjabi tale but variants can be found all over India! Join Fox & Sparrow as we explore this enchanting tale of a beautiful princess who doesn't need Sima Aunty to find her a match! The Evil Queen unwittingly does it for her! Enjoying the Podcast? …

A beautiful princess, golden apples, dragons, golden knights and more make up this stunning tale from Poland: Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore the origins, symbols, and stock characters that make up this fantastical story! Cover art features "The Glass Hill" artwork by George W. Dasent. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a r…

Enjoy this solo episode with your host, Fox, as I bring you a tale from the Blackfoot Native Americans of the Canadian Plains. Feather Woman, Morning Star and Star Boy centre in this story around forbidden turnips, fantastical lands, and the Spider Man. Snuggle in close for a bittersweet story of family. Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from y…

The Northern African tale of Aicha, the demon slayer, comes from modern-day Algeria and Morocco. Aicha is brave, beautiful, smart, capable and sometimes magical- literally. She rejects a lazy prince, tricks a cannibal and is cursed to wander the earth restlessly. Will she break her curse? Come find out more about this fascinating heroine to close o…

St. Patrick's Day is full of revelry fun and gathering around to hear silly stories so we have the perfect one for you! It's time to dance with the Devil! The Irish tale from Emerson's Welsh collection called, "Billy Duffy and the Devil" features a smart-lazy blacksmith tricking the devil, magic-granting three wishes, and at the end of the day- an …

Once upon a time, there were two people in love named Siya and Maadi. But tragedy strikes when Siya is chosen to be a sacrifice to a seven-headed serpent named Bida to save the empire. Will Maadi slay the monster and doom the Empire of Wagadou? Or will he step aside so others may live? Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore this love story for a Valent…

Has anything ever been over-promised to you? Only to find yourself thoroughly disappointed when it falls short? The Daughter of the Sword does, and she will not be happy until she gets all the cows she has promised. Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore this South African tale about a princess of swords and the Lord of the Cattle. Enjoying the Podcast…

Welcome to a Footnotes with Fox solo episode! To celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, we are heading to Korea for the tale of the 'Story Bag!' What happens when you keep your tales under lock and key? Well, they'll try to kill you and your new wife of course! Wishing healthy and happiness to all those celebrating Chinese New Year, Seollal, Tết Ng…

Happy New Year Travellers! Sparrow starts off the year with the purr-fect fairy tale featuring a classic nameless protagonist as he runs away from his problems. Only for him to find a feline-tastic companion along the way! Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story …

The Oak King will rise again. During Midwinter, he will emerge to fight his brother, the Holly King, and the cycle of the seasons will resume. Join us as we explore this legend and piece together the story of the twins and examining all the sources including Celtic, Wiccan, Pagan and Modern! The eternal battle for love, light and dark will continue…

Asbjörnsen and Moe give us an unusual holiday story this year with the story of "The Quern that Stands and Grinds at the Bottom of the Sea" translated by Sir George Webbe Dasent. Two brothers, a journey to Hel, a Christmas Eve miracle and the devil in the outhouse make up this fun story! Happy Holidays from the Enchanted Forest! For a more Christma…

Today we are covering the Chinese story of Chang'e, the Lady on the Moon, and her husband, Hou Yi, the famed archer! This legend is also one of the origins of the Autumn Festivals and has many regional and time-related derivations so we try to cover as many as possible! For another classic moon fairy tale, check our previous episode, Kaguya: The Su…

The Selkie is a magical creature that can shed its seal skin to become human! The downside is that human men have a habit of blackmailing Selkie women and human women keep having affairs with Selkie men. There is a lot of Stockholm syndrome to unpack here, so join us as we unravel this wonderful tale and its migratory roots! For a more classic merm…