Wyrd Folk
A duelling storytelling podcast where two hosts compete to retell the best version of a folktale. Each episode explores strange, dark, and odd tales from British folklore. The show invites listeners to discover the weirdest stories from the British Isles.
Episodes
Bloody Bones
This week we have two gruesome stories for you for Halloween. Have you ever felt a presence under your bed or under the stairs, or even down the cellar? Every child knows that is where Bloody Bone lurks, waiting to eat you up. Come with us for two stories of grisly haunting and childhood terror. Beware the dark spaces or Bloody Bones will get you.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.fo
Rabbit Trap with Bryn Chainey
If you haven't seen Rabbit Trap then you are missing out on a folk-fantasy treat of a film. We love it and we think you will too. Listen this week as Sam talks to Rabbit Trap director Bryn Chainey about his influences and inspirations for the film.Watch Rabbit Trap here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rabbit-Trap-Bryn-Chainey/dp/B0GMRGH15BLike the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSuppo
Black Annis
This week we look at Leicester's own hag, Black Annis. Said to live in a bower decorated with the skins of all the children she'd devoured, Black Annis is the ultimate British bogeywoman. But where does she come from? Is she a gold over from pagan myth? Or was she once a real woman whose religious devotion made her an outcast? Join us this week for two stories of the hag of the Dane Hills.
Wyrd Folk Book Club
This week we'd like to take you a bit deeper into two of our favourite folklore books of all time. Join us for a chat about George MacDonald's classic children's novel The Princess and the Goblin and Samantha's most mentioned book of the show 'Dark and Dastardly Dartmoor'. Read along with us and let us know what you think of the books.Like the show? Then follow us on Instag
Cutty Dyer
Content Warning: as always, this episode contains two deliciously compelling folklore retellings. However, this week the focus is the murderous Cutty Dyer and it was extremely difficult not to write something rather gory and bloodthirsty. So we do suggest that you don't listen to this in the car with young children or alone in the dark at night, especially if you live in Ashburton in Devon. Mo
The Devil and Meon Hill (Wyrd Folk Festival Special)
Dare you defy the devil of Meon Hill? Listen in this week for the two stories of devilish terror we wrote for the live podcast performed at The Wyrd Folk Festival on 6th September. This brilliant piece of Gloucestershire folklore is part wild hunt lore, part cautionary tale. Come with us to meet the demon huntsman of Meon Hill and his terrible hooters.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wy
Summer Writing Competition Winners Show
The results are in and there can be only two! congratulations to Catherine Cuypers and Kelly Long for their wonderful stories. Listen in to this week's show to hear Catherine read her electrifying Oracdian folk retelling 'The Nuckelavee' and follow Kelly to the cottage where not everything is as it seems. We'll also be talking to both writers about their inspirations and how they go about creating
Mother Shipton
This week, Sam and I discuss our favourite Yorkshire witch, Mother Shipton. Prophetess and cunning woman Ursula Shipton lived in turbulent times but managed to rise from humble beginnings to be the most famous witch of her generation with probable mentions from the king). This non-fiction episode is a brief jaunt through the highlights of her career.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd
The King of Cats
Who is the king of cats? This week, we look at the old story of the cat who would be king! Join us for two stories which link the tale of the hidden king of cats with generative AI, the great god Pan and Elizabethan alchemy.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/WyrdFolkPodOr visit us at www.wyrdfolk
Blodeuwedd
In this episode, Sam and Nikki look at the classic Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd, the maid of the flowers, who was brought forth by magic to be the perfect wife. But what are the implications of creating a woman out of flowers? And is Blodeuwedd really to blame for trying to free herself from a marriage she never agreed to? Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show on Pat
Midsummer Stories
In this episodes we look at the different rituals of midsummer, both personal and mystical. What does midsummer mean to us? How do we celebrate it in this modern age? And how could these rituals be abused for nefarious purposes. Join us this week for some midsummer poetry and a brief taste of Sam's Summer gothic script. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show on Pa
Jenny Greenteeth
What lurks in the deeps? It's a question which has troubled humanity forever. In the north-west of England people have traditionally warned their children away from ponds, pools, lakes and rivers by telling them that terrible Jenny Greenteeth will take hold of them and drown them if they get too close to the water. Join us this week for two stories of aqautic terror!Like the show? Then follow us o
Slueths Special
In this special episode Sam answers questions about her debut novel 'Slueths' which will be published this Thursday by Avon Books. Harriet, who was our first ever listener and is also one of Sam's long time friends, sat down to ask Sam all about the book, her inspirations for writing and how she found herself writing a crime rom-com when her first love is horror. You can order Slueths via Bookshop
Wistman's Wood
The twisted branches and moss covered rocks of Wistman's Wood on Dartmoor are so evocatively eldrich that it is no surprise strange stories have grown in between the trees. Join us this week as we venture into the dark of the forest to find what lurks within. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.com/cw/Wy
Wild Folk with Jackie Morris and Tamsin Abbott
This week, we are lucky to be joined by magic makers Jackie Morris and Tamsin Abbott to talk about the creative process behind their book of stories, poems and illustrations inspired by the British countryside and the folklore all around us. Join us as we discuss how folklore inspires fiction, the magic to be found on the wind and the beauty of ink on glass. Jackie and Tamsin are endlessly fascina
Maiden Bower Hillfort
There is a story told about the earthworks at Maiden Bower in Bedfordshire. It is a story of challenge and cunning and an ox hide which must stretch to encompass an entire kingdom. How can this maiden save her people? With the cunning of the women throughout the centuries who have used their skills to save themselves and their people. Listen in this week to discover how this tiny hill fort is conn
Folklore Creators: Hwaet!zine Interview
Hwaet! to our interview with the fabulous folklore creators behind Hwaet!zine. This week, we ask George Parr and Bunty May Marshall about the inspirations behind the issues of Hwaet!zine and their artistic process. Join us for Tolkien chat, tips for tours of the Orkney Isles and much more.Find more information about Hwaet!zine via their website https://www.hwaetzine.co.uk/Find more information abo
Ossary Werewolves
The ancient Irish kingdom of Ossary is awash with werewolf stories. Here, your soul can transform into a wolf in your sleep and marauding war bands are wolves in disguise. If you roam the woods outside of Meath, you might find yourself in conversation with a wolf-man, too. Join us this week for two stories of beastly transformation and the nature of man. Love the show? Then join us on Patreon and
Folklore Creators: The Three Ravens Interview
For the first episode in our series of interviews with successful folklore writers and creators, we were lucky enough to be able to sit down with Martin and Eleanor from the Three Ravens Podcast to talk to them about their creative influences, how they put the show together and what interests them most about folklore. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain tw
Meg of Meldon
In the far north west of Northumberland, there is a village where a wicked witch once lived: a wicked witch who hoarded her money and blighted her neighbours' crops and cursed the village. Or did she? Meg of Meldon is a tricky character to pin down. The stories about her are many, and the truths are scarce. Did she really hide all her gold in a bullhide bag at the bottom of the estate well? Or is
Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight
This Valentine's Day, we say beware the elf knight! Rather than lean in to the romance, we're taking a look at how seemingly romantic encounters can end up being cautionary tales. Join us for two stories about dastardly rakes, fearless young women and murderous love. No parrots allowed. If you like the show, then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodOr find us on our website www.wyrdfolkpod.comOr j
Kit's Coty House
This week, we travel to Kent, where Kits Coty House sits on Bluebell Hill in the beautiful Medway Valley. This ancient megalith is all that remains of a Neolithic tomb, which has a long and storied history. Some say that the house was built by witches, others say it was built by giants. Is it a respite for shepherds or a portal to the fairy world? Perhaps it is the tomb of the infamous Jutish warr
Jack the Giant Slayer
To kick off our new season, we've gone for a classic English tale of giants, plucky heroes and clever escapes. Jack is an everyman who travels the country slaying giants with his wits and saving cursed princesses with his magic treasures. Join us for two tales of unlikely heroes, tricky giants and adventure. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodOr support us on Patreon: https://www.pat
The Holly and the Ivy
The Holly and the Ivy is the beautiful traditional carol which themes our 2025 Christmas special. Full of mid-winter imagery, the carol showcases the symbolism of English country Christmas customs and Christian imagery. Join us for two stories of midwinter greenery, the joy of music for the festive season and links to mid-winter festivals such as Yule and local folklore.Check us out on Instagram @
The Hedley Kow
The Hedley Kow is a devilish sprite, keen to play tricks on the unwary and the trusting. A shapeshifter, the kow can often be found duping the unsuspecting with the illusion of gold, until it meets its match in a woman so happy with her lot in life that she doesn't mind her changing fortune. This charming fairytale from Northumberland is the perfect pantomime tonic for the festive season. Wyrd Fol
Mither of the Sea
On the Orkney Islands, they tell the story of the changing seasons through the eternal battle between the goddess Mither and her counterpart- the terrible storm god Teran. When the weather turns and the storms roll in, they battle in the deeps, bringing thunderous weather and much needed change. Join us for two tales of the force of the sea and the eternal pull of the tides. Wyrd Folk is a duellin
Spring-heeled Jack
On the lonely lanes of early Victorian London, a fiend lurks in the shadows to frighten young maidens. This hellish figure is reported to have metallic claws, horns, breathe fire and can leap ten-foot walls in a single bound. But who is he? Is he a fiend from the pit of hell, or is he just a bored nobleman with a grudge?Remember to vote for your favourite story on our episode blog once you've list
Halloween Special: The Ghosts of the Lygon Arms
For our one-year anniversary episode, we are delving into the ghostly happenings at a luxury country hotel in the Cotswolds. The beautiful Lygon Arms, with its oak-panelled dining room and cosy fires, is just the place to enjoy a winter ghost story. Restored by Sydney B Russell, the father of the great furniture designer Gordon Russell, the hotel is both modern and ancient; here, the staff whisper
Spooky Short: The Cauld Lad
This spooky short was originally written for Season 2 Episode 2: The Cauld Lad of Hylton. Now a ruin, Hylton Castle is known in local legend for the brutal murder of a poor stable lad, whose restless ghost still wandered the halls of the castle after he was slaughtered by the lord of the manor. The Cauld Lad can find no peace or rest until someone warms his bones for him. Listen to the full episod
Mester Stoor Worm
On the Orkney Islands, they tell of a sea serpent so enormous that it could devour whole villages in a single bite and kill entire communities with one puff of its poison breath. Mester Stoor Worm is not just a monster; he is a god: Jörmungandr world snake. A beast so enormous that his broken teeth form the Faroe Islands. Who can defeat such a gargantuan beast but the seventh son of a seventh son?
Spooky Shorts: A Hand in the Darkness
This week's spooky short for Halloween is taken from our series two episode on The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor. A stretch of the B3212 road outside Postbridge on Dartmoor has a gruesome reputation, for it is where the hairy hands lurk, ready to attack unwary travellers. In the episode, both Sam and I imagined what it would be like to have an encounter with these ghoulish, murderous, hairy hands. A Han
Spooky Shorts: The Unwilling Guest- a Leap Castle Story
Gather round the fireside for a story of terror from Leap Castle. The Unwilling Guest first appeared in the second episode of season 1 of the podcast. This tale is Nikki's take on the seances held at Leap by the lady of the castle, Mildred Darby, who first recorded encounters with what she called 'the elemental' in the gallery at Leap Castle. This episode is the first of our short story re-release
The Highgate Vampire
Does a vampire walk in Highgate? This week, we take a look at the vampire story, which became the urban folk horror sensation of the early 70s. The setting: the crumbling Victorian splendour of Highgate Cemetery in London, where a seven-foot-tall ghoul with a burning gaze is said to stalk lonely passers-by. But what is this creature? Is it a vampire woken by the black magic rituals performed at ni
Old Songs with Amy Jeffs, Gwen Burns and Natalie Brice
This week, we have the absolute privilege of sitting down for a chat with writer Amy Jeffs, illustrator Gwen Burns and musician Natalie Brice to talk about their absolutely stunning new book, 'Old Songs'. This collection of stories, songs and imagery from ten British ballads is a truly multi-media experience. From the romantic ballad of Tam Lin to the domestic scenes of Willie's Lady, the book bri
Borley Rectory
The infamous haunting at Borley Rectory in Essex has fascinated ghost hunters and horror aficionados alike for over a century. But Borley isn't just a ghost story. It is the tale of betrayal, family and deception which turned a seemingly ordinary rectory building deep in the countryside into the site of intense psychic study. What is the truth of Borley? This week, Sam and I take a look at two dif
The Beaumont Tree
This week, we take a trip to Bedfordshire to visit the site of the Beaumont Tree. This legendary elm supposedly grew from the staked heart of a notorious highwayman. Locals believed that the bark was a cure for the ague and malaria. But the question we want to ask is why the highwayman was staked in the first place. What drove his killer to commit such a violent act against his body? When you've l
The Dun Cow with Willerby
This week, we want to introduce you to our favourite village in the Midlands: Willerby. This charming little village has more going on than meets the eye. There's something in the village pond, the parish council have more to contend with than parking problems, and then there are the regular visits from THE COW! Listen as parish councillor Dan tells us all about the curse of The Dun Cow!If you wan
The Ballad of Tam Lin
Often called the first Scottish folktale, the romantic story of the handsome Tam Lin and his lover Janet has captivated audiences for centuries. The original broadside ballads might disagree about some of the details, but the essentials remain the same, including Janet's heroic role in the tale. Join us this week as we look at things from both Tam and Janet's viewpoints and discuss the perennial p
In Search of Camelot
On this week's non-fiction episode, we pay tribute to our wonderful father, who passed away last week, by looking at the ideal of Camelot. If Camelot were real, then where is it? Which places in Britain have the best claim to be the site of Camelot? We talk through the top four contenders and examine the inspiration the concept of Camelot has provided to writers since the early medieval period. Wy
The Devil's Nutting Day
The devil waits to tempt us all on the 21st September, otherwise known as The Devil's Nutting Day. Folk legend has it that Old Nick lies in wait to tempt innocent maidens in the hazel brakes. So do remember to be alert when gathering your hazelnuts in September. This week, we have two stories about the devil and his craving for nuts. It seems only the holy mother can stop him making free with natu
May Festivals
This week, we take a little look at the traditional festivals of May. Both Sam and I have chosen a local festival as our inspiration to write a little short about the comforting strangeness of English village May festivals. Grab your Morris bells and your maypole. It's dancing time. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two stories for your listening pleasu
Taliesin and Ceridwen with Lucy Holland
This week, we are doing our first-ever author interview. Lucy Holland will be sharing with us how she takes inspiration from Welsh and British folklore, particularly the enchanting myth of Taliesin and Ceridwen. In this episode, we talk folklore, writing and Gildas. A must for fans of Sister Song and Song of the Huntress. Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contai
The Wizards of Alderly Edge
Whether you are an Alan Garner nerd or not, come along with us as we tell two tales of The Wizards of Alderley Edge, the Cheshire folktale which inspired the children's classic The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. We'll be looking at two different perspectives on the story of the farmer who meets a mysterious old man, possibly a wizard, and how practical it might be to rely on enchanted knights for nati
Season 2 Results Show
We've duelled our way through romances, comedies, dark tragedies and ghost stories. Now it is time to discover which of us has the most votes for each episode, with the storyteller with the most wins overall taking the title as Queen of the Wyrd. The stakes are high, and the sibling rivalry has never been more fierce!Wyrd Folk is a duelling folk storytelling podcast. Every episode will contain two
The Devil and the Blacksmith
Join us and special guest Mark Norman of The Folklore podcast as we discuss the ancient story of The Devil and The Blacksmith. This universal tale can be seen in many cultures all over the world, but we've stuck with two fascinating tales from Britain. How does St. Dunstan, the patron saint of smiths, beat the devil? And what happens if you leave your horse and payment at Wayland's Smithy? Listen
The Mystery of the London Stone
In this minisode Nikki takes a look at the mysterious London Stone. This irregular block of oolitic limestone has stood on Cannon Street in London since before city records began and can be argued to be the first tourist attraction in the city. The theories about its origins are almost as old as the city itself. But what is the London Stone? Listen in to discover all the facts and fables about thi
The Mackenzie Poltergeist
The tomb of Sir George Mackenzie in Greyfriar's Kirkyard in Edinburgh is one of the most haunted sites in Scotland. Since the tomb was disturbed in the late Nineties, there have been hundreds of reports of people experiencing scratches and other physical effects after entering the mausoleum. This week, we have both taken different ideas about Bludy MacKenzie and his tomb to create two very differe
The Cerne Abbas Giant
On the hillside overlooking the peaceful village of Cerne Abbas is one of the most iconic images of the English countryside, that of the Cerne Abbas Giant. Famous for his enormous member and his mysterious origins, the giant certainly has many stories attached to him. This week, we look at two of the most famous explanations as to how the giant came to reside on that sleepy hillside. We'll also be
Jennet Device and the Pendle Witches
In this minisode, we do a quick sweep through the sad tale of Jennet Device, the nine-year-old beggar girl whose testimony condemned her mother, sister, brother and neighbours to death for withcraft. A victim of the cruel times in which she lived and the ambitions of the pious Roger Newell, we look at how Jennet comes to find herself on the stand at Lancaster assizes as the star witness in the mos
The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor
The B3212 outside Postbridge in Dartmoor has a chilling reputation. It is the scene of numerous car crashes that have been attributed to a pair of ghostly hairy hands. Come with us this week as we tell two tales of encounters with the so-called Hairy Hands of Dartmoor.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show on Patreon and help us keep recording https://www.patreon.
The Mermaid of Blakemere
Blakemere in the Peak District is a place of dark fables and terrible tragedies. The site of a famous local murder is also said to harbour a vengeful mermaid in its dark waters. But how did a mermaid find herself in a small, freshwater lake miles from the open sea? Listen to hear our stories of love, witchcraft and betrayal.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSupport the show o
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm
For the first season 2 short, Sam takes a look at the details behind the famous urban legend of 'Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?'. Who is LaBella? And how did she die? This week's episode is a bit more true crime than folklore, perhaps demonstrating the link between notorious local crimes and folklore. Possibly not for the faint of heart.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram @wyrd.folkpodSuppo
The Cauld Lad of Hylton
This week, we dive into a ghostly tale from Sunderland, the Cauld Lad of Hilton Castle. Is this Cauld Lad the innocent victim of a terrible murder, or is it a spiteful brownie who loves to wreak havoc in the kitchens? Join us for two tales of things that go bump in the night. This week, we're asking you whether this Cauld Lad is a brownie or a poltergeist.Like the show? Then follow us on Instagram
Sabrina of the Severn
Princess, goddess, saviour. Who is Sabrina? And why does she lend her name to Britain's longest river? Join us this week for a look at the tragic, romantic story of Sabrina, sometimes known as Hafren. And find out how she is connected to the story of Cormoran the Giant. To kick off season two, we are having a romance vs revenge rematch. Do you favour the lonely water nymph or the vengeful queen?Li
A Carol for Yuletide
One of the best things about Christmas, after the presents and the roast potatoes, is the carols. These deeply traditional little songs are often tales in themselves, with deeply resonant imagery which rings with both the joy of the season and messages of the cycle of the year. For the final episode of this series, each of us has chosen a traditional carol to render into story form. But who will w
Harry ca Nab and the Halesowen Wild Hunt
It is said that on wild nights in the Clent Hills, a diabolical huntsman rides with his pack of bloodthirsty hounds. His steed is a great black bull, his eyes burn with the fires of hell, and just the sight of him heralds terrible death and destruction. Come with us this week for two ghostly tales that explore the legends of Harry ca Nab, the wild huntsman of the Clent Hills just outside Halesowen
The Dragons of Dinas Emrys
This week, we begin to dip our toes into the deep waters that are Arthurian myths (or, in this case, myths that are King Arthur's adjacent). This week we are telling two stories based on the 9th-century tales of the monk Nennius and his quasi-historical writings about the dreadful tyrant Vortigern and his inability to get a castle to remain standing overnight. Cue entry for the man of the millenni
Wyrd Short: The Vampire of Croglin Grange
This week's episode is a special short non-fiction exploring the background of the legend of The Vampire of Croglin Grange. The story is a Cumbrian classic packed full of all the usual gothic tropes: ancient graveyards, helpless maidens ravished in their beds and a bloodthirsty ghoul. But is this really a folktale? This week, we'll be asking ourselves what makes a folktale and examining whether th
The Lambton Worm
There's a monument on Penshaw Hill in Durham which stands as a testament to the tale of a young man's battle with the notorious Lambton Wyrm. This is the tale of how a boy's decision to skip church to go fishing on a Sunday has monstrous consequences for his family for generations. Listen in for two stories about family, faith and the ties that bind us all. Like the show? Then follow us on Instagr
Cormoran the Giant
St. Michael's Mount is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Cornwall. Part family home, part defensive fortress, it dominates the coastline east of Penzance. But where did the mount come from? Local legend tells of the giant Cormoran and his wife Cormelian and their dream of a home away from the rule of the Trojan invaders. This week we're going to look at that story two ways: the tale of
The Leap Castle Elemental
Leap Castle is rumoured to be one of the most haunted sites in all of Ireland. It certainly does have a long and bloody history. From the carts full of bones found in the excavation of the castle's oubliette to the red lady who wanders the halls searching for her murdered child, Leap Castle is full of bone-chilling tales to fill a long winter's night. For this episode, we've decided to look at the
The Legends of The Rollright Stones
Our first folklore retelling focuses on the legends that surround The Rollright Stones in North Oxfordshire. In simple terms, a king with an army at his back and a witch meeting on the top of a hill. For some reason, the witch takes offence at the king and his army and turns them all to stone, creating some very striking local landmarks. But the story we have doesn't explain why she does it. We've
