Tales From The Enchanted Forest
Fox & Sparrow 135 episodes Nov 11, 2026
Fox and Sparrow explore fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world. They ask playful questions about familiar stories, such as Baba Yaga's property value or the Little Mermaid's true hero. The show examines the origins of these tales and where to find them. New episodes are released every other Wednesday.
Episodes
The Adventures of Nera: A Celtic Tale of Corpses and Cows
It's a crisp, chilly November and all you want to do is snuggle in and read stories of the otherworld, seasonal tales or tales heavily featuring both corpses and cows. Well, we've got you covered.
On Samhain, King Ailill mac Máta of the Connachta issues a challenges involving corpses and only Nera is brave enough to take it on. Talking corpses, household chores, phantom armies, kidnapped cattle al
Tales from the Box Office: Shrek!
It's our 100th episode and we've gone right back to our roots in the swamp! Who didn't fall in love with fairy tales with a good parody of them through Shrek! The cultural phenomenon was the original multiverse of fairy tales so join Fox and Sparrow as we deep dive into the fairytale references within Shrek, the petty references to Disney and the legacy of a pop culture powerhouse. Get out of the
Little Red Riding Hood: A French Fable
“Grandma, what big ears you have!”
“All the better to listen to this episode with my dear!”
Join Fox & Sparrow as they do a deep dive into the timeless tale of Little Red Riding Hood! Little Red Riding Hood is often attributed to Charles Perrault in 1697 and then the Brothers Grimm in 1812, but French folklorist Paul Delarue claims to have found an older folk narrative called “The Story of the
The True Bride: A Finnish Tale
Something is always up when your sibling- willingly and without duress- compliments you. Osma is a gold digger by proxy, but his sister, Ilona, is less willing to fall in love with the first King that pops by. So join us as we follow their misadventures in matrimony from the 1922 book on Finnish tales called “Mighty Miko” by Parker Fillmore.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfrom
Sparrow Short: Caribbean Crow Queen
We searched the warm tropical islands of the Caribbean for a fun tale to end this summer season. Thankfully, the region offers no shortage of rich tales, bringing us to today's story from St Maarten.
Join Sparrow as she recounts the story of Toewi and Kroemoe from the book “Stories from the Caribbean” by Dr Petronella Breinburg. This tale of love will leave you smiling, laughing, and picturing c
Monster of the Week, Indigenous Folktales and The Flying Head
Welcome back to another Fox Short and my ramblings into what I am interested in- this time we talk about all things indigenous folktales as a source for the monster-of-the-week-trope in shows like Supernatural, Scooby-Doo and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. and Shane Hawk's introduction to the new anthology, "Never Whistle at Night: Back for Blood" helped vocalize something that
Fox Short: The Chinese Seafaring Goddess
Had enough of the Odyssey? Well, join Fox on a solo trip with the seafaring goddess, Mazu as we dive into Hong Kong folktales, Chinese legends and historical retellings of both! Born human, Lin Moniang has a gift for forecasting upcoming storms, but can she save her father and brothers from a hurricane that threatens to tear her family apart? How does a girl become a goddess?
Also mentioned in th
Denise Gallagher: Seasonal Tales and the Candle Dragon
We have a special interview today with author and illustrator Denise Gallagher on her upcoming folklore collection, "How to Calm a Rain Bull" releasing September 2026 through Moon+Bird! Join us as we pick her brain on folklore, everyday magic, Kidlit, rabbit holes and seasonal tales! Stay tuned for the end where she reads us "The Candle Dragon" from her collection.
A condensed/edited version of th
Looney Animal Toons: Latin American Folktales
There is no place we'd rather be than in Latin America to explore some more animal tales! Latin American folktales and animal tales are a truly remarkable fingerprint of history (as Nadine McFadden puts it) of their native cultures and the transmitted cultures from Europe. Join us for "Señor Coyote and Señor Fox" from Mexico and "The King of Leaves" from Nicaragua both adapted from The World of Fo
How Summer Came to Canada
Today it's Canada versus Switzerland in the Fifa World Cup and we thought we would cheer on our team with a story from Canadian First Nations! Of course, being on the cusp of summer vacation, we also had to pull out a seasonal tale just for you, travellers.
This story is called “How Summer Came to Canada” collected by Cyrus Macmillian in his “Canadian Wonder Tales.” This story is a Glooskap story
Sparrow Shorts: Monkey Banana Bananza
We all know that monkeys love bananas. But did you know that they also believe all bananas belong to them? Join Sparrow as she flies to Brazil to learn more about this in this week's story, "Why the Bananas Belong to the Monkey".
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
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The Lad and the Dubious Magical Item: Sámi Folktale
The story of “The Lad who stole a Troll’s Hat, a Bird and a Horse and Married the Princess” comes from “Sámi Folktales from the Near and Far Worlds” by Just Knud Qvigstad and Isak Saba as translated by Barbara Sjoholm published just yesterday through the University of Minnesota Press! We were lucky enough to receive an early edition of the book and it was a treat to look through all the different
The Enchantee Awards
Happy 5th Anniversary, Travellers! What started as a pandemic project is still going strong and we wanted to share our top "Enchantees" with you! We scoured our entire catalogue to find the best myths, fairy tales and folklore that cover such prestigious categories as:
The Failing Forward Award
Wait, that's why? Award
It’s Hot and it’s Cold Award
Somehow that works Award
Let us know what your nom
Sparrow's Search For Rain: A Canadian Tale
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a beautiful, accomplished young woman must be in want of a husband who can keep her happy. Unfortunately, she ends up being courted by a Canadian-Wolf-Bird and a trickster fox. How does that lead to a Sparrow searching for Whirlwinds and Rain? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!
April showers bring May flowers and we'll be searching for rain in thi
Greek Myths: Artemis and Orion
With all the buzz around NASA's Artemis II lunar mission with the Orion spacecraft, we thought now was a great refresher on the Greek Olympian herself- Artemis! The Goddess of the Hunt is the daughter of Zeus and Leto, sister of Apollo, and the maybe lover of Orion!
Learn about her origin story, the Homeric Hymns to Artemis, some of her wrath myths involving Niobe and her involvement in the Troja
The Women of the Trojan War III
Travellers, we've covered most of the major players coming into the Trojan War and now it is time for the Iliad itself! That's right, the prologue and preamble was longer than the Iliad section, but don't worry as we will pull from the Odyssey along with other plays and writings to draw a picture of what happened to our sisters who started it all- Helen and Clytemnestra. Featuring one of my favour
House of Troy and Atreus: The Trojan War II
Last episode we dove into the beginnings of the Trojan War- namely centred around Helen of Sparta and her legendary, divine beauty that changed the world forever. However, more threads of fate were being woven together than just in the House of Sparta. The Trojan royal family had many secrets of their own....as did the House of Atreus...things are about to get a lot more messy before we can step i
House of Sparta: The Trojan War I
The Trojan War is the last great clash of the Greek heroes and it was all due to one face that launched a thousand ships- or was it? Join Fox and special guest, Squirrel, as we launch our first episode in our three part series on the lead up to the Trojan War and the women at the centre of it all.
There are two prophecies Zeus receives about bringing calamity to mankind. The first involves Helen o
Thor Vs Utgard-Loki: The Norse Olympics
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in full swing, let's take you on a journey to the Norse Olympics in the Land of the Giants! Thor and Loki make their way to Utgard where King Utgard-Loki challenges them to feats in order for them to stay. But, not all is as it seems...
Collected from Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda and "Folklore and Legends of Scandinavia" edited by Charles Tibbitts.
Show notes can be
Heer and Ranjha: Punjabi Folklore
Ever wondered where the "Heer and Ranjha" verse in Bachna Ae Haseeno's “Jogi Mahi” come from? Or who the Ranjha from the movie Sheershah's hit song is about? Well, we went down the rabbit hole so you don't have to! Join us as we tell the tragic tale of Heer and her lover, Ranjha that is sadly still applicable to life today.
We used many versions in our retelling with the main text being from Wari
King Frost and the Snow Maiden: A Russian Folktale
Based on the snow conditions, it looks like King Frost has passed by, so why not tell a story to keep him at bay? For the first episode in the new year, we have a Fox short as Sparrow gathers more tales for the rest of 2026.
Our story today has the classic trope of "Kind and Unkind Girls" as taken from Edith Martha Almedingen’s retelling of Russian folktales based on the works of Aleksandr Nikola
Tales from the Box Office: The Swan Princess
It's time to say farewell to another year and as everyone settles into the internight days before the real start of 2026, we have a light hearted episode today on the Swan Princess movie! By now, you must be sick of Christmas classics and hallmark shows full of snow and Santa, so join Fox and Sparrow for a look back on one of Sparrow's favourite tales based on the ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsk
The Ghost Deacon of Myrká: Icelandic Christmas Story
It's only 8 days until Christmas which means its time for a Christmas ghost story! Join us as we tell the harrowing tale of the The Deacon of Dark River also known as The Deacon of Myrká. Unlike Scrooge, this Christmas ghost had an unfortunate death and wanted to drag his poor lover down into hell with him. Spooky festive cheer to all those who celebrate and those who don't! This story comes to us
When Tawhaki Met the Sky Fairy: Maori Fairy Tales
It's almost like When Harry Met Sally, except Tawhaki literally climbs through the sky to get his girl. Straight from Edith Howes’ 1913 book titled, Maoriland Fairy Tales, we bring you a fairy story from New Zealand all about how having great upper body strength and carpentry skills can win you magic and love.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can
Wizards and Witches at Pengersick Castle: Cornish Tale II
Welcome back to part two of our wild haunted ride at Pengersick Castle in Cornwall! Last time we left off with pirates and revenge and this time we'll pick up with Lord-Enchanter Pengersec and the Witch of Fraddam! He's less of a boy wizard and more of a reclusive-locked-up-in-his-tower-summoning-spirits type of wizard, but still makes for a great legend!
We are continuing using Robert Hunt’s Pop
Murder and Magic at Pengersick Castle: Cornish Tale I
Strange things are afoot at Pengersick Castle in Cornwall and they include (but are not limited to) murder, vengeful spirits, pirates, enchanters, witches, love potions, civil war and generational trauma! That's right, we are going to dive deep into the stories of Lord Pengersec using Robert Hunt’s Popular Romances of the West of England which tells three stories based on ‘How Pengerswick became a
Jikininki: The Japanese Flesh Eater
A monk comes across an odd priest and an even odder town. You see, on the first night after a death, the entire village empties out for fear of the flesh eater. Curious, the Monk chooses to stay and that night, he beholds a frightening sound...then a frightening shape...then- what happens next? Well, you'll have to listen or read the 1998 book, Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, by La
Katabasis: Orpheus and Eurydice
R.F Kuang's Katabasis has reignited the discourse around journeying into the underworld as a storytelling device. We've covered many stories in the past with the theme of Katabasis (namely Inanna and Persephone), so why not deep dive into the various versions of Orpheus' myth especially with Supergiant Games' Hades II coming out! Join us as we trace Orpheus and Eurydice's story from Pindar to Virg
Katcha And The Devil: A Czech Folk Tale
Sometimes when you find the Shadow-Daddy of your dreams, you won't care that you're dancing with the Devil. Instead, you'll hold him tight until he needs to find a way to get rid of you! Join Fox and Sparrow as they share a tale that frightens even the devil himself! It is the tale of Katcha and the Devil by Czech writer Božena Němcová from her collection Národní báchorky a powěsti (Folk Stories a
Firemakers: An Australian Tale
What one single creation probably changed the course of human evolution? If you're thinking tools then you're close but we're thinking FIRE! If you're looking for a tutorial on how to make a fire in Australia then this is not the episode for you! However, if you are searching for a tale on how Bootoolgah, the crane, and Goonur, the kangaroo rat, created fire and then hid it away from everyone else
The Salty Goose Girl: A Grimm Tale
Combining the stories of the "Goose Girl" and "Love like Salt," we have the tale of the Goose Girl at the Well from the Brothers Grimm! The moral lessons of this tale?
1. Sometimes helping a wild old lady do a meaningless task that feels like torture is worth the hassle.
2. Telling your father you love him like salt can lead to immediate exile...who knew Kings could be so salty?
Show notes can be
Tales From The Box Office: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Welcome back to our special "Box Office" episodes where we look at the folklore behind the fiction. Today we deep dive into the mythology and monsters behind "K-Pop Demon Hunters" using interviews from co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
We might not be covering tales of your idols, but we're still golden because we'll be discussing demon-hunting Shamans, the tale of Princess Bari, Jeos
Who's That Animal: Fables and Tales
If you love playing "Who's that Pokemon" then this is the fable game for you! Join Fox as she tries to guess the animals in each tale Sparrow has collected! Sometimes with a furry clue and sometimes without- Sparrow shares 6 short tales from all around the world including tricksters and revenge!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
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The Princess-Knight and the Princess: A Romanian Tale II
This story is adapted from Petre Inspirescu's "Ileana Simziana" or "liane of the Golden Tresses" and is the final part of the story so be sure to check out part one: "The Princess who would be a Prince."
Last episode the young Princess set off on her quest to save her Empire and her family by pretending to be a Prince. After passing her father's tests and proving her courage, she arrives at the p
The Princess who would be a Prince: A Romanian Tale I
When the ailing ruler of the last nation to stand tall against a conquering nation finally surrenders, only one thing stands in the way of his people's peace- the Empire demands a prince as a hostage. Having only daughters, he tests their courage until his youngest proves her valour, courage and strength. So, she sets off to become the Princess who would be a Prince. This story is adapted from Pet
The Betrothed of Destiny: An Armenian Adventure
The Prince of the West runs off for seven years to win the hand of the Princess of the East, but when things go sideways, she has to rely on her own skills and wit to survive! Joining her are 40 beautiful maidens as they don disguises, blades and even crowns to survive. The Betrothed of Destiny comes from The Golden Maiden and other folk tales and fairy stories told in Armenia by A.G. Seklemian (1
The May Queen: The Welsh Mabinogion
It is May which means a whole host of things from Bealtaine to the emergence of the Oak King and Holly King, the Green Man, Persephone, the May Queen and other figures associated with rebirth and fertility. So, in honour of these celebrations and folk figures, we turn to the Welsh Mabinogion, a collection of stories from the 12th-13th centuries. Our first story is the abduction of Creiddylad and o
How the Tiger Got its Stripes: Brazilian Folktale
Today we head back to Brazil and our animal folktales straight from Fairy Tales from Brazil: how and why tales from Brazilian folk-lore by folklorist Elsie Spicer Eells. This explanatory tale takes us to a capitalist Tiger and his just punishment for exploiting his sole worker- the rabbit.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
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Saemund the Wise: An Icelandic Wizard
Today we have three tales of Sæmund: The Wise Priest-Wizard of the North! Saemunder/Saemund, an Icelandic folk hero, attended the Black Magic school run by the devil himself. We look at how his tales may have been canonized from their original oral traditions. These tales are "Saemund at the Black School," "The Magic Whistle," and "Saemund on his Deathbed" which all come from “Scandinavian Folktal
The Fairy Tree of Dooros: An Irish Fairy Tale
The consequences of accidentally partying too hard after a hurling-match are too much to handle for one little fairy and his fairy tree. Edmund Leamy's Irish Fairy Tale includes the shortest exile known to storytelling, a helpful ogre, ugly princesses and helpful animal companions. Truly a tale for the bingo cards.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
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Persian Pumpkin Tales
March is in full swing as the long preparations towards Nowruz (the Persian New Year) begin! To celebrate spring and all things pickled, we have two stories today- "The Pumpkin Child" and "The Rolling Pumpkin" from Iranian folklore traditions. Whether you want to listen to a Cinderella-esque fairy tale or the misadventures of an old woman, we have something for you!
Show notes can be found on our
Andersen's Snow Queen: Part Two
Finish the story of the Snow Queen with us as we continue Gerda's journey to save Kai with the help of a chatty crow (and his sweetheart), another couple's happily ever after, the little Robber Girl and a reindeer from Lapland! Will Gerda's quest to save her beloved childhood friend end positively or will she have to just let it go?
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheencha
Andersen's Snow Queen: Part One
With the Groundhog proclaiming an extension to winter, why not go back to one of the most timeless tales of frost and shivers- Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen." She is an infamously familiar figure, but how many of us actually know this wild tale of friendship and love? Join Fox, Sparrow, Kai and Gerda as they tell this story about good and evil (with some trolls for effect). Part One co
The Great Race: Chinese Zodiac
Happy Lunar New Year / Spring Festival to all those celebrating! Join Fox and Sparrow as we share the the tale of the Nian, the Jade Emperor's Great Race and the tale of the animals visit to Buddha. Out of the twelve zodiac animals, we discuss some of their attributes and what lies in store for us during the year of the wood Snake!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchan
The Snow Maiden: A Russian Faerie Tale
Spring and Father Frost had a lovely daughter who could never love, but what happens when she yearns to?
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's folk play "The Snow Maiden" had many harsh critics including ones that called it anti-theatrical, a story about a stupid king and his stupid subjects, and a pale imitation of Shakespeare's Midsummers Night Dream. However, despite the initial onslaught, the mythologically
Lord Alaric's Lady: English Midsummer Tale
With Midwinter a few days away and the reign of the Holly King coming to an end, we turn to a Midsummer Tale to help warm us up during these cold months. Barbara Leonie Picard's tale "Lord Alaric's Lady" comes from her fairy tale collection called "The Faun and the Woodcutter" and reminds us what the true meaning of fairy-love stories should be.
We'll see you again in the New Year, Travellers! Ma
Puss In Boots
Shrek is full of fairy tale references and none are as cute as the character of Puss in Boots! Join us as we tell the tale of the oldest version of this 'trickster' cat-helper character from Giovanni Francesco Straparola's 1551 story Costantino Fortunato and Charles Perrault's 1697 version which was translated into Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Lea
Inanna and the Descent
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 includes the seasonal myth of Dumuzi!
Enjoying the Po
Inanna and The Sumerian Epic
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, possibly among the first female protagonists in
The Pirate Ghost: Gombi Island
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."
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The Curse of the Corn: A Scottish Tale
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 and Popular Tales of the Western Highlands and Isl
The Cobbler's Son and the Serpent: Uzbekistan
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.
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Murder Maggot: Campfire Tales
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 Minnesota Maggot! Where else do we find death, graveyard
The Hammer Heist: Norse Tale
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 Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cove
The Sky Bridge of Birds: A Korean Tale
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! Story adapted from William Elliot Griffis' book o
Long Meg and the Summer Solstice: A Cumbrian Tale
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 circle and recount the tale of Long Meg and her Daught
Tales of Japanese Yōkai with Thersa Matsuura
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 were done by Michelle Wang!
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Yokai, Yocat: Japanese Folktales
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 on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to
Horse Hooves: Mexican Folktales
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 tell us what story you want us to cover next!
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Mullah Nasruddin: The Wise Fool
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 from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or fo
How The Rabbit Lost Its Tail: Brazilian Folktale
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 Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what sto
Fatima & the Crow: A Persian Tale
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 how to take down those in power.
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The Cleaning Pooka of Kildare: Irish Folktale
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 sinister plan for the manor?
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The Apothecary and the Mermaid: An African-American Tale
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."
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The Crystal Casket: Italian Snow White
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.
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The Eagle, The Whale, and The Dumb Brothers
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 us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us
The Butterfly’s Wedding: Highland Tales
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 Libraries "Celtic Weird."
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The Little Girl and the Whirlwinds: Bulgarian Tale
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 enjoying new media, it's been a full year, and there is a
Festive Folklore Figures
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 creatures.
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The Tale of the Boneless Jellyfish: Japanese Fairy Tale
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 Jackson TV series.
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Running Deer and the Wampus Mask
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!
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How the Moon Was Made: New Zealand
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!
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Beware of Auntie Tiger: Taiwanese Tale
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 shows to Sparrow. Meanwhile, Sparrow gushes over
Nigerian Animal Tales
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!
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The Flower Queen’s Daughter
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?
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Andersen’s Princess And The Pea
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).
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The Twelve Dancing Princesses
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!
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Rainbow Serpent: Indigenous Australian Tale
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...
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Mermaid of the Magdalenes: Canadian Folklore
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 coast near the Magdalene Islands.
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We’re Going on a Boar Hunt: Atalanta
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.
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