Folklore Fangirl

The Halloween witch, one of the most iconic figures of spooky season. From ancient beliefs about magic and supernatural practitioners to the pointy-hatted, broom-riding character we recognize today, the witch has a long and complicated folklore history.  Resources: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/thunderbird-native-american/ https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gros-ventre-tribe/   https://www.ebsco....

The Skinwalker is a terrifying figure from Navajo tradition, said to be a witch capable of taking the form of an animal or even another person. They are often described as appearing in the darkness around isolated places, where an ordinary-looking figure may not be quite what it seems. With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! For shownotes and more episodes, check...

The Berberoka is a strange water creature from Philippine folklore, said to lurk beneath quiet ponds. When the water suddenly recedes, curious fishermen may be tempted to investigate—but the Berberoka has a very different plan.  With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! Check out his podcast! ⁠https://youtube.com/@atmfi?si=hHE_OAlmJlqV16ze⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.c...

Step into the legend of Black Annis, a terrifying hag from English folklore said to dwell in a cave beneath an ancient oak. With blue skin, iron claws, and a hunger for human flesh, she is remembered as a warning to children not to wander alone after dark. Even today, tales of her haunting laughter and shadowy presence linger in local legend. This episode discusses disturbing elements of folklore...

Step into the legend of Yasy Yateré, a mischievous forest spirit from Guaraní folklore in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Said to lure wandering children with a magical whistle before leading them deep into the woods, Yasy Yateré is both a trickster and a warning, reminding children never to stray too far from home.  Content Warning: This episode discusses folklore that includes themes of chi...

First, a content warning. This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, child loss, and domestic violence. It also contains research references to videos depicting violence. Listener discretion is advised, and please use caution if you choose to explore the sources linked in the episode description. Explore the Pontianak, a feared spirit from Malay folklore said to be the restless ghost of a...

This episode discusses themes found in traditional folklore that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Topics include stories of child-eating, references to a witch feeding on blood or milk from a young woman's breast, and other unsettling elements common in historical legends. While these subjects are discussed in a historical and folkloric context rather than a graphic one, listener dis...

Along the icy shores of the Arctic, something is said to wait just beneath the water. The Qalupalik is a strange sea-dwelling being from Inuit folklore, known for luring children who wander too close to the ice. Some say its haunting call is the only warning you'll ever get—but by then, it may already be too late.  Resources: https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Qalupalik https://www.jahernandez.c...

Hidden among the old tales of Europe is the Changeling, a supernatural child believed to take the place of a stolen human infant. These eerie stories sought to explain sudden changes in a child's health, personality, or appearance, warning that not every child in the cradle was truly human.  This episode includes historical references to infanticide, as well as a brief retelling of a historica...

Meet El Cucuy, the unseen figure of Latin American folklore whispered about at bedtime. More warning than monster, El Cucuy is said to wait in its mountain cave for children who stay awake too long or wander where they shouldn’t. No one agrees what it looks like—only that you never want to find out.  Resources: https://www.jahernandez.com/posts/el-coco-el-cucuy-the-child-eater This is the one with...

The Corgi is no ordinary dog in Welsh folklore. Look closely, and you may glimpse the faint outline of a saddle across its back. Long ago, the Fair Folk rode these swift little hounds into moonlit revels and hidden realms. Some say they still do.  Resources: https://www.mentalfloss.com/animals/dogs/ancient-connection-between-corgis-and-fairies https://medium.com/the-daily-cuppa/welsh-legend-tells-...

Explore the Nuppeppō, a strange shambling being from Japanese folklore said to appear in quiet places where people rarely linger. Its soft, sagging form is unsettling rather than threatening, and stories disagree on whether it carries hidden blessings or something far less welcome. If you ever meet one… deciding whether to approach may matter more than courage. Resources: https://yokai.com/nuppepp...

Explore Hel, the Norse goddess who rules the realm of the dead. Described as half living and half corpse-like, she watches over those who die of illness, old age, or other natural causes, serving as a solemn keeper of the boundary between life and death. Resources: https://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/the-nine-worlds/helheim/ https://norsespirit.com/blogs/mythology/hel?srsltid=AfmBOoqT0468dvq0ZUp...

Explore the Bunyip, a mysterious creature said to lurk in the swamps, rivers, and billabongs of Australian Aboriginal folklore. Described in many forms—shaggy, tusked, seal-like, or strangely human—the Bunyip is often feared as a dangerous presence of the water, known for eerie cries in the night and warnings to stay away from unfamiliar waters.  Resources: https://astonishinglegends.com/astonishi...

Lurking in the shadows of northern English folklore, the Barghest is a ghostly black hound said to haunt lonely roads, graveyards, and misty moors. With glowing eyes and a terrifying presence, this spectral beast is often seen as an omen of death or disaster, its eerie howl warning that misfortune may be near.  Resources: https://www.britannica.com/art/Barghest https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/ba...

From the tombs of ancient Egypt comes Anubis, the jackal-headed guardian of the dead. Revered as a guide to the afterlife, Anubis was believed to protect tombs, oversee mummification, and judge the souls of the deceased as they entered the underworld.  Content warning. This episode contains references to animal cruelty and historical practices involving death and body preservation. We will briefly...

At the crossroads of worlds stands Papa Legba, a powerful gatekeeper in Haitian Vodou who bridges the human realm and the spirits. Often appearing as an old man with a cane, he must be called first in ritual, as only he can open the way to the loa. Wise yet unpredictable, without his blessing, no voice can reach beyond the veil. Content warning. Some of the reference links included in this episode...

Explore Hecate, a powerful goddess from ancient Greek mythology who stands at the crossroads between worlds. Associated with magic, the night, and the unseen, she is often glimpsed at thresholds—where choices are made and shadows linger. Whether guiding or watching, her presence is never without consequence. Once again, some of the reference links included in this episode lead to websites that fea...

Explore La Patasola, a rage filled forest spirit said to appear deep in the wild where the trees grow thick and the light fades. Travelers speak of a beautiful woman who should not be followed—because what waits beyond the path is never what it seems. I did warn you that things would get spooky, and because of that, I need to give a quick content warning: this episode discusses a malevolent creatu...

The Knocker is a small, unseen presence said to dwell deep within abandoned mines. Its faint tapping echoes through the stone—sometimes a warning, sometimes a lure. That depends on you. Resources: https://www.ancient-origins.net/folklore-myths-legends/knock-knock-mysterious-cornwall-knockers-0020981 https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2020/10/tommy-knockers-mine-ghosts.html https://www.americanfolk...

Take an imagination vacation with me to learn about the Brownie, a helpful household spirit from Scottish folklore believed to dwell quietly within the home. Known for completing chores at night, this shy being asks for little in return—but if offended or given gifts of clothing, it may vanish, sometimes taking the home’s good fortune with it. Resources: https://scotlands-stories.com/scottish-brow...

Quick content warning: part of today’s episode discusses animal cruelty. We’ll give you a heads-up before that segment so you can skip it if you’d like. Lurking in the quiet corners of homes and barns, the Lutin is a mischievous spirit from French-Canadian folklore. Small and quick, it delights in subtle chaos—hiding tools, tangling hair, or leaving behind just enough disturbance to be noticed. Th...

In this episode, we’re taking a look at Shrek and comparing the movie version most of us know with "Shrek!" the original children’s book by William Steig. We’ll talk about how the story changed from page to screen and some of the surprising differences between the book and the movie. Resources: Shrek! by William Steig Amazon Link Instagram: folklore.fangirl Thanks for listening — we real...

Don’t be fooled by the silence—Kobolds are rarely far away. These playful German household spirits can help with chores or stir up trouble, leaving behind strange noises, misplaced objects, and just enough mischief to keep you guessing. Resources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/kobold https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/nature-and-dangers-legendary-kobold-002121 https://germanyinusa.co...

Explore the Zashiki-warashi, a mischievous child spirit from Japanese folklore believed to live quietly within the home. Said to bring good fortune to the household it inhabits, this playful presence may leave small signs of its activity—footsteps, laughter, or moved objects—but if it ever leaves, the home’s luck is believed to leave with it. This segment discusses historical practices involving i...