Fabric of Folklore

Do you know the dark and hidden origins of Sleeping Beauty ? In Episode 18 of Fairy Tale Flip , we dive into the evolution of this classic story and the political messaging woven into its earliest versions. While today’s Sleeping Beauty feels like a simple romantic tale, its European roots stretch back nearly 700 years—and the oldest versions are far more unsettling. We explore the Arthurian roman...

You may have heard of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas—but have you heard of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess of marine life? In this episode, we dive into the mythological story of the mermaid-like goddess who is transformed from a young woman into a powerful deity without hands. We discuss the story’s various versions and cultural significance, as well as Sedna’s role as steward of the natural wo...

Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession? Persephone and Hades, love story or horror story? That is the question we ask in Fairytale Flip episode 16. Is the ancient Greek myth of these gods a myth about romance or captivity? The story, although often used to explain the different seasons, is about so much more than how spring and winter came to be. We explore controversial themes of...

Buckle up, fairy tale enthusiasts! We're kicking off this magical episode with some thrilling news – we're launching a Fairytale Journal! Its in draft mode so we want your input! But that's just the beginning of our enchanted journey. Today, we're diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans."  Episode 15 is nothing sho...

Why Are Festivals Culturally Important? In Episode 72, we sit down with Jacob Quijas, host of the Viva La Festiva podcast, to explore the vibrant world of festivals. From the evolution of iconic events like Burning Man to the unexpected charm of the Wife Carrying Championship—a quirky tradition originating in Finland but celebrated worldwide—we cover it all. We also dive into lesser-known but fasc...

How have fairies evolved in their representations from pre-Christian times to the modern day? In Episode 71, Ivy Lewis—veteran, war artist, novelist, and folklore specialist—explores the roles of fairies across cultures, their liminal existence, and their modern portrayals in contemporary literature. We also discuss demonic possession and how medieval Christian views of the afterlife have shaped m...

Did you know that many of the stories we recognize as Western, likely have origins in the Middle East? In episode 70 we are joined by author and scholar Ulrich Marzolp as we explore the rich tapestry of folklore across cultures, particularly focusing on narratives originating in Persia. Ulrich shares his extensive research on how these tales, including the classics like Arabian Nights, have influe...

What is the power of a name? In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Aikhenvald, Professor at the Jawun Research Centre at Central Queensland University (Cairns) and an Australian Laureate Fellow. Alexandra shares her extensive fieldwork experiences in north-west Amazonia (Brazil) and the Sepik region of New Guinea, diving into the significance of 'blessing names' within Amazonian cu...

Have you ever wondered why some folktales stand the test of time, captivating generation after generation? Join me, Vanessa Y Rogers, and my insightful co-host Donna Lee Fields from Scaffolding Magic, as we unravel the enchanting legend of La Befana, Italy's beloved witchy gift-giver. This episode of Fairytale Flip takes you on a journey through the intriguing story of Old Bafana—a tale wrapp...

Is Krampus a villain we should fear, or is he Santa's sidekick? In episode 68, we speak with Jeff Belanger—author, podcaster, storyteller, and explorer of the unexplained who specializes in paranormal phenomena, folklore, and legends. His latest book, The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters, Witches, and Ghosts, explores the darker aspects of Christmas folkl...

In Episode 67, Tony Walker—author, narrator, and host of the popular YouTube channel Classic Ghost Stories —delves into the fascinating tradition of Christmas ghost stories. Known for his weekly podcast where he reads ghost stories, horror tales, and weird fiction, Tony takes us on a journey through the cultural significance and evolution of this unique holiday custom. In this episode, we examine...

Were the medieval times a dull era? In episode 66 Alli Templeton, a historian and author of the blog Medieval Wanderings, sets the record straight. She describes the period as colorfully vibrant and absolutely fascinating. Our discussion focuses on the traditions around the harvest, the importance of community and Christmas celebrations. We discuss the societal structure of the Middle Ages, includ...

Have you encountered the Latin American hauntress, La llorona? In episode 13 of Fairy Tale Flip we delve into the haunting folktale of La Llorona, exploring its origins, symbolism, and cultural implications. We trace the many and varied roots of La Llorona, from the first documentation in 1550 to its connections with Aztec mythology and themes of grief. We also discuss global variations and interp...

What do fairies have to do with Halloween? And should you be afraid? That is the question we discuss in episode 12 of Fairy Tale Flip this month while exploring "The Girl Who Danced with Fairies, An Irish Halloween Tale." We take a deep dive into the history of Halloween in Ireland, including Samhain, celebrated by the Celts 2,000 years ago. While diving deep into symbolic elements, we e...

Do you knock on wood or hold your breath when driving past a graveyard? Superstitions are a fascinating aspect of cultures worldwide. In episode 65, D.R. McElroy explores various superstitions from every major continent, delving into their psychological roots and their prevalence in performance-based professions. Following the structure of the handbook, each segment highlights a unique superstitio...

What works come to mind when you think of Gothic literature? This dark and macabre genre features many authors who might surprise you, including Shakespeare. In episode 64, Julia O'Connell, author of the Gothic Library blog, joins us to discuss the roots of Gothic literature and its evolution into various genres. We explore defining characteristics, its origins, and influential works such as...

Have you heard of the legend of the naked dead or the vanishing hitchhiker? Join us on episode 63 as we dive into the mystical world of Latter-day Saint folklore with Christopher James Blythe, podcast host of the popular Angels and Seerstones. In this supernatural episode we unravel the threads of faith, fear, and the unusual woven into Mormon culture. From ethereal pre-existence beliefs to apocal...

Have you ever heard of the Chinese fairy tale "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl?" Maybe you have experienced the festival dubbed by some, the Chinese Valentine's Day Festival which happens on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunisolar calendar to commemorate the star-crossed lovers from the ancient fairytale? We chat about cultural elements such as the significance of the number s...

What could be more perfect than the combination of live theater and folklore? In episode 62, Henry Cameron Allen, founder of Folklore Theatre Company, shares his journey from local theater director to global storyteller. He discusses the company's evolution from local to international productions, including the audio series 'The Lore.' We explore Henry's background as an author...

Do you have a story that made a deep impact in your life? In episode 61, Laura Simms, an internationally acclaimed storyteller and writer takes us through her unique journey into storytelling, influenced by childhood experiences with legends like Baba Yaga. Our discussion centers around how one brings a story to life, the architecture of engagement, and discovering why the essence of the experienc...

What secrets lie within Scotland's ancient folklore? Graeme Johncock, author of Scotland Stories: Historic Tales for Incredible Places  joins us on episode 60 as we discover the magic, myths, and legends of Scotland. Graeme delves into the unique aspects of Scotland's storytelling traditions, from the influence of historical events like the Highland Clearances to the intriguing lore surr...

Have you ever read a fairy tale, and wanted to better understand what it really meant? Get ready to dive into the dark and captivating world of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf" in Episode 10 of Fairy Tale Flip! Join us, Donna Fields and Vanessa Rogers as we unravel the complex symbolism of bread, sin, and redemption in this lesser-known tale. Discover how Ande...

You have heard of Walt Disney Parks but what do you know of Walt Disney, the man? Disney historian Phil Gramlick in episode 59 talks to us about  Walt Disney's formative years, from his challenging childhood to the iconic creation of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland which has all been documented in his newly released book, "Walt and His Parks." Phil shares insights from his extensive int...

Do you know the Celtic tale of Finn McCool and the Giant's Causeway? In episode 9 of Fairy Tale Flip, Vanessa and Donna dive deep into the giant, the hero, and the origin of the story of Finn McCool and his band of warriors called the Fianna. We explore the geological characteristics named for Finn in both Ireland and Scotland. We explore the nuances between legend, folktale, and fairy tale,...

How can we apply mythology to better our well-being? In episode 58, Dr. Catherine Svehla, a storytelling scholar and consultant in the field of mythology, and creativity coach explains the importance of old stories in understanding the human experience. She discusses how she helps artists and creative individuals through the exploration of old myths which she describes as the foundation of our wor...