In this early winter episode, we discuss the archetype of the old crone, as well as several crones in mythology and folklore. We talk about Elli from Norse Mythology, Cailleach Béara from Celtic mythology, Kikimora from Slavic folklore, Frau Holle from Germanic folklore, and several English water hags.
Header image by Otto Kubel.
Sources:
Old Women (and some old men) in Fairy Tales
Why Are Old Women Often The Face Of Evil In Fairy Tales And Folklore?
The Folklore of the Hag and Crone. | Eric Edwards Collected Works
Elli
Cailleach Beara
The Cailleach Béara or the Hag of Béara
“The Hag of Beare.” translated by Lady Augusta Persse Gregory
Kikimora
“She Brings Bad News: The Scary Slavic Household Spirit Called Kikimora” by Natalia Klimczak
Frau Holle
English water hags
