Folklore Episodes

Sept. 26, 2022

64. 山姥 - Yamauba (Japanese Folklore)

In our first solo Halloween-themed episode of the year, Lizzie discusses Yamauba, a frightening old woman spirit from Japanese folklore. We talk about the different stories surrounding her, as well as what she as a folk character can say about …

Episode page
Aug. 15, 2022

61. Rusalka (Slavic Folklore)

In today's episode Lizzie once again delights Zoe's inner Russian and Decemberists nerd with the rusalka, a water spirit from Slavic folklore. We discuss the dualistic nature of the rusalka myth, the many different stories associated with rusalki, and the …

Episode page
June 6, 2022

57. Santa Muerte (Mexican Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss Santa Muerte, the folk saint and personification of death in Mexico. We discuss different ways of viewing death, her association with the LGBT community, and the way her worship exemplifies the Catholic church's stigma against …

Episode page
April 11, 2022

53. La Siguanaba (Central American Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss La Siguanaba, a frightening, horse-headed spirit found in folklore all throughout Central America. We explore the many, many different iterations of her story, talk at length about the symbolism of horses, and delve into colonial …

Episode page
Dec. 20, 2021

45. Two Old Women (Gwich'in Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss the Gwich'in story of Ch'idzigyaak and Sa', as told in the book Two Old Women by Velma Wallis. We discuss oral tradition, forgiveness in a story, and the importance of recognizing a story as not …

Episode page
Dec. 6, 2021

44. Frau Perchta (German Folklore)

In today's episode, we celebrate the Christmas season by talking about Frau Perchta from German folklore! We discuss the frightening nature of many Germanic folktales, survival during winter, and the ways that traditions and beliefs get passed down from generation …

Episode page
Oct. 25, 2021

41. The Bell Witch (Southern US Folklore)

In today's episode, we talk about the Bell Witch from Southern United States folklore, a spirit that haunted a family in Tennessee in the 19th century. We discuss horror as a way to talk about abuse, the demonization of independent …

Episode page
Oct. 11, 2021

40. Bluebeard's Bride (World Folklore)

In today's giant of an episode, we delve into the classic tale of Bluebeard's Bride. We cover three different versions of the story, including La Barbe Bleue from France, Knight Goldbeard from Switzerland, and Zerendac and Abu Freywar from Palestine. …

Episode page
Aug. 16, 2021

36. La Llorona (Mexican Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss La Llorona, a spirit from Mexican folklore. We discuss the prevalence of female ghosts wearing white across world folklore, the varied interpretations of folktales, and the merits of modern retellings.

Episode page
June 21, 2021

32. La Difunta Correa (Argentinian Folklore)

In today's episode we discuss La Difunta Correa, the beloved Argentinian folk saint. We discuss misogynistic Christian narratives, our perspectives on mythology, and parallels to the Virgin Mary. This episode has a trigger wa...

Episode page
April 12, 2021

27. 鶴女房 - The Crane Wife (Japanese Folklore)

In today's episode we expose Zoe as a The Decemberists nerd as we discuss the Crane Wife, a tragic and fascinating figure from Japanese folklore. We talk about the animal-wife tale type, the messages about healthy and unhealt...

Episode page
March 15, 2021

25. The Pontianak (Southeast Asian Folklore)

In today's episode, we discuss the pontianak, a frightening female vampire from Southeast Asian folklore. We discuss the meaning of civilization vs. nature in monster stories, the symbolism of female vampires, and why we love...

Episode page
March 1, 2021

24. The Persecuted Heroine (feat. Hailey Spencer)

Today's episode features our very first guest star as we learn about the heroine of ATU tale type 510A, most commonly known as Cinderella. We roast the Grimm brothers, fangirl over Baba Yaga, and ponder how so many different ...

Episode page
Jan. 18, 2021

18. Iara (Brazilian Folklore)

In today's episode, we talk about the Brazilian siren known as Iara. We discuss the powers of the moon, whether immortality is a blessing or a curse, and the mythological influences on names. For more information about today'...

Episode page
Dec. 21, 2020

14. Aisha Qandisha (Moroccan Folklore)

In our fourteenth episode, we discuss Aisha Qandisha; a female djinn from Moroccan folklore. We discuss the powerful, possibly historical background of the legend as well as the healing power of reclaiming terrifying female f...

Episode page