In Washington Irving’s short story, “Rip Van Winkle,” the title character escapes to the Catskill mountains, falls asleep, and awakens to realizes that he has accidentally dozed off for over twenty years. There are many morals to the story that advise readers and listeners how a waking life is surely more exciting than an unconscious one—but we can’t help but wonder, just what did Rip Van Winkle dream about all those years that kept him from waking up?

Dwelling on dreams can sometimes lead to a disconnection from reality, but today we’re sharing fairy and folk tales of realities that were shaped by potent and powerful dreams. When you have a chance to make your dreams come true, shouldn’t you take it?

Stories included in this episode:

The Peddlar of Swaffham

This English folktale from Swaffham, Norfolk that dates back to 1699. Similar legends can be found throughout European and the Middle Eastern history, including a version of the tale called, “The man who became rich through a dream” in One Thousand and One Nights. Learn more about Heather Forest's work by visiting www.heatherforest.com

Hidden Treasure

In this piece by Regi Carpenter, the storyteller realizes that sometimes the meaning of our dreams isn't clear until some time has passed. Learn more about Regi Carpenter by visiting regicarpenter.com

The Pearl That Shone by Night

A young man faces off with his brother after being visited by the girl of his dreams while he sleeps. What follows is a magical quest that includes a luminous pearl and a dragon king. Learn more about Judy Lubin by visiting www.storytellermagic.com

The Forest

A woman falls victim to a fairy dream, but love her family turns out to be stronger than any magic. Find more of Barbara Schutzgruber's work by visiting weavestory.com