Some of the world’s best stories involve what can only live in our imagination. Why is it that we love exploring fake worlds with characters that we know aren’t real? Well, for one thing, it allows us a brief escape from daily life. All of us need that every once in a while. We also love exploring new ideas, creatures, and places. But perhaps the most important reason fantasy appeals to us is because it gives an unbiased view of the human experience. Without rules of the real world we can see what it means and how it feels to be human regardless of where the experience takes place. Today’s episode features a collection of tales all about the fantastic. From dragons, to fairies, to a magical horse and talking animals, we have stories from Jess Smith, Kevin Cordi, Brian "Fox" Ellis and more.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“Dragonory” by Jess Smith from Dragonory (10:37)

Who is the best storyteller? We all have our favorites, but have you ever considered that the best storytellers aren’t actually human? Jess Smith, a storyteller from Scotland happens to know such a thing. A dragon. History is full of them, and they’re often terrifying. But, according to Jess, they’re also great with a story. And while most of them are gone from the world, there is still at least one around.

“The Whispering Bridge of Fukushima” by Kevin Cordi from Wisdom Keepers: Unlocking the Puzzle, Wise Tales and Wise People (6:37)

What’s a story without a moral? Well, one could argue that stories without morals are important, that they teach us that things aren’t always black and white. However, stories with a moral are also important. They teach us how to be good, that there are consequences for our actions. A lot of fantasy stories have a strong moral, including this one, about a girl who fell in love with a man who turned into a tree. Her father was not pleased, and determined that the only solution was to cut down the tree. However, forcing someone to do what you think is best for them doesn’t always work out how you might think.

“Kevin and the Lady” by Rosie Cutrer from The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (9:45)

Rosie Cutrer has been described as a “tour de force in storytelling”. She has been performing professionally for fifteen years. In this tale, she describes the life of a young man by the name of Kevin. While stuck in a job that he hates, trying to support his family on a meager wage, he still has the heart to be kind. His kindness, however, gets him fired. Depressed, he makes a deal with death in order to keep his family fed. When all seems lost, it is his original kindness that makes all the difference.

“The Puka and the Pennywhistle” by Brian "Fox" Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (7:11)

Which is more important? Money or ability? One could argue either way, and there are strong cases for both. Money can make more money. Ability can end up making money too. But one thing remains clear, you can’t get anywhere with either without action. However, sometimes, a little bit of help is needed to take that first step. Brian Ellis tells of a boy who plays the pennywhistle. He’s quite bad at the beginning, and it isn’t until he stumbles upon a magical gathering during the longest night of the year that he is able to take his pennywhistle to a new level.

“The Sleeping Porch” by Jane Stenson from from The Connecticut Woods (13:18)

Have you ever had an experience where you couldn’t figure out whether or not you were dreaming? When you wake up the next morning you have to think about it for a while because it felt real. Maybe you find out it was a dream, but maybe you find out it wasn’t. The next story takes place in that in between state. Not quite a dream, not quite real. But maybe it was real. The story comes from Jane Stenson, who grew up in Connecticut.