Folklore Fangirl

Step into the long history of ghosts, where stories of spirits lingering among the living stretch back thousands of years and across cultures around the world. From ancient tales of restless dead to legends of haunted places and mysterious apparitions, ghost stories have often reflected the ways people have understood death, memory, unfinished business, and what might exist beyond the grave. 

Content Warning: This episode discusses a true crime case and includes some descriptions of violence and disturbing details. Listener discretion is advised, especially if those topics are difficult or upsetting for you or young ear viewers are joining you.

Resources:

https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/the-history-of-ghost-stories-from-folklore-to-urban-legends/

https://brian-haughton.com/ancient-mysteries-articles/folklore-ghosts-hauntings/

https://vocal.media/horror/exploring-the-origins-and-mythology-of-ghosts-legends-from-around-the-world

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-a-ghosts-evidence-con_b_9252062 

https://wvexplorer.com/greenbrier-ghost-zona-heaster-shue-west-virginia-wv/ 

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

The Halloween witch, one of the most iconic figures of spooky season. From ancient beliefs about magic and supernatural practitioners to the pointy-hatted, broom-riding character we recognize today, the witch has a long and complicated folklore history. 

Resources:

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/thunderbird-native-american/

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gros-ventre-tribe/ 

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/thunderbird-mythology

https://www.autoevolution.com/ford/thunderbird/

https://www.history.com/articles/witch-hat-costume-origins

https://blog.nli.org.il/en/lbh_jewish_hat/ This is the one with the image of the old add about Jewish hats through the years.

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

The Skinwalker is a terrifying figure from Navajo tradition, said to be a witch capable of taking the form of an animal or even another person. They are often described as appearing in the darkness around isolated places, where an ordinary-looking figure may not be quite what it seems.With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! For shownotes and more episodes, check out his podcast!

⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@atmfi?si=hHE_OAlmJlqV16ze⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-mysteries-for-investigators/id1892930946

The Berberoka is a strange water creature from Philippine folklore, said to lurk beneath quiet ponds. When the water suddenly recedes, curious fishermen may be tempted to investigate—but the Berberoka has a very different plan. 

With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! Check out his podcast!

⁠https://youtube.com/@atmfi?si=hHE_OAlmJlqV16ze⁠

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-mysteries-for-investigators/id1892930946

Resources:

https://pinoymyths.com/the-drained-depths-unraveling-the-mystery-of-the-berberoka/ - This is the one with the embedded videos

https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Berberoka - This is the one with the picture we decided was the most accurate

https://mythlok.com/berberoka/

https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=4281&Redirected=1

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

Spotify: Folklore Fangirl

Thanks for listening—it means so much to us! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

Step into the legend of Black Annis, a terrifying hag from English folklore said to dwell in a cave beneath an ancient oak. With blue skin, iron claws, and a hunger for human flesh, she is remembered as a warning to children not to wander alone after dark. Even today, tales of her haunting laughter and shadowy presence linger in local legend.

This episode discusses disturbing elements of folklore including child abduction, violence against children, cannibalism, and references to human remains. Some versions of the legend also include frightening imagery. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources:

https://www.storyofleicester.info/faith-belief/black-annis-and-dane-hills/

https://thehorrorscopeproject.medium.com/black-annis-the-dark-english-folklore-legend-of-the-blue-black-witch-7bf4180dde4f

https://monster.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Annis

https://godsandmonstersinfo.substack.com/p/myth-of-the-day-black-annis

https://aprilmunday.wordpress.com/2018/08/19/anatomy-of-a-castle/ 

https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/leicestershire/leicester/prince-rupert-gateway.htm 

https://www.amazon.com The book on Amazon

https://crowspirit.org.uk/black-anniss-bower-by-john-heyrick/ 

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

Step into the legend of Yasy Yateré, a mischievous forest spirit from Guaraní folklore in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Said to lure wandering children with a magical whistle before leading them deep into the woods, Yasy Yateré is both a trickster and a warning, reminding children never to stray too far from home. 

Content Warning: This episode discusses folklore that includes themes of child endangerment and violence toward children as part of the creature’s traditional legends. These topics are discussed from a cultural and historical perspective, and the episode does not include graphic descriptions.

Some of the historical artwork, statues, and reference materials linked in the episode notes may contain images of the creature portrayed as a nude or unclothed young child. These are traditional representations of the folklore figure and are included for cultural and historical context.

If you prefer to avoid these topics or images, please use caution when exploring the included resources. 

Resources:

https://mbaechepa.wordpress.com/fotos-paraguay-allgemein/yasy-yatere-gnom/ This is the one with the statue!

https://fablins.com/south-america/py/jasy-jatere/

https://steemit.com/yasy/@abducidor/the-legend-of-yasy-yatere

https://godsandmonsters.info/jasy-jatere/

https://kids.kiddle.co/Guarani_mythology 

https://yerbamadre.com/blogs/the-gourd-circle/what-is-yerba-mate 

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

First, a content warning. This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, child loss, and domestic violence. It also contains research references to videos depicting violence. Listener discretion is advised, and please use caution if you choose to explore the sources linked in the episode description.

Explore the Pontianak, a feared spirit from Malay folklore said to be the restless ghost of a woman who died during pregnancy or childbirth. Often appearing as a beautiful woman with long black hair and pale skin, it is believed to lure unsuspecting victims before revealing its monstrous nature. Its chilling laughter, the scent of flowers, and sudden silence are all said to signal that the Pontianak is drawing near. 

Resources:

https://www.huntmuseum.com/stories/objects-in-focus/roman-empire-dodecahedron/

https://sketchfab.com/blogs/community/enormous-petrified-mulberries-a-new-dimension-on-carved-stone-balls/

httphttps://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Pontianak 

https://dcmps://legendsofwindemere.com/2022/10/14/monster-month-pontianak/ 

.org/media/14607-monstrum-pontianak-the-vampiric-ghost-of-southeast-asia This is the one with the long video

https://cvltnation.com/pontianak-the-blood-sucking-female-vampires-of-southeast-asia/ This is the one with the short video

https://youtu.be/Vl5DYZ0UoGQ?si=AfsxcjccbmVgCDXm Short Video Direct Link

https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/legend-of-the-pontianak-a-look-into-her-history-legacy-233046685.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHt0YJcsHvH_SQW40VqdG_mRED2Sk5rSIHM_aMUmU0eSYyNF9SCM-s_4fkhDz1IGW-U4yYNLvjJiSQTVTAMcNxeLbqmlBYqNrFUInTkvke5oiFv1hO7xmOt_b-L7f0pAy34Pskvxu1wWVZoDIlYLjRIp2E5m18KjlcM-FgOqAF8s 

https://daily.jstor.org/the-indonesian-frontier-town-named-for-a-jungle-vampire/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/malaysia 

https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/indonesia-facts.html 

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

This episode discusses themes found in traditional folklore that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Topics include stories of child-eating, references to a witch feeding on blood or milk from a young woman's breast, and other unsettling elements common in historical legends. While these subjects are discussed in a historical and folkloric context rather than a graphic one, listener discretion is advised.Deep in the forests of Eastern Europe, a hut with giant chicken legs is said to wander beneath the trees. Inside lives Baba Yaga, a mysterious witch who may help the worthy—or destroy the foolish. But the stories all agree on one thing: if you ever find her house... she's probably been expecting you. 

Resources:

https://ces.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/162/Baba-Yaga-informational-material.pdf

https://snowwhitewrites.com/baba-yaga/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/who-is-baba-yaga

https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/baba-yaga-confounding-crone-slavic-folklore-002836

https://thewickedgriffin.com/baba-yaga-hut/?srsltid=AfmBOopG40PPIPA3rYkE9uXkZfixvvgyL8QTwBBbbBo-CYAhfZu7zf8i Baba Yaga and Hut

https://share.google/48LtIW8E20t82mOQp

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/countries/russia-facts/

https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Slavic-languages/277089 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zcrx2v4#z37xm39 

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

Along the icy shores of the Arctic, something is said to wait just beneath the water. The Qalupalik is a strange sea-dwelling being from Inuit folklore, known for luring children who wander too close to the ice. Some say its haunting call is the only warning you'll ever get—but by then, it may already be too late. 

Resources:

https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Qalupalik

https://www.jahernandez.com/posts/the-qalupalik-of-inuit-folklore Links to four children's books

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/the-cryptobiologist/a/the-qalupalik-article

https://www.nfb.ca/film/nunavut_animation_lab_qalupalik/

https://quillandquire.com/review/the-qalupalik/

https://mythbeasts.com/beast/qalupalik/

https://mapcreator.io/galleries/omaha-world-herald-greenlands-true-size-compared-to-the-united-states/ The real size of Greenland

https://youtu.be/aObQpqZKwtA?si=qkF9UK14-dnrH1Rw video with the recording of the creature humming

https://youtu.be/drdYXt8rwWM?si=eSRvaVarzmWXaXkv Short Film about the Qalupalik

https://ofmermaidsandmyrmidons.com/mermaid-vs-siren/ Mermaids v Sirens

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

Hidden among the old tales of Europe is the Changeling, a supernatural child believed to take the place of a stolen human infant. These eerie stories sought to explain sudden changes in a child's health, personality, or appearance, warning that not every child in the cradle was truly human. 

This episode includes historical references to infanticide, as well as a brief retelling of a historical murder involving domestic violence. The murder account includes some descriptive details that may be disturbing to some listeners, though it is not excessively graphic. Please listen with care. If you'd rather skip those sections, I'll give another warning just before each one begins.

Resources:

https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/exploring-the-irish-mythology-changelings-170347

https://roundthecauldron.com/2020/07/16/changelings-in-irish-folklore/

https://emeraldisle.ie/changelings

https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/britchange.html

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/ireland 

https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2023/07/48-hours-in-northern-ireland-giants-causeway-titanic-museum-belfast-black-cab-tour.html Giants Causeway, Ireland

https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/stories-from-staffa-island-of-staves Fingals Cave, Staffa

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/bridget-cleary-changeling-murder-ireland The murder of Bridget Cleary

Instagram: folklore.fangirl

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Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore.

“Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠

Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)