An albatross flying around a ship in the middle of the ocean was an omen of storms, wind and bad weather to come. It was also very unlucky to kill it because sailors thought that the souls of deceased sailors inhabited the albatross. Enjoy the poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1797 - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

Discover more: @creativeasfolkAdditional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper. Production and music: A.Wilkinson (@data_wolf)Photo editing and artwork: John Piper

Referred to as ‘a notion’ it is not based on reason or knowledge, but fear of ominous significance. Custom acts, ceremonies or rituals can be attributed as a reaction. This irrational fear founded in the unknown is of course; superstition..Discover more: @creativeasfolk. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper. Production and music: A.Wilkinson (@data_wolf) Photo editing and artwork: John Piper

Do you believe in fairies? The term Fairytale was never more appropriate than in this 20th Century episode where fact and fiction became ‘faction.’ A folk tale of a more contemporary creation, imagined by two young girls which took the world by storm. This story has lasted over a century, and includes the involvement of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of Sherlock Holmes) who was a keen spiritualist. Discover more: @creativeasfolk. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Thank you to New Pod City!

The Hierarchy of the Hidden looks into the mysterious world of fairies, and some of the creatures that are a part of old world of beliefs. The fairy family encompasses a wider range of fantastical beings more than we might first have imagined. Ranging in scale from giants to miniature creatures, we explore their stories and conclude with the one fairy that traditionally still visits us. Discover more: @creativeasfolk . Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper

This is the story of Matthew Hopkins, the most prolific witch hunter of the 15th Century. With partner John Stearne the two travelled throughout England hunting witches. Their practice included many methods, as well as identifying a witch by their animal known as a familiar. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

A Midwinter tale about the seasonal cycle and the many traditions linked to the Winter Solstice, with both the Holly King and the Oak King. The meanings of yule, holly, mistletoe, ivy and Saturnalia are also investigated. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper. Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City