Tales

By Parcast Network

Society & Culture Arts

What's Tales about?

You think you know the story…But do you really? Every other Saturday, Tales presents ancient fairy tales the way they were originally told: orally, and unadulterated. Tales is part of the Parcast Network and is a Cutler Media production.

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The Buccaneer

07.01.2020

First collected by folklorist Charles M. Skinner in 1896, The Buccaneer is an American folk tale that follows the adventures and misdeeds of a vengeful pirate. When his many sins come back to haunt him, the buccaneer learns his life ...

Tales episodes:

07.01.2020 The Buccaneer First collected by folklorist Charles M. Skinner in 1896, The Buccaneer is an American folk tale that follows the adventures and misdeeds of a vengeful pirate. When his many sins come back to haunt him, the buccaneer learns his life ...
06.24.2020 The Story of the Yara Brazilian legend tells the story of a vengeful mermaid spirit named the Yara who enchants and drowns the men who wander near her river deep in the Amazon. But in this classic tale, a pair of lovers set out to ...
06.22.2020 Introducing FAERIE, A Parcast Original Series! Welcome to a world where fairy tales do exist, and “once upon a time” is closer, darker, and more dangerous than you imagined. Welcome to the immersive new Parcast original series, Faerie. Available exclusively on Spotify, Faerie follows the investigation ...
06.17.2020 The Princess in the Chest In this Danish fairytale, a king's impatience kills and curses his daughter. Each night she's doomed to rise from her crypt as a murderous ghost who kills the sentries watching over her tomb. But soon a drunken stranger comes to ...
06.10.2020 Introducing SOLVED MURDERS: TRUE CRIME MYSTERIES, A Parcast Original Series! To commemorate its fourth anniversary, Parcast and the team behind Unsolved Murders are taking a closer look at what it takes to catch a killer. In the new series Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries, you'll follow the clues and uncover ...
06.10.2020 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight One of the most well known Arthurian Legends, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells the story of a young knight who has his moral character called into question, when a mysterious stranger comes to King Arthur's court...with a deadly ...
06.03.2020 The Witch in the Stone Boat This Icelandic folktale is the story of a prince and princess from far away kingdoms who overcome distance and differences of culture for love. But just as they set out to build a new family, their happiness is endangered by ...
05.27.2020 The Tongue-Cut Sparrow This Japanese Morality tale from the 1600s tells the story of an old couple and their pet sparrow. When their neighbor gets annoyed at the sparrow's constant chirping, things take a dark turn into the supernatural. When you let greed ...
05.20.2020 The Singing Bone Collected by the Brothers Grimm, this story certainly is a grim tale about brotherhood. It involves a pair of men who promise to rid the kingdom of a deadly boar—and how their conflict leads to a murder that just won't ...
05.13.2020 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Pt. 2 Though it has become a classic children’s story, the original version reads more like a horrific fever dream: Alice finds herself lost in a mysterious land full of murderous Queens, and terrifying beasts. Although her biggest challenge turns out to ...
05.06.2020 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Pt. 1 This classic tale of Alice, the rabbit hole, and an extraordinary adventure has captivated millions of children across the world. But few remember just how strange Lewis Carrol's work really is—as well as the unsettling rumors that defined its author.
04.29.2020 The Disobedient Daughter In this Nigerian folktale, a woman refuses every suitor who seeks her hand in marriage. When the perfect husband finally arrives, she defies her parents and marries him. She soon learns that sometimes perfection is only skin deep.
04.26.2020 Sneak Peek: DAILY QUOTE, A Parcast Original Series! Whether you’re jumpstarting the morning, searching for that midday pick-me-up, or trying to finish the evening off strong… Daily Quote offers some of history’s most inspirational quotes whenever you need them—365 days a year. In this 2-3 minute podcast, you’ll ...
04.22.2020 NEW: The Loyal Mongoose We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Tales today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. Is a wild animal ever safe to have around the house? This ...
04.15.2020 Crossover Week: Mythical Monsters (Mermaids) If you enjoy the stories told in Tales, check out this episode from our series Mythical Monsters: They’re one of history's most pervasive mythological creatures, appearing in the folklore of cultures from around the world. From the temples of Ancient ...
04.08.2020 The Three Cows In Celtic cultures, the feast of Samhain is one to be respected. A time when the mortal world and the realm of the fairies are at their closest. When a farmer refuses to sacrifice a cow for the feast, he ...
04.01.2020 Mistress Lucia A prince who wants a bride, a woman with latent magical powers, and a scheming maid... This Mexican fairy tale tells the story of love gone wrong—and why we should maintain a healthy respect for nature.
03.25.2020 Parcast Classic: Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves Pt. 1 Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of ...
03.18.2020 The Magic Cask In this Chinese fairy tale, a poor family discovers a magical jar that will give them anything they want. But when tensions arise among the family, a blessing can easily turn into a curse.
03.16.2020 Introducing SUPERNATURAL WITH ASHLEY FLOWERS, A Parcast Original Series! Most mysteries can be solved by looking at the facts. But sometimes, the facts don’t lead to a logical explanation, and the truth lies somewhere in the unknown…Join Parcast and Crime Junkie’s Ashley Flowers as they dive deep into the ...
03.11.2020 The Sandman Pt. 2 An adult Nathanael attempts to overcome the traumatic experiences of his childhood. But he knows, deep down, that Coppelius will always return, ready to take his eyes.
03.04.2020 The Sandman Pt. 1 Young Nathanael fears the one who comes in the night, who takes the eyes of children. His fear only grows when his father's co-worker, Coppelius, begins to show signs of being the boogeyman himself.
02.26.2020 Donkeyskin It is a dark, strange story that combines fantastical elements with an uncompromising, bleak worldview. At its core, Donkeyskin tells the tale of a beautiful French Princess who escapes the terror of incest and abuse through hard work and perseverance. ...
02.23.2020 Tales Rewind: Bluebeard On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Tales that you might have missed! A key. A forbidden locked door. And bloody secrets. A cautionary tale, Bluebeard warns of the danger of rich men ...
02.20.2020 Introducing PARCAST DAILY, A Parcast Original Series! Every Monday through Friday, Parcast Daily filters through all of your favorite Parcast shows to highlight one timely and relevant episode premiering each day. You might hear about a calculating killer on Female Criminals, delve into the minds of history ...
02.19.2020 Chonguita In this piece of Philippine folklore, Chongquita the monkey bride marries an ill-tempered man. When he becomes violent at a party, her astonishing secret is revealed.
02.15.2020 The Little Mermaid A story of a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human so that she can gain a soul. When she falls in love with a human prince, she asks the sea witch if she can turn her human, and in ...
02.04.2020 Listen First! KILLER KNOWLEDGE, A Parcast Original Series! Sure, you’re a fan of true crime—but are you ready to put your skills to the test and be crowned an undisputed expert? Then try your hand at Parcast’s new trivia podcast, Killer Knowledge. Every Tuesday, two competitors go head-to-head ...
02.01.2020 Biancabella and the Serpent Pt. 2 In this framing narrative, the brash storyteller Lauretta continues the tale of Biancabella. Many of those listening begin to weep, feeling for the mutilated queen. But they continue to listen, eager to find out what happens next...
01.26.2020 Tales Rewind: Rapunzel On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Tales that you might have missed! In this early version of the Rapunzel fairy tale, young Persinette is locked away in a tall tower away from ...
01.18.2020 Biancabella and the Serpent Pt. 1 First published in the 16th century, Biancabella and the Serpent is an Italian fairytale on morality. It’s the third fable on the third night of revelry, told by a woman named Lauretta who presents a cautionary narrative of how women ...
01.09.2020 Listen First! SECRET SOCIETIES, A Parcast Original Series! They’ve been around for thousands of years…orchestrating some of history’s most controversial events. And if not for their radical actions, you may never have even known they existed. Every Thursday, take a journey through hidden passageways and become a member ...
01.04.2020 Best of 2019: Puss in Boots Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: By 1697 the story of an incredible cat spread to Paris, where author Charles Perrault created his own version, entitling it “La Maître Chat,” ou “Le Chat Botté” which means ...
12.21.2019 Father Frost The Russian fairy tale “The Story of King Frost” features the ancient figure of Ded Moroz, a winter deity who can be just as dangerous as he is lovable.
12.07.2019 Gryla and the Yule Lads Every culture has its unique ways of celebrating the winter solstice, but none of them are quite as dark and strange as the Icelandic tale of Gryla and her children, the Yule Lads.
11.24.2019 Listen First! SPORTS CRIMINALS, A Parcast Original Series! They’re sport’s greatest heroes… displaying superhuman-like abilities to overcome intense pressure. But when it comes to the downfalls of fame, money, and ego—they’re far more human than super. Every Thursday, Parcast’s original series SPORTS CRIMINALS keeps score on the darker ...
11.23.2019 Sister Alionushka, Brother Ivanushka As a witch's curse brought their father's kingdom to ruin, Princess Alionushka and Prince Ivanushka were forced to flee from the only home they had ever known. During their flight, they struggle to overcome temptation, and the witch tries to ...
11.14.2019 Listen First! DOG TALES, A Parcast Original Series! They’re four-legged, full of love and often times more like family than their nickname suggests. Parcast’s endearing original series, DOG TALES, tells the true stories of heroic canines that have gone above and beyond their “best friend” duties. Every Monday, ...
11.09.2019 Uncle Wolf The “little glutton” who travels through the woods in Italo Calvino’s Italian Folktales carries a special delivery for Uncle Wolf. But when she can’t resist the goodies, and replaces the contents, Uncle Wolf becomes angry and sets out for revenge.
11.03.2019 Par for the Story: POLITICAL SCANDALS, A Parcast Original Series! Every Tuesday leading up to the 2020 election, POLITICAL SCANDALS counts down the 52 most controversial events in American history—uncovering the ugly truth behind some of our most infamous elected officials. And now you can hear a special clip from ...
10.26.2019 Aladdin Pt. 2 Fame, glory, wealth and a beautiful bride—Aladdin truly did have everything he had ever wanted. However, his old enemy Nassim hadn’t forgotten his betrayal, and set out to steal Aladdin’s magic lamp.
10.22.2019 Listen First! VILLAINS, A Parcast Original Series! Bad guys. Black hats. Evildoers. They are the bane of every hero’s existence…and the subject of Parcast’s dastardly new original series, VILLAINS. Every Friday, VILLAINS dissects the greatest foils from history and fiction—uncovering origins, analyzing impacts, and exploring the complexity ...
10.12.2019 Aladdin Pt. 1 Growing up an impoverished young ne’er-do-well, Aladdin is recruited by a sorcerer from the Maghreb. What seems like a sorcerer’s goodwill soon reveals itself as a hidden agenda and a quest for a magic lamp.
10.11.2019 Bonus: Today In True Crime - Zodiac Killer On this day in 1969, the Zodiac Killer’s last confirmed victim was shot and killed.
09.30.2019 Introducing: MYTHICAL MONSTERS, Vanessa's new show! The great heroes of myth are known throughout the world. Their deeds are legendary. But what would these champions be without obstacles in their path? Dragons, sea serpents, giants, demons...they aren't merely foils to the hero. They are primal symbols ...
09.28.2019 Cinderella: Ye Xian Ye Xian had an ideal childhood - raised by the wife of the village chief, she wanted for nothing. But when sudden tragedy strikes her family, she is left in the care of a stepmother who despises her. In this ...
09.24.2019 All Tales Episodes Now Available! Thank you for being a loyal listener! We’re excited to announce all Parcast Network episodes older than 6 months are now available for free on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
09.14.2019 The Ant and the Grasshopper Some insects work tirelessly throughout the year, preparing for the cold months of winter, when crops dry up and food is scarce. However, the grasshopper in this story prefers to while away the summer playing music... and when the cold ...
09.02.2019 Introducing: NATURAL DISASTERS, a new Parcast Original! Humans are the most adaptable species on the planet. We endure fierce blizzards, build communities in the blistering heat of the Sahara, erect societies on mountains. Our new podcast, NATURAL DISASTERS reminds us Mother Nature is ultimately always in control. ...
08.31.2019 Pinocchio The original 1883, Italian version of Pinocchio is far darker than the version modern audiences are acquainted with. Pinnochio is pathologically selfish, and the world he inhabits is full of villains. Murderous circus owners, thieving woodland creatures, and a guilt-trip ...

Older episodes

Tales

What's Tales about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Tales episodes:

The Buccaneer

The Story of the Yara

Introducing FAERIE, A Parcast Original Series!

The Princess in the Chest

Introducing SOLVED MURDERS: TRUE CRIME MYSTERIES, A Parcast Original Series!

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The Witch in the Stone Boat

The Tongue-Cut Sparrow

The Singing Bone

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Pt. 2

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Pt. 1

The Disobedient Daughter

Sneak Peek: DAILY QUOTE, A Parcast Original Series!

NEW: The Loyal Mongoose

Crossover Week: Mythical Monsters (Mermaids)

The Three Cows

Mistress Lucia

Parcast Classic: Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves Pt. 1

The Magic Cask

Introducing SUPERNATURAL WITH ASHLEY FLOWERS, A Parcast Original Series!

The Sandman Pt. 2

The Sandman Pt. 1

Donkeyskin

Tales Rewind: Bluebeard

Introducing PARCAST DAILY, A Parcast Original Series!

Chonguita

The Little Mermaid

Listen First! KILLER KNOWLEDGE, A Parcast Original Series!

Biancabella and the Serpent Pt. 2

Tales Rewind: Rapunzel

Biancabella and the Serpent Pt. 1

Listen First! SECRET SOCIETIES, A Parcast Original Series!

Best of 2019: Puss in Boots

Father Frost

Gryla and the Yule Lads

Listen First! SPORTS CRIMINALS, A Parcast Original Series!

Sister Alionushka, Brother Ivanushka

Listen First! DOG TALES, A Parcast Original Series!

Uncle Wolf

Par for the Story: POLITICAL SCANDALS, A Parcast Original Series!

Aladdin Pt. 2

Listen First! VILLAINS, A Parcast Original Series!

Aladdin Pt. 1

Bonus: Today In True Crime - Zodiac Killer

Introducing: MYTHICAL MONSTERS, Vanessa's new show!

Cinderella: Ye Xian

All Tales Episodes Now Available!

The Ant and the Grasshopper

Introducing: NATURAL DISASTERS, a new Parcast Original!

Pinocchio

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