The Faerie Folk - Folklore, Myths and Legends from the U.K

Our latest magical excursion takes us up to Scotland to have a look at two different Scottish folk creatures - selkies (also known as silkies, selchie or roane) and faeries (or fairies if you prefer!)

We begin our journey at the very top of the country, on the edge of Duncansby Head, close to John O'Groats. Down below the waves, we come face to face with a whole community of friendly, but mysterious selkies. But what exactly is a selkie? Well, stick around to hear the folktale of the Seal Catcher's Adventure and discover how one man's chance encounter with a shapeshifting stranger changes his life forever.

Then, we travel down to Nithsdale in southern Scotland to meet a member of the Faerie Folk and dive into a magical story centred around the powerful 'fairy ointment' that pops up in folklore from across the United Kingdom.

[This episode is a re-recorded version of the one originally released in April 2020. The new version was uploaded in July 2025].

There's more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefaeriefolk Threads: thefaerie_folk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thefaeriefolk.bsky.social The music featured in today's episode is:

Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway/ License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Road Less Travelled / Gabriel Lewis / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Greyish Regret / Charles Holme / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Last of Our Kind (Edit) / Jon Björk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound A King's Ransom / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound The Norman Kings / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Winds of Aetheria/ Dian Shuai / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Vagabond's Awakening / Dian Shuai / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Circle of Stones / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Lost Empire / David Celeste / courtesy of Epidemic Sound Commence Orbit / Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen / courtesy of Epidemic Sound My Soul Delights / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Today we're traveling to Devon, the county known for its cream teas, scrumpy… and ghostly apparitions. The Hairy Hands are one of Dartmoor's most famous legends, but what exactly are they - and who do they belong to? We also travel to Buckfastleigh to meet Squire Cabell, the 'monstrously evil man' and his hellish hounds that haunt the Devonshire countryside.

Disclaimer: This episode was written, recorded and edited back in 2020 when the podcast was just getting started. If you're new to The Faerie Folk and wish to have a more enhanced listening experience, you may prefer to begin with one of the podcast's newer episodes from 2023 onwards. Many thanks and enjoy the show!

If you're enjoying the podcast then let us know over on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/

The music featured in today's episode was:

Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

*Since making this episode I have come across new information in regards to the Hairy Hands case. It was actually Theo Brown's mother who saw the Hairy Hands spectre, rather than her - apologies for the mix-up. (Perhaps this is an excuse to visit this case again soon!)

Today's adventure takes us to Wales for an exciting look at some of the country's most interesting myths and legends. Our first stop is Dinas Emrys, the hillock said to have once been the site of a great dragon battle. But why were the dragons fighting, and how did the area get its name? Then we journey on, to the uniquely named Devil's Bridge where three magnificent bridges sit on top of one another. But why was the original one built - and who was the architect? Come along on another virtual journey and find out!

Disclaimer: This episode was written, recorded and edited back in 2020 when the podcast was just getting started. If you're new to The Faerie Folk and wish to have a more enhanced listening experience, you may prefer to begin with one of the podcast's newer episodes from 2023 onwards. Many thanks and enjoy the show!

If you'd like to hear more stories, share some photos - or perhaps your magical travel plans, then come and hang out with us over on social media!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/

The music featured in today's episode is:

Galway by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*

Come and join us on our very first Faerie Folk adventure as we travel down to Cornwall - home to some of the U.K's most famous myths and legends. Discover the story of The Mermaid of Zennor and the charming singer who fell in love with her, and meet the vengeful Mermaid of Padstow and learn of the terrible curse that she bestowed on the town.

Disclaimer: This episode was written, recorded and edited back in 2020 when the podcast was just getting started. If you're new to The Faerie Folk and wish to have a more enhanced listening experience, you may prefer to begin with one of the podcast's newer episodes from 2023 onwards. Many thanks and enjoy the show!

If you're enjoying the podcast then come and join us over on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefaerie_folk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefaeriefolk/

The music featured in the podcast is:

Galway by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*Though the travel information in this podcast was correct at the time of posting, things do change over time so please make sure to research your routes before travelling and adhere to any local guidelines once there.*