This episode takes us to Basque Country, or Euskal Herria.
The Basque live in an area existing between France and Spain; specifically between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay. One of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, their language has no ties to the languages of the area.
A culture where folklore and myths are a heavy influence in their society. Basque mythology comes from the 4 elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Earth is the core element for them and the goddess of earth is Mari. And she can take any shape. All Basque Gods are, in fact, Goddesses in the Basque culture. Their history is rooted in strong knowledge of the sea, strong women leaders in their society, witch hunts, and festivals that embrace their past, while maintaining tradition today as a part of their modern day world.
The Basque were persecuted by those that don't understand their way of life, out of irrational and unjustifiable fear. Persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition, their culture and tradition as healers has survived and still stands strong today with celebrations embracing and forever remembering that tradition. From the Day of San Juan to the Joaldunak to the Day of the Witch, their magical world and the lessons from that whole experience lives on strong today.
Credits for Witches Of Zugarramurdi:
Written and researched by Bryan Q
Performed by Bryan Q, Mel Martinez, Danielle Vigil, and Aus de Los Santos
Edited, mixed, and mastered by Belle Alatorre and M. Glenn Sound
The Folklorists is sponsored by the California Arts Council, the Chamberlin Education Foundation, and generous folx like you.