Fabric of Folklore

Fabric of Folklore

Folktales can be strange, mystical, macabre and intriguing. Join us as we explore the stories, culture and people behind the folklore. We go beyond retelling the legends, myths and fairy tales of old. We look at the story behind the lore, behind the songs and traditions to understand more about what they mean, and their importance. These stories, many originating as oral histories, inform us of what it means to be human; what it means to be an integral part of this Earth. Stories of magic and wonder bind us. They connect us through invisible strands, like the gossamer fibers of a spiders web. Folktales have the power to demonstrate how, although we live in drastically different locals, our hearts and minds beat as one human race. We are weaving the fabrics of our past and present stories, to help us better understand ourselves and to awaken us to a more compassionate and caring world community. As we explore the meaning of existence through folklore we hope to inspire future generations to lead with love and understanding.

  1. Yara Ma Yha Who: Fairy Tale Flip Ep 19

    30 SEPT

    Yara Ma Yha Who: Fairy Tale Flip Ep 19

    Forget Dracula. Australia has its own vampire story—and it’s stranger than you think. Have you heard of the bloodsucking creature that hides in Australia’s fig trees? In episode 19 of Fairytale Flip, we dive into the Aboriginal Australian myth of the Yara-Ma-Yahoo: a toothless, red-skinned, frog-like vampire that preys on those resting beneath fig trees, draining their blood and slowly transforming them into the very monster they feared. We compare this chilling tale to European fairy tales and folktales, uncovering cultural differences in storytelling, the sacred role of fig trees in Aboriginal traditions, and the enduring power of ritual and oral history. We also explore possible origins of the Yara-Ma-Yahoo, from the Malayan tarsier to the long-extinct Australian marsupial lion. Along the way, we reflect on our own cultural biases and the challenges of interpreting deeply spiritual traditions that carry strikingly different views of time, nature, and community. TimeStamps Summary of Yama Yahoo Myth — 1:06 Cultural Significance and Comparisons — 2:03 Australian Culture — 5:16 Aboriginal Connection to the Land — 9:06 Historical Migration and Time Perception — 18:51 Aboriginal Mythology and the Sacred Fig Tree — 22:51 The Significance of Water in Folktales — 29:27 Blood as a Symbol of Life and Death — 32:08 The Rituals and Beliefs of Aboriginal Culture — 34:48 Theories on the Origin of the Yara-ma-yha-who — 42:21 Dreamtime in Aboriginal Culture — 51:08 Reflections on Cultural Differences and Storytelling — 55:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics — 1:01:39 Celtic Impulse - Celtic · Kevin MacLeod Provided to YouTube by http://incompetech.com Celtic Impulse - Celtic ℗ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    1h 4m
  2. Yara Ma Yha Who: Storytelling Mini-Episode 3

    15 SEPT

    Yara Ma Yha Who: Storytelling Mini-Episode 3

    Have you heard of the vampiric predator roaming the Australian Outback in search of unsuspecting victims? In this storytelling mini-episode, I share a chilling tale from the fig groves of Australia: the story of the Yara-Ma-Yha-Who. This eerie, red-skinned, toad-like creature lurks in the treetops, draining the blood of wanderers before its terrifying queen appears to finish the job. Poachers shouldn’t be poaching, but did he deserve the toe-curling, blood-sucking encounter with these monstrous creatures? If only his torture ended with the draining of his blood... but unfortunately for him, that was just the beginning of his horror story! Part monster story, part cautionary tale, this legend whispers ancient warnings and cultural truths. Stay tuned for this month’s Fairytale Flip with Donna Lee Fields, where we’ll dig deeper into the roots of this unsettling folktale, exploring its hidden meanings, history, and the cultural context that gave rise to one of Australia’s most chilling legends. 00:00 Yara-Ma-Yha-Who 00:26 The Poacher's Encounter 01:53 The Queen's Arrival 03:50 The Poacher's Transformation 04:58 About the Podcast 05:10 Upcoming Episode Teaser Alex Productions - Lands" is under a Creative Commons (BY 3.0) license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...    / @alexproductionsnocopyright   Music powered by BreakingCopyright:    • ⚗️ Medieval & Celtic (Free Music) - "LANDS...  Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    6 min
  3. Belling the Cat, An Aesop Tale: Mini episode Storytelling Ep2

    2 SEPT

    Belling the Cat, An Aesop Tale: Mini episode Storytelling Ep2

    In this STORYTELLING episode of Fabric of Folklore, Vanessa Y Rogers narrates the classic Aesop's fable, 'The Belling of the Cat.' The story revolves around a group of mice trying to outsmart a stealthy cat threatening their lives. A young mouse proposes the ingenious solution of belling the cat, but the older, wiser mouse raises the crucial question: who will bell the cat? We delve into the inherently cautionary nature of Aesop's fables, explaining why their endings often feel incomplete and unsatisfactory from a modern perspective. For those intrigued by the origins and significance of these ancient tales, the episode also points listeners to episode 18 featuring Dr. Laura Gibbs, who offers in-depth insights into the enduring popularity of Aesop's fables. Don't forget to subscribe for more storytelling adventures! Aesop Fables with Dr. Laura Gibbs  Aesop Fables Youtube Episode 00:00 The Belling of the Cat 00:05 Introduction to Fabric of Folklore 00:28 The Story of the Belling of the Cat 02:28 The Moral of the Story 02:38 Discussion on Aesop's Fables 03:48 Conclusion and Further Learning "Alex Productions - Lands" is under a Creative Commons (BY 3.0) license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...    / @alexproductionsnocopyright   Music powered by BreakingCopyright:    • ⚗️ Medieval & Celtic (Free Music) - "LANDS...   Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    5 min
  4. Fairy Tale Flip Ep 18: Sleeping Beauty

    18 AUG

    Fairy Tale Flip Ep 18: Sleeping Beauty

    Do you know the dark and hidden origins of Sleeping Beauty? In Episode 18 of Fairy Tale Flip, we dive into the evolution of this classic story and the political messaging woven into its earliest versions. While today’s Sleeping Beauty feels like a simple romantic tale, its European roots stretch back nearly 700 years—and the oldest versions are far more unsettling. We explore the Arthurian romance Perceforest and Giambattista Basile’s Sun, Moon, and Talia, uncovering themes of displaced nobility, female power struggles, patriarchal abuse, and shifting ideas of morality. We even look at a rarely discussed Chinese variant that adds yet another layer of meaning. This isn’t just a fairy tale—it’s a mirror of history, power, and cultural change. Join us for a conversation you won’t want to miss! 00:52 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:13 Sleeping Beauty: The Grim Version 05:17 Donna's Dissertation on Fairytales 06:54 Exploring A-T-U Classification 11:19 Chinese Folklore: The Oldest Version 15:15 European Tales: The Darker Side 16:01 Sun, Moon, and Talia: The Shocking Tale 20:58 Unveiling Hidden Truths 21:22 Symbolism and Subliminal Messages 22:30 Patriarchal Abuse and Survival 23:29 Author's Intent and Satirical Critique 27:53 Cultural Context and Modern Parallels 29:17 Societal Rules and Gender Roles 30:49 Symbolism of Sleep and Maturation 33:29 Epic Origins and Literary Evolution 36:38 Modern Retellings and Female Empowerment 40:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions References:  1. A link for an easy introduction to ATU types https://retellingthetales.com/a-casual-girls-guide-to-using-the-atu-index/ 2. ⁠Ursula Le Guin ‘The Poacher’ 2012. 3. Anne Claffey’s ‘The Plastic Princess’ 4.  Anne Sexton’s Transformations Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    41 min
  5. Fairy Tale Flip Ep 17: The Mythology of Sedna, The Inuit Sea Goddess of the Arctic

    4 JUL

    Fairy Tale Flip Ep 17: The Mythology of Sedna, The Inuit Sea Goddess of the Arctic

    You may have heard of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas—but have you heard of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess of marine life? In this episode, we dive into the mythological story of the mermaid-like goddess who is transformed from a young woman into a powerful deity without hands. We discuss the story’s various versions and cultural significance, as well as Sedna’s role as steward of the natural world. Themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and empowerment are explored throughout. We also look at the history of the Inuit people—including how they came to inhabit four separate countries—along with other creation myths, the role of challenges in stories, and the journey of Inuit souls. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Fairytale Flip 00:50 Introduction to Sedna's Creation Myth 01:42 Diving into the Story of Sedna 03:48 Exploring Variants of Sedna's Tale 09:14 Understanding Inuit Culture and Migration 16:22 The Role of Women in Inuit Society 25:58 Sedna's Transformation and Symbolism 27:46 The Role of Villains in Transformation 28:16 The Importance of Challenges in Stories 29:01 Symbolism in Myths and Legends 29:45 The Journey of the Soul in Mythology 33:07 Betrayal and Sacrifice in Folklore 35:20 Depictions of Sedna in Inuit Mythology 38:19 Sedna's Underwater World and Its Guardians 40:15 The Significance of Loneliness and Isolation 43:47 Sedna in Modern Contexts 45:45 Creation Myths Across Cultures 50:13 Takeaways and Reflections on Mythology 52:20 Looking Ahead: Exploring New Cultures 53:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    55 min
  6. Fairy Tale Flip Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession?

    15 MAY

    Fairy Tale Flip Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession?

    Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession? Persephone and Hades, love story or horror story? That is the question we ask in Fairytale Flip episode 16. Is the ancient Greek myth of these gods a myth about romance or captivity? The story, although often used to explain the different seasons, is about so much more than how spring and winter came to be. We explore controversial themes of abduction, power and marriage, the empowerment of women in modern retellings, and the intersection of myth and cultural memory. We discuss the traditional interpretations with a modern lens, highlighting issues of consent, identity, agency, grief and trauma. Through our discussion, we urge listeners to rethink familiar tales, and how their past messages hold different meanings today. Persephone and Hades Story FREE JOURNAL EXAMPLE (Please give us feed back!) 01:23 Summary of Persephone and Hades Myth 05:24 Analyzing the Myth: Romance or Abduction? 07:07 Modern Retellings and Feminine Power 21:38 Power Dynamics in the Myth 27:56 Addressing the Past and Moving Forward 28:18 The Role of Retellings in Modern Times 28:40 Abuse and Dominance in Fairy Tales 29:33 Rumpelstiltskin and Persephone: A Comparative Analysis 33:57 The Duality of Persephone's Existence 34:50 Exploring Shadow Work and Healing 40:08 The Significance of the Pomegranate 46:17 Mythic Memory and Historical Events 48:41 Respecting Boundaries and Autonomy 56:19 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Follow us: Fabric of Folklore website Youtube channel Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Linkedin

    58 min

About

Folktales can be strange, mystical, macabre and intriguing. Join us as we explore the stories, culture and people behind the folklore. We go beyond retelling the legends, myths and fairy tales of old. We look at the story behind the lore, behind the songs and traditions to understand more about what they mean, and their importance. These stories, many originating as oral histories, inform us of what it means to be human; what it means to be an integral part of this Earth. Stories of magic and wonder bind us. They connect us through invisible strands, like the gossamer fibers of a spiders web. Folktales have the power to demonstrate how, although we live in drastically different locals, our hearts and minds beat as one human race. We are weaving the fabrics of our past and present stories, to help us better understand ourselves and to awaken us to a more compassionate and caring world community. As we explore the meaning of existence through folklore we hope to inspire future generations to lead with love and understanding.

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