Folklore Fangirl

Janae
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly

Before everything around us constantly demanded our attention, people explained the world through stories—stories about spirits in the house, things watching from the forest, and the feeling that something was always just out of sight. A lot of those beliefs never really went away, and I love exploring them. I’m Janae, and on Folklore Fangirl I bring one old-world folklore story to my husband, Jamison, each week. I tell the tale, and he reacts in real time. It’s part storytelling, part conversation, and a little bit of wondering what might still be lurking around us.

  1. Oct 22

    3.5.3 Bonus Chapter! Werewolves

    Explore the werewolf, a legendary creature believed to transform from human to wolf, often under the light of a full moon. Found throughout European folklore, werewolves have long been associated with wildness, the night, and the full moon. Tales vary widely, but the image of the werewolf—part human, part wolf, and completely terrifying—has become one of the most enduring creatures of Halloween folklore.  Content warning! This episode’s show notes include links to external websites that may contain images depicting nudity and/or violence. Listener discretion is advised, and please use caution before clicking any links. Resources: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-the-werewolf-legend?shem=aimgspe,  https://www.lithoguru.com/gentleman/essays/Gilgamesh.html  https://www.history.com/articles/werewolf-trials-europe-witches  https://lexcolibrary.com/werewolves/?shem=aimgspe,  https://historiamag.com/the-history-of-werewolves/?shem=aimgspe,  https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Werewolf?shem=aimgspe%2C  https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ulfhe%C3%B0inn  Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  2. Oct 8 ·  Bonus

    3.5.2 Bonus Chapter! Ghosts

    Step into the long history of ghosts, where stories of spirits lingering among the living stretch back thousands of years and across cultures around the world. From ancient tales of restless dead to legends of haunted places and mysterious apparitions, ghost stories have often reflected the ways people have understood death, memory, unfinished business, and what might exist beyond the grave.  Content Warning: This episode discusses a true crime case and includes some descriptions of violence and disturbing details. Listener discretion is advised, especially if those topics are difficult or upsetting for you or young ear viewers are joining you. Resources: https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/the-history-of-ghost-stories-from-folklore-to-urban-legends/ https://brian-haughton.com/ancient-mysteries-articles/folklore-ghosts-hauntings/ https://vocal.media/horror/exploring-the-origins-and-mythology-of-ghosts-legends-from-around-the-world https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-a-ghosts-evidence-con_b_9252062  https://wvexplorer.com/greenbrier-ghost-zona-heaster-shue-west-virginia-wv/  Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  3. Oct 1 ·  Bonus

    3.5.1 Bonus Chapter! Witches

    The Halloween witch, one of the most iconic figures of spooky season. From ancient beliefs about magic and supernatural practitioners to the pointy-hatted, broom-riding character we recognize today, the witch has a long and complicated folklore history.  Resources: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/thunderbird-native-american/ https://www.legendsofamerica.com/gros-ventre-tribe/  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/thunderbird-mythology https://www.autoevolution.com/ford/thunderbird/ https://www.history.com/articles/witch-hat-costume-origins https://blog.nli.org.il/en/lbh_jewish_hat/ This is the one with the image of the old add about Jewish hats through the years. Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  4. Sep 9 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode! Skinwalkers with Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators

    The Skinwalker is a terrifying figure from Navajo tradition, said to be a witch capable of taking the form of an animal or even another person. They are often described as appearing in the darkness around isolated places, where an ordinary-looking figure may not be quite what it seems.With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! For shownotes and more episodes, check out his podcast! ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@atmfi?si=hHE_OAlmJlqV16ze⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-mysteries-for-investigators/id1892930946

  5. Sep 1 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode! Side Story - Berberoka

    The Berberoka is a strange water creature from Philippine folklore, said to lurk beneath quiet ponds. When the water suddenly recedes, curious fishermen may be tempted to investigate—but the Berberoka has a very different plan.  With Special Guest, Jackson from Addicted to Mysteries for Investigators! Check out his podcast! ⁠https://youtube.com/@atmfi?si=hHE_OAlmJlqV16ze⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-mysteries-for-investigators/id1892930946 Resources: https://pinoymyths.com/the-drained-depths-unraveling-the-mystery-of-the-berberoka/ - This is the one with the embedded videos https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Berberoka - This is the one with the picture we decided was the most accurate https://mythlok.com/berberoka/ https://2e.aonprd.com/Monsters.aspx?ID=4281&Redirected=1 Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—it means so much to us! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  6. Aug 26

    3.7 Black Annis

    Step into the legend of Black Annis, a terrifying hag from English folklore said to dwell in a cave beneath an ancient oak. With blue skin, iron claws, and a hunger for human flesh, she is remembered as a warning to children not to wander alone after dark. Even today, tales of her haunting laughter and shadowy presence linger in local legend. This episode discusses disturbing elements of folklore including child abduction, violence against children, cannibalism, and references to human remains. Some versions of the legend also include frightening imagery. Listener discretion is advised. Resources: https://www.storyofleicester.info/faith-belief/black-annis-and-dane-hills/ https://thehorrorscopeproject.medium.com/black-annis-the-dark-english-folklore-legend-of-the-blue-black-witch-7bf4180dde4f https://monster.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Annis https://godsandmonstersinfo.substack.com/p/myth-of-the-day-black-annis https://aprilmunday.wordpress.com/2018/08/19/anatomy-of-a-castle/  https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/leicestershire/leicester/prince-rupert-gateway.htm  https://www.amazon.com The book on Amazon https://crowspirit.org.uk/black-anniss-bower-by-john-heyrick/  Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  7. Aug 11

    3.6 Yasy Yateré

    Step into the legend of Yasy Yateré, a mischievous forest spirit from Guaraní folklore in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Said to lure wandering children with a magical whistle before leading them deep into the woods, Yasy Yateré is both a trickster and a warning, reminding children never to stray too far from home.  Content Warning: This episode discusses folklore that includes themes of child endangerment and violence toward children as part of the creature’s traditional legends. These topics are discussed from a cultural and historical perspective, and the episode does not include graphic descriptions. Some of the historical artwork, statues, and reference materials linked in the episode notes may contain images of the creature portrayed as a nude or unclothed young child. These are traditional representations of the folklore figure and are included for cultural and historical context. If you prefer to avoid these topics or images, please use caution when exploring the included resources.  Resources: https://mbaechepa.wordpress.com/fotos-paraguay-allgemein/yasy-yatere-gnom/ This is the one with the statue! https://fablins.com/south-america/py/jasy-jatere/ https://steemit.com/yasy/@abducidor/the-legend-of-yasy-yatere https://godsandmonsters.info/jasy-jatere/ https://kids.kiddle.co/Guarani_mythology  https://yerbamadre.com/blogs/the-gourd-circle/what-is-yerba-mate  Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

  8. Aug 4

    3.5 Pontianak

    First, a content warning. This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss, child loss, and domestic violence. It also contains research references to videos depicting violence. Listener discretion is advised, and please use caution if you choose to explore the sources linked in the episode description. Explore the Pontianak, a feared spirit from Malay folklore said to be the restless ghost of a woman who died during pregnancy or childbirth. Often appearing as a beautiful woman with long black hair and pale skin, it is believed to lure unsuspecting victims before revealing its monstrous nature. Its chilling laughter, the scent of flowers, and sudden silence are all said to signal that the Pontianak is drawing near.  Resources: https://www.huntmuseum.com/stories/objects-in-focus/roman-empire-dodecahedron/ https://sketchfab.com/blogs/community/enormous-petrified-mulberries-a-new-dimension-on-carved-stone-balls/ httphttps://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Pontianak  https://dcmps://legendsofwindemere.com/2022/10/14/monster-month-pontianak/  .org/media/14607-monstrum-pontianak-the-vampiric-ghost-of-southeast-asia This is the one with the long video https://cvltnation.com/pontianak-the-blood-sucking-female-vampires-of-southeast-asia/ This is the one with the short video https://youtu.be/Vl5DYZ0UoGQ?si=AfsxcjccbmVgCDXm Short Video Direct Link https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/legend-of-the-pontianak-a-look-into-her-history-legacy-233046685.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHt0YJcsHvH_SQW40VqdG_mRED2Sk5rSIHM_aMUmU0eSYyNF9SCM-s_4fkhDz1IGW-U4yYNLvjJiSQTVTAMcNxeLbqmlBYqNrFUInTkvke5oiFv1hO7xmOt_b-L7f0pAy34Pskvxu1wWVZoDIlYLjRIp2E5m18KjlcM-FgOqAF8s  https://daily.jstor.org/the-indonesian-frontier-town-named-for-a-jungle-vampire/ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/malaysia  https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/indonesia-facts.html  Instagram: folklore.fangirl Spotify: Folklore Fangirl Apple Podcasts: Folklore Fangirl Thanks for listening—we really appreciate you! If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving a rating and review. If this sounds like something a friend would enjoy, please pass it along. And as always, keep fangirling over folklore. “Dance Macabre-No Violin” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠⁠⁠ Edited for use (volume adjusted, segments used for intro and outro)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Before everything around us constantly demanded our attention, people explained the world through stories—stories about spirits in the house, things watching from the forest, and the feeling that something was always just out of sight. A lot of those beliefs never really went away, and I love exploring them. I’m Janae, and on Folklore Fangirl I bring one old-world folklore story to my husband, Jamison, each week. I tell the tale, and he reacts in real time. It’s part storytelling, part conversation, and a little bit of wondering what might still be lurking around us.

Information

  • Creator
    Janae
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Janae
  • Show Website
    Folklore Fangirl