Bitesized Folklore

Jodie Paterson
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Explore the strange and magical side of Scotland and Ireland with host Jodie Paterson. Twice a week, she uncovers eerie legends, curious creatures, and timeless tales — all in 10 minutes or less. New episodes every Monday.

  1. JAN 12

    Den Finella: Where Stories and Shadows Collide

    Today, we’re diving into the wild world of Scottish folklore with the story of Finella, a name that echoes through the ages like a catchy tune you just can’t shake off. Picture this: late 10th century Scotland, where power plays are the name of the game, and our girl Finella is caught right in the thick of it. After losing her son to some royal nonsense, she goes from grieving mother to crafty avenger, luring the king to her lands like a pro. But when he reaches for something shiny, bam! – the king's toast, and Finella’s off like a flash, making her escape towards the sea. What’s left is a haunting tale of a woman wronged, leaving us with more questions than answers, and a reminder that some stories are meant to stick around and make us think. So, grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s get into it! Takeaways: In Scotland's wild past, Finella's tale of loss and revenge shows how powerful stories can be. Finella's journey from noble birth to vengeance highlights the complexities of power and grief. The mechanism of Finella's revenge remains a mystery, but the outcome is crystal clear: justice served cold. Diving into folklore, we see how stories about women like Finella evolve over time, often adding magic to their narratives. Finella's story reminds us that not all tales offer comfort; some are meant to linger and provoke thought. The location of Den Finella stands as a haunting reminder of Finella's choices and the legacy of her actions.

    6 min

  2. JAN 5

    Thrummy Cap: The Ghost Who Just Wanted to Be Remembered

    Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving into a tale that’s as eerie as a midnight stroll in a haunted house. We’re chatting about Thrummy Cap, a ghost who isn’t just here to spook you out but to shed light on some serious unfinished business. Picture this: a young dude rolls into a Scottish harbor town looking for a place to crash and ends up in a house that’s got more secrets than a gossiping neighbor. As the night unfolds, he encounters Thrummy Cap, a ghost with a tragic backstory that’ll tug at your heartstrings and make you rethink those creaky floorboards. So grab your favorite snack and settle in, because this story is all about how some spirits just want their truth to be told, and trust me, it’s a ride you won’t want to miss! Takeaways: In Scottish folklore, ghosts often linger not to scare, but to seek justice or closure. The story of Thrummy Cap teaches us that truth has a habit of surfacing, no matter how deep it's buried. Sometimes, what we perceive as hauntings are just unfinished stories asking for recognition and remembrance. The Thrummy Cap tale reminds us that every ghost has a story, often one of unresolved issues from their past.

    5 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    Christmas Magic: The Heartwarming Tale of the Yule Beggar

    Alrighty, folks, let’s dive into the cozy vibes of Galloway on this Christmas Eve tale. We’re unpacking the heartwarming story of the Yule beggar, where the ordinary rules of kindness take a wild twist. Picture this: a young shepherd, out in the frosty hills, losing one of his sheep and feeling the weight of the world. As he’s searching high and low, he encounters a mysterious beggar who shows up just when he needs help the most. This story isn’t just about finding a lost ewe; it’s a sweet reminder that sometimes, what looks like a beggar might just be the answer to our prayers. So grab a cup of something warm, and let’s get into the spirit of generosity and the magic of unexpected help! Takeaways: The Galloway tale of the Yule beggar reminds us that kindness often travels in disguise, especially during Christmas Eve. In folklore, the ordinary rules of life bend a bit, making space for magic and unexpected help on special nights. Generosity is a big deal; even when it costs us, it brings warmth back to our hearts and homes. Sometimes, help arrives in the form of someone who seems needy, teaching us to look deeper than appearances. The shepherd's journey teaches us that the search for what’s lost can come with unexpected companions along the way. Christmas Eve is about more than just gifts; it’s a time when the roads are filled with travelers, both seen and unseen.

    5 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    From Seal Killer to Seal Savior: A Wild Scottish Folktale

    Today, we’re diving into a wild tale from the rugged cliffs of Duncansby Head in Scotland, where the winds howl and the seals keep a watchful eye. We’re unpacking the story of a seal killer who, after a fateful encounter with a massive seal, finds himself on a supernatural adventure that flips his life upside down. Picture this: he’s out there with his trusty silver whistle, luring seals like a pro, but then BAM! He stabs a seal, only to discover it’s the selkie queen, and suddenly, he’s in way over his head. The twist? He’s got to save her to save himself from a life of regret. So grab your headphones and get comfy, 'cause this story's got it all—mystery, magic, and a lesson that’ll stick with you like sea salt on your skin. Takeaways: The tale takes us to Duncansby Head, a wild place where seals and stories thrive. Our main guy, the seal killer, learns that every action has major consequences, right? After a wild journey, he gets a chance to redeem himself with a selkie queen. The twist? He ends up with gold coins instead of more seal skins, talk about luck! This story gives us a peek at how folklore connects us to nature and our choices. It’s a reminder that what we do to others can seriously bounce back at us later.

    7 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    Ghostly Tunes: The Mysterious Piper of Dunvegan Castle

    We're diving into the mysterious vibes of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, where the tales are as layered as the castle itself—seriously, this place has been around for over 800 years! The main dish on today’s menu is the haunting of a ghostly piper, a story that's more of a whisper than a shout, and honestly, it's a bit of a head-scratcher. Unlike those epic Highland piper legends filled with wild adventures and fairy antics, this one’s got a ghost that just seems to hang around without much backstory—like a mysterious friend who shows up but never really tells you what’s up. So, we’ll chat about the faint sounds of bagpipes that visitors hear, the missing piper who supposedly wandered into a secret tunnel and never came back, and how this legend’s a bit of an oddball since it’s only popped up in modern ghost listings. Let’s unravel this quiet haunting and see what stories linger like the echoes of those distant pipes! Takeaways: Dunvegan Castle is like the OG of Scottish history, having been home to Clan Macleod for over 800 years! The haunting of a ghostly piper is super mysterious, with no solid backstory—just vibes and whispers. Unlike other Highland legends, the piper's tale is a quiet one, echoing with absence rather than drama. Modern ghost hunters say they've heard phantom bagpipes at Dunvegan, but it's all pretty vague and elusive. The fairy flag at Dunvegan has been mentioned since the 17th century, showing the castle's deep mythic roots. Not all legends come fully formed; some are just little snippets carried by the winds of time.

    7 min

  6. 11/21/2025

    From Beauty to Blood: The Tragic Story of Ireland's Dearg-Due

    Today, we’re diving into the spine-tingling legend of the Dearg-Due, Ireland's OG vampire, and trust me, this tale is packed with drama, betrayal, and a sprinkle of supernatural spookiness. Picture this: a stunning young woman from Waterford, whose dad sold her off to a chieftain she loathed, leading to a whole mess of heartbreak and, well, let’s just say a few folks end up six feet under because of it. We’re talking about a restless spirit rising from the grave, taking revenge on those who wronged her—like a ghostly avenger with a serious vendetta. It's not your typical vampire story; this one’s all about justice and the haunting reminder that some things, like love and betrayal, can echo through the ages. So grab your headphones and settle in, because we’re about to explore how the Dearg-Due isn’t just a bloodsucker; she’s a powerful symbol of grief and the weight of forgotten stories. Takeaways: The legend of the Dearg-Due, Ireland's original vampire, is a wild tale of betrayal and heartbreak that predates Dracula by centuries. This story dives deep into the themes of love, loss, and the quest for justice in the afterlife—definitely not your average vampire tale! The Dearg-Due isn’t just about bloodsucking; it's a haunting reminder of societal injustice and the consequences of forgetting the dead. Folklore teaches us that every culture has its own way to deal with grief, and the Dearg-Due is Ireland's dark twist on that theme. The chilling image of the pale woman wandering graveyards serves as a warning—some spirits demand to be remembered, or else! This episode highlights how the Dearg-Due's story resonates with old Celtic beliefs about vengeance and the thin line between life and death.

    8 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Secrets of the Hills: What Are the Fairy Coffins from Arthur's Seat?

    Today, we're diving into the mysterious world of the fairy coffins of Arthur's Seat, a tale that’s got more twists than a pretzel! So picture this: a group of boys in Edinburgh stumbles upon 17 tiny coffins, each holding a little figure tucked in like they’re ready for a nap. What makes this story even cooler? No one has a clue who made them or why they were hidden in the hills. Were they crafted by witches, or maybe a grieving soul trying to honor lost loved ones? We’ll explore all the wild theories, from dark rituals to heartfelt memorials, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss the spooky connections to Edinburgh's infamous murderers. Grab your headphones and let’s get ready to unravel some seriously strange history! Takeaways: The podcast dives into the eerie tale of the fairy coffins discovered at Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, revealing a mystery that’s been puzzling folks for over 100 years. We explore various theories surrounding the origins of the miniature coffins, including witchcraft, toys, and a dark connection to the infamous Burke and Hare murders. The craftsmanship of the coffins showcases a mix of simple and intricate designs, hinting at multiple creators behind these tiny wooden graves. Arthur's Seat has long been a mystical spot in Edinburgh, believed to be a thin place where the veil between our world and the next is particularly fragile. The story emphasizes how grief can inspire creativity, as seen in the act of crafting these tiny coffins, possibly as a memorial for the forgotten. Listeners are encouraged to ponder the deep connections between death and storytelling, and how even small objects can carry profound narratives.

    7 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    Hy Brasil: The Island You Can’t Catch

    We're diving deep into the enchanting, foggy world of Hy Brasil, the elusive phantom island that’s been tantalizing sailors and dreamers for centuries. This isn’t just any ol’ tale; it’s a journey between reality and fantasy, where maps meet legends and faith dances with fog. Picture this: an island that shows up every seven years, shining like a beacon of beauty, only to disappear again into the briny deep. Folks swore they saw it—fishermen, explorers, even cartographers marked it on their maps, believing it was a place of bliss or a trap for the greedy. So grab your metaphorical compass and settle in, 'cause we’re about to unravel what Hy Brasil really means and why its shimmering legend still captivates hearts today. Takeaways: Hy Brasil is a legendary phantom island that sailors have whispered about for centuries. This mysterious island represents more than just a place; it's a dream of something perfect and unattainable. Sailors claimed to see Hy Brasil, yet when they rowed closer, it vanished like a mirage. The tale of Hy Brasil reminds us that some things are meant to remain a mystery. Old maps even featured Hy Brasil, showing how deeply rooted this legend is in Irish folklore. The allure of Hy Brasil is not just in its beauty but in the hope it embodies for dreamers.

    7 min
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About

Explore the strange and magical side of Scotland and Ireland with host Jodie Paterson. Twice a week, she uncovers eerie legends, curious creatures, and timeless tales — all in 10 minutes or less. New episodes every Monday.

Information

  • Creator
    Jodie Paterson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jodie Paterson
  • Show Website
    Bitesized Folklore