The Three Ravens Podcast

Three Ravens
  • 4.9 (88)
  • FICTION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Three Ravens is an English myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux. In each weekly episode, released on Mondays, we explore a historic county, digging into the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Across our first six series we ventured around England's 39 historic counties twice, taking turns to tell a new version of a legend from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it may have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past. Our Bonus Episodes are then released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Forgotten Melodies about folk song types with original performances from us, and Magus, which is about the lives of the most famous witches and wizards in history). On Saturdays, we then release episodes of our interview series Local Legends, with each episode featuring a chat between us and an acclaimed folklorist, author, podcaster or historian, deepening discussions about that week's county. In between series, since March 2025 we have also launched our Lang Fairy Tale Project, for which we are recording and releasing the 700+ stories collected by English academics and authors Nora and Andrew Lang, published in over a dozen volumes from the end of the 19th century and changing children's literature forever. With entire other Bonus Series to enjoy, including our comic retelling of the legend of Gawain and the Green Knight, original narratives such as our upcoming series Dog Days about the supernatural adventures of young playwright Christopher Marlowe in Elizabethan London, and our annual Haunting Season every October, there's tonnes of fun to be had in our back catalogue of over 300 episodes. In addition to which, we also release a range of exclusive content on Patreon, where supporters also enjoy ad-free listening, including monthly 'One Off' episodes covering a range of folky topics, editions of the Three Ravens Newsletter, and over two-dozen episodes of the Three Ravens Film Club, through which we discuss folk horror films from across the decades, and more. For a guide of where to start, click here - but our advice is to just pick an episode that sounds interesting, then hit 'Play' and join us around the campfire to listen in... Three Ravens Series 7 launched in September 2025, and is all about the heritage and legends of the 13 historic counties of Wales. For press or collaboration inquiries or learn more about our book, published in hardback by The History Press, and the podcast in general, visit our website. Join our Patreon here, and find links to our social media channels and sponsor Three Spirit Drinks here. Use Voucher Code THREERAVENS for a 15% discount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 'The Goose Girl'

    22H AGO

    'The Goose Girl'

    For the first Lang Fairy Tales episode of this 'between series break' we have an absolute classic - The Goose Girl. If you like talking decapitated horse heads, cheeky goose boys and a good ol' fashioned tale of comeuppance, this one's definitely for you. If you are unfamiliar with the Lang Fairy Tales, these seminal collections were assembled between 1889 and 1913 by a married couple, folklorists and translators Nora and Andrew Lang, with most of the work done to compile them completed by Nora, also known as Leonora Blanche Alleyne. Assembled and published in 12 colour-coded "Fairy Books," the corpus the Langs put together included 798 fairy tales from across cultures, many of which had never before been translated into English. They were amongst the most influential books of their time, changing the course of children's literature - although they're hardly just for children, and often deal with quite challenging concepts. Today, purchasing a complete set of the Lang Fairy Books in good condition costs over £4,000 ($5,000+). Thankfully, the collections are all out of copyright, meaning that we can now tell these stories, in podcast form, many for the first time, and share them with a global audience, for free. Our plan is to release the stories between main series of Three Ravens, performing them straight (though with plenty of silly voices) letting the tales speak for themselves in all their madcap, sharp-edged, often quite bizarre glory. The only edits we have made are to amend some culturally-insensitive epithets, which typically pertain to ethnicity, with any such edits made by Eleanor Conlon. Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  2. Guest The Third: Tony Walker

    2D AGO

    Guest The Third: Tony Walker

    It's just beginning to get dark at Three Ravens HQ, when a booming knock sounds on the front door. Who should be outside but Tony Walker, host of the Classic Ghost Stories podcast and author of Christmas Ghost Stories? Tony just can't seem to get himself warm, even by the roaring fire in the Great Hall, but he's certainly got a tale to tell, so cuddle close and don't peer too closely into the shadows. Unless, of course, it's not really Tony at all... The final part of the Three Ravens Christmas Feast 2025 concludes with a festive sing song, as Ben and Eleanor entertain us with their new version of I Saw Three Ships. So let's take to the dance floor, raise a glass, and our laughter and songs will drive back the dark for another year. Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  3. Guest The Second: Taffy Thomas

    2D AGO

    Guest The Second: Taffy Thomas

    Our stomachs are groaning after all the tasty festive food we've consumed (with or without gravy), and we're ready for a little sit down and some stories with our second guest at the Three Ravens Christmas Feast, Taffy Thomas MBE. Taffy is the UK's first Storytelling Laureate, and a long time friend of Three Ravens. Join us now in the Haunted Conservatory for a lovely conversation, midwinter stories, and a special Christmas message from the King of Stories. We'll be back once the shadows are lengthening, for something decidedly spookier, with Tony Walker, author of Christmas Ghost Stories and host of the Classic Ghost Stories podcast, and a bit of seasonal music... Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  4. Guest The First: Sarah Clegg

    2D AGO

    Guest The First: Sarah Clegg

    Welcome, friend, to the Three Ravens Christmas Feast! It's the big day itself, and we're starting with a cosy chat (after our festive breakfast buffet, of course) with Dr Sarah Clegg, author of The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas. In this sparkling conversation, part of our six episode Yuletide binge, Martin and Sarah talk about lesser known Christmas traditions to modern pagan rituals. If we can't keep the darkness at bay, might not it be fun to let it in a little?  Join us after lunch in the Haunted Conservatory for storytelling and a special Christmas message from Taffy Thomas MBE, the UK's first Storytelling Laureate and crowned King of Stories. Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  5. The Nativity Play

    3D AGO

    The Nativity Play

    Welcome back to the third day of the Three Ravens Christmas Feast, where we meet in the Raven Tower for an all-new festive tale of terror! Following in the tradition of M.R. James, E.F. Benson, and Charles Dickens, it feels only right to cozy up and listen to something scary on Christmas Eve. This year it's Martin's turn, with a contemporary story that finds supernatural investigators Finnegan Spenser and Oona St Clair facing down a poltergeist that's terrorizing a listed Somerset farmhouse during 'The Darkening' - an obscure pagan festival that begins at Midwinter and stretches through to Christmas Eve. They have strict orders to get home by Christmas itself, yet, as they uncover the secretive and macabre habits of their latest clients they find themselves isolated, threatened, and seeking answers to a wider conspiracy. One that might just involve the disappearance of three young women, vicious attacks by a costumed "Lord of Misrule" and the machinations of an ancient demon promising power in exchange for earthly rebirth... We really hope you enjoy it, and to see you tomorrow when, on Christmas Day, we will be serving up a three course menu of episodes featuring: Dr Sarah Clegg, author of The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of ChristmasTaffy Thomas MBE, author of Midwinter Folk Tales and the UK's first Storyteller LaureateTony Walker, author of Christmas Ghost Stories and host of The Classic Ghost Stories podcastPlus a new Christmas song from us! We promise spooky and heartwarming tales, weird Christmas history, Ben prancing about in jingly shoes, lots of surprises, and... well, just be sure to wear something loose-fitting, as there will be plenty to go around! Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 59m
  6. Christmas Music with Lunatraktors

    4D AGO

    Christmas Music with Lunatraktors

    Good morrow, honoured guest! We hope you slept well, and weren't kept awake by too many bumps in the night? For on today's episode of the Three Ravens Christmas Feast we're convening in the Haunted Library with one of the most exciting British folk bands working today. Lunatraktors, a.k.a. Carli Jefferson and Clair Le Couteur, have been making music together for over half a decade, releasing four ground-breaking albums and an E.P. that have earned them widespread acclaim, critical praise, and a passionate cult following. Yet how did the pair get started on their musical journey? And how do they feel, as dedicated pagans, when the world turns dark and churches fill up with people singing songs about Jesus? Because, as the pair explain, the kinds of festive music they like to sing and make speaks to something beyond religion, offering light in a gloom that can feel oppressive in its abundance, though rich with magic, mystery and half-forgotten traditions. Featuring thrilling versions of The Holly and the Ivy, Remember The Poor, Lully Lullay, Wassail and their brand new single, Yarrow, settle in for a journey through Christmas music both past and present - not to mention in that strange place in between, where room sounds guide rhythms, feet stamp, and voices soar like wild shaman wailing at the wind... We really hope you enjoy it, and to see you tomorrow in the Raven Tower for our Ghost Story for Christmas Eve, after which, on Christmas Day, we will be serving up a three course menu of episodes featuring: Dr Sarah Clegg, author of The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of ChristmasTaffy Thomas MBE, author of Midwinter Folk Tales and the UK's first Storyteller LaureateTony Walker, author of Christmas Ghost Stories and host of The Classic Ghost Stories podcastPlus a new Christmas song from us! We promise spooky and heartwarming tales, weird Christmas history, Ben prancing about in jingly shoes, lots of surprises, and... well, just be sure to wear something loose-fitting, as there will be plenty to go round. Oh, and don't mind the spectral hands floating about the place. They're a gift from Baba Yaga... Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 60m
  7. Christmas Food with Dr Neil Buttery

    5D AGO

    Christmas Food with Dr Neil Buttery

    Welcome, friend, to the Three Ravens Christmas Feast - we're still at 'Meal Prep' stage, but come inside and warm up by the fire! To begin our six episode Yuletude binge in style we're going to head to the kitchens deep beneath Three Ravens HQ to have a chat with Dr Neil Buttery, the award-winning food historian and host of the British Food History Podcast. Because what should be included in a traditional English Christmas lunch? As Neil explains, it's not straightforward to work it out, and along the way we discuss why Mince Pies used to have meat in them, what prompted Medieval and Tudor monarchs to start baking absolutely everything in pastry, the surprisingly late arrival of the potato on English dinner plates, and much more besides! We really hope you enjoy the chat, that you find your bedchamber comfortable, and be sure to meet us in the library tomorrow when we will be chatting all about folk and Christmas music with the amazingly cool British indie band Lunatraktors - who will be sharing five of their versions of traditional seasonal songs! With our Ghost Story for Christmas Eve to follow on Wednesday, we then have a triple serving of episodes coming out on Christmas morning, featuring: Dr Sarah Clegg, author of The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of ChristmasTaffy Thomas MBE, author of Midwinter Folk Tales and the UK's first Storyteller LaureateTony Walker, author of Christmas Ghost Stories and host of The Classic Ghost Stories podcastPlus a new Christmas song from us! We promise spooky and heartwarming tales, weird Christmas history, Ben prancing about in jingly shoes, lots of surprises, and... well, just be sure to wear something loose-fitting, as there will be plenty to go round. Oh, and don't mind the spectral hands floating about the place. They're a gift from Baba Yaga... Three Ravens is a Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on a historic county, exploring the heritage, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  8. Vasilisa The Brave: Part 21 - No Fruit Without Work

    6D AGO

    Vasilisa The Brave: Part 21 - No Fruit Without Work

    A new telling of a classic tale based on Slavic folklore, this special Three Ravens winter story is our bonus mini series for Advent 2025. Split into 21 parts, with one released every day up to Midwinter, the tale follows Vasilisa, a young girl who is uprooted from her life and thrown into adventures which carry her through the dark forest to find herself. Vasilisa reaches home at last... The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon. Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past... Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays, plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county. With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in? Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOUR Proud members of the Dark Cast Network. Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
See All (409)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

Three Ravens is an English myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux. In each weekly episode, released on Mondays, we explore a historic county, digging into the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Across our first six series we ventured around England's 39 historic counties twice, taking turns to tell a new version of a legend from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it may have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past. Our Bonus Episodes are then released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Forgotten Melodies about folk song types with original performances from us, and Magus, which is about the lives of the most famous witches and wizards in history). On Saturdays, we then release episodes of our interview series Local Legends, with each episode featuring a chat between us and an acclaimed folklorist, author, podcaster or historian, deepening discussions about that week's county. In between series, since March 2025 we have also launched our Lang Fairy Tale Project, for which we are recording and releasing the 700+ stories collected by English academics and authors Nora and Andrew Lang, published in over a dozen volumes from the end of the 19th century and changing children's literature forever. With entire other Bonus Series to enjoy, including our comic retelling of the legend of Gawain and the Green Knight, original narratives such as our upcoming series Dog Days about the supernatural adventures of young playwright Christopher Marlowe in Elizabethan London, and our annual Haunting Season every October, there's tonnes of fun to be had in our back catalogue of over 300 episodes. In addition to which, we also release a range of exclusive content on Patreon, where supporters also enjoy ad-free listening, including monthly 'One Off' episodes covering a range of folky topics, editions of the Three Ravens Newsletter, and over two-dozen episodes of the Three Ravens Film Club, through which we discuss folk horror films from across the decades, and more. For a guide of where to start, click here - but our advice is to just pick an episode that sounds interesting, then hit 'Play' and join us around the campfire to listen in... Three Ravens Series 7 launched in September 2025, and is all about the heritage and legends of the 13 historic counties of Wales. For press or collaboration inquiries or learn more about our book, published in hardback by The History Press, and the podcast in general, visit our website. Join our Patreon here, and find links to our social media channels and sponsor Three Spirit Drinks here. Use Voucher Code THREERAVENS for a 15% discount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Three Ravens
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    409
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Three Ravens
  • Show Website
    The Three Ravens Podcast

You Might Also Like