Folkitory: Spooky folklore, strange history and the paranormal

Jenny Lewis
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Spooky folklore, strange history, stories that have been passed down through generations and the truth behind them! Join Jenny for weekly short episodes and take a dive into the strange, spooky or monstrous, from using sigils to summon angels, things that lurk in the deep, and places the Devil has left his mark to fairies, what's hiding among the trees and the end of the world. We're just getting started. Come listen and hit follow. See you on the other side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    11 - BONUS: A Surprise About The Ancient Aztec Empire

    In this first bonus episode there's a historic fact that blew Jenny's mind about the connection between ancient Aztec Empire and horrible Henry VIII. Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Aztec https://www.countryfile.com/people/royals/how-many-henry-viii-kill https://historycrunch.com/aztec-human-sacrifice/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tudor_period Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 - BONUS: A Surprise About The Ancient Aztec Empire

  2. Oct 6

    10 - Doppelgangers and Mimics: When Old Meets New Folklore

    Doppelgängers, as souls, spirits and omens of impending death, have existed in folklore across cultures for thousands of years. Mimics, however, have not. Let's take a look at doppelgänger experiences and how new folklore comes into existence, bending with and borrowing from the old, until maybe it becomes real. 0:30: Intro 1:29: History of doppelgängers (ka, vardøger, fetch, karin) 5:13: Experiences of doppelgängers 8:56: Scientific explanations of the doppelgänger 9:27: Mimics and doppelgängers 12:48: The science of mimics 14:36: The origins of new folklore Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Transcript and Sources for this episode: https://folkitory.co.uk/2026/10/01/doppelgangers/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 - Doppelgangers and Mimics: When Old Meets New Folklore

  3. Sep 29

    9 - Crossroads - Burials, Magic and Guitars

    The magic of the crossroads, where roads and paths meet, has long been a part of human culture, from trickster gods, vampire lore, unconsecrated burials, the queen of the ghosts and making deals with the Devil. Watch where you step, it could cost your soul. 0:43: Intro to this episode 2:39: Crossroads across centuries 8:44: Burials at the crossroads (including suicide burials) 14:13: Making a deal with the Devil 16:54: Faustus and the Devil 19:10: Musicians at the crossroads 20:15: Last Words Check out the No Masters Or Kings series And check out Bedevilling! Inspired by making deals with the Devil at the crossroads. Join the free Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/Folkitory Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Transcript and Sources for this episode: https://folkitory.co.uk/2026/09/27/crossroads/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 - Crossroads - Burials, Magic and Guitars

  4. Sep 22

    8 - Mirrors: Spirits, Summonings and Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Blo...

    Mirrors have long had folklore and spooky beliefs around them, since humans first spotted themselves in water and went on to polish some metal. In this episode, we take a look at mirrors and the dead, evil spirits, summoning demons, hauntings and the ritual of bringing forth Bloody Mary... 1:03: Intro 3:01: The Modern Mirror 4:55: Mirrors and the Dead 7:56: Mirrors and Spirits 12:17: Mirrors to Summon 12:54: Mirror of Floron 14:42: When a Mirror Breaks 17:27: Magic Mirrors 19:34: Bloody Mary 22:01: Last Words Last chance to help choose the Halloween special topic! Patreon: PLEASE TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY Don't want to join the Patreon? HERE'S A NEUTRAL SURVEY FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR VOTE! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Transcript and Sources for this episode: https://folkitory.co.uk/2026/09/18/mirrors/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 - Mirrors: Spirits, Summonings and Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Blo...

  5. Sep 15

    7 - Hobbits of Flores: When Archaeologists Unearth Folklore

    Some stories pass down through generations long enough to turn from legend to folklore, and the Hobbits of the island of Flores might be one of them. Could the unearthed remains of a new hominin be the Ebu Gogo of stories passed down by locals for centuries? This episode takes a look, so you can decide for yourself. Help choose the Halloween special topic! Patreon: PLEASE TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY Don't want to join the Patreon? HERE'S A NEUTRAL SURVEY FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR VOTE! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Transcript and Sources for this episode: https://folkitory.co.uk/2026/09/14/hobbits-of-flores/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 - Hobbits of Flores: When Archaeologists Unearth Folklore

  6. Sep 8

    6 - Mermaids (Part Two): In The Lakes, Rivers And On Boats

    Mermaids are the gift that keep on giving, so we're back for a part two. There are mermaids in lakes, rivers, climbing onto boats and across the world in Japan, including an amazing folk tale and incredible sightings, AND my favourite story. Donk! Patreon: PLEASE TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY Don't want to join the Patreon? HERE'S A NEUTRAL SURVEY FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR VOTE! Help choose the Halloween special topic! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/animals/miscellany/spotting-mermaid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Whitbourne https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/A_description_of_the_mermaid_now_offered/HBJcAAAAQAAJ?q=Captain+Richard+Whitbourne+mermaid&gbpv=1#f=false https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/mermaid-tales-0010783 https://britishfairies.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/mere-maids-freshwater-spirits-of-britain/ https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/bizarre-legend-mermaids-caught-killed-1931097 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mermaid https://www.academia.edu/88959025/Young_Mermaids_Mere_Maids_and_No_Maids_Mermaid_place_names_and_folklore_in_Britain https://ota.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/repository/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.12024/B00064/B00064.html?sequence=5 https://www.library.wales/discover-learn/digital-exhibitions/books/history-books/monsterous-fish https://listverse.com/2019/01/15/10-totally-reliable-mostly-sane-people-who-have-seen-a-mermaid/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-13th-century-mermaid-bones-came-be-displayed-japanese-temple-180962209/ https://www.kcpinternational.com/2017/04/the-folklore-of-japanese-mermaids/ https://yorkblog.com/yorkspast/a-mermaid-in-the-susquehanna/ https://thedockyard.co.uk/news/what-do-figureheads-on-ships-represent/ https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/ship-figureheads-decoration https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/myth-of-the-mermaid-remains-an-enduring-fishy-tale-2129315 https://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/cryptozoology/isle-of-yell-mermaid/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 - Mermaids (Part Two): In The Lakes, Rivers And On Boats

  7. Sep 1

    5 - Fairy Forts: The Good (Irish), Hidden (Icelandic) and Peaceful (Scottish) Folk

    There are places in this world where fairies live and there will be trouble if you try to damage such a dwelling. This week we look at the fairy forts across Ireland, Iceland, Scotland and into England, the real experiences of people who live close to the fairies and what you can do to protect yourself from the fairies' wrath. PLEASE TAKE THE QUICK SURVEY Help choose the Halloween special topic! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: Map of Irish fairy forts: https://www.mythsofireland.com/forts/ https://www.lifescienceart.com/life/environmentalism/iceland-protests-road-construction-over-fairy-concerns/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-31987941 https://www.ice.org.uk/news-views-insights/inside-infrastructure/how-elves-shape-icelands-infrastructure https://www.thejournal.ie/fairy-bush-co-clare-4604485-Apr2019/ https://www.irishstar.com/culture/nostalgia/ireland-once-rerouted-highway-fear-30170458 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_fort https://clarelibraries.ie/localstudies/folklore/a-folklore-survey-of-county-clare-by-thomas-johnson-westropp/fairies-and-fairy-forts-and-mounds/ https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/buried-alive-fairy-fort-cork-locals-speak-out https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/fairy-forts-why-these-sacred-places-deserve-our-respect-1.3181259 https://www.irishfolklore.com/places/fairy-forts/ https://www.rte.ie/culture/2025/0716/1521843-fairy-forts-what-are-they-who-built-them-what-were-they-for/ https://www.mythsofireland.com/forts/ https://blog.historicenvironment.scot/2025/06/scary-fairies-scotlands-gaelic-fairy-folklore/ https://www.rte.ie/culture/2022/1227/1342815-sean-quinn-away-with-the-fairies-the-new-biography-extracted/ https://www.irishcentral.com/news/ireland-suffering-from-ancient-curse-of-tara-and-furious-fairy-forts-82694582-237682541 https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/elves-in-iceland-the-hidden-world-of-huldufolk https://macleans.ca/news/world/in-iceland-its-good-politics-to-be-nice-to-the-elves/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland–Norway_relations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse–Gaels https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_bJ_7jDsJPQUC/page/n7/mode/2up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_path https://archive.org/details/DaleJarvisTheHouseOnTheFairyPath Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 - Fairy Forts: The Good (Irish), Hidden (Icelandic) and Peaceful (Scottish) Folk

  8. Aug 25

    4 - Robin Hood and the Lionheart: The Story, The Legend, The Truth

    A story passed down through generations, twisted and turned, until devils become good kings and outlaws become legends. You may know the story of Robin Hood, but how about the story of King Richard I, of his little brother John, and of the real Robins living the forest. This week, let's take a quick look into this English legend of uprising, rebellion and kings turning stories to their favour. The devil is loose. Look to yourself. Join the newsletter over on Substack. Patreon and exclusive spook coming soon! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/after-dark-myths-misdeeds-the-paranormal/id1705694900?i=1000738359834 https://www.unfinishedhistory.com/pages/england/angevins/devil.html https://www.royal.uk/richard-i https://thehistoriansmagazine.com/blogs/medieval/robin-hood-and-edward-the-comely-king https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/robin_01.shtml https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20260616-the-dark-violent-medieval-origins-of-robin-hood https://www.historyhit.com/when-was-the-medieval-period-and-how-long-did-it-last/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Robin-Hood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_of_Gisbourne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loxley,_South_Yorkshire https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-I-king-of-England https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John,_King_of_England https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Richard-Lionheart/ https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/unmasking-king-richard-does-lionhearted-king-england-have-better-reputation-he-021446   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 - Robin Hood and the Lionheart: The Story, The Legend, The Truth

  9. Aug 18

    3 - The Devil's Tour of the UK: South West (Part One)

    The Devil is a busy fella but he knows how to do a good travel guide. Welcome to the first leg of the Devil's tour of the UK, stopping off at four places in the South West of England where there are priests, monks, beautiful valleys, stone circles, caves in the woods and dragons on the beach. Four stories that have been passed down for generations, steeped in local lore, and the true history facts behind them. Please keep all limbs inside the episode, and in case of emergency, the exits and here, here and here. Join the newsletter over on Substack. Patreon and exclusive spook coming soon! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: https://folklorefinder.uk/legends/blue-ben-of-kilve https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ben https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Sutton_Companion_to_the_Folklore_Myths_a/6AU7AwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Blue+Ben+Kilve&pg=PT50&printsec=frontcover https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Lias https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/explore/wiltshire-white-horses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silbury_Hill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/avebury/exploring-the-stone-circles-at-avebury https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/monumental-and-mysterious-silbury-hill-005729 https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/somerset-witches-dark-history-1304777 https://hauntedhosts.com/haunted-places/somerset/location/11249-nancy-camels-ghostly-procession/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_storm_of_1703 https://gethistory.co.uk/articles/the-great-storm-of-1703 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintern_Abbey https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/blog/myths-legends-of-the-wye-valley/ https://tinternvillage.co.uk/whattoseeanddo/abbey/ https://www.castlewales.com/tintern.html https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/historic-site/tintern-abbey-567481 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 - The Devil's Tour of the UK: South West (Part One)

  10. Aug 11

    2 Sigillum Dei: The Medieval Art of Summoning Angels

    These days lots of people claim to be able to talk to angels, but back when Elizabeth I was on the throne, that magic was practiced and honed by her occult advisor, John Dee, using a sigil called the Sigillum Dei. Dee didn't invent the Sigillum Dei, and the story of the Sigillum Dei is filled with grimoires, spies before the secret service was a thing, and bombed castles and Medieval streets. John Dee was only the beginning. Join the newsletter over on Substack. Buy The Magic Of You: writeintothewoods.com/books/the-magic-of-you/ Patreon and exclusive spook coming soon! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: The Sigillum Dei at the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1838-1232-90-a  The interesting article about the Dutch Sigillum Dei: https://repository.ubn.ru.nl/bitstream/handle/2066/135744/1/135744.pdf https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=http://www.societasmagica.org/Mystical/MeslerSwornBookAug08.doc&ved=2ahUKEwiSzaCJloSUAxV-UUEAHbWcAM0QFnoECCwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2OvM5tqx7vDbIc3t03C3of https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/after-dark-myths-misdeeds-the-paranormal/id1705694900?i=1000764104682  https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/object/talisman-spirit-seal/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval_European_magic  https://www.hsm.ox.ac.uk/collections-online#/item/hsm-catalogue-4051 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_Williamson  https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co155247/claude-glass-believed-to-be-john-dees-scrying-mirror-europe-undated https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/john-dee-elizabeth-i-tudor-scientist-magician-spy-007-james-bond/ https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/space-astronomy/john-dee https://www.rcp.ac.uk/news-and-media/news-and-opinion/the-mystical-objects-of-john-dee/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dee https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sworn_Book_of_Honorius https://www.historicmysteries.com/history/sworn-book-of-honorius/32001/ https://www.curiousarchive.com/john-dees-conversations-with-angels/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cropping_(punishment) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Kelley https://castles.nl/doornenburg-castle  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 Sigillum Dei: The Medieval Art of Summoning Angels

  11. Aug 4

    1 Mermaids: Luring You Into The Depths

    The idea of a creature part human, part fish has been with us for almost as long as we've been human. That has to mean something, right? It's probably why there are still mermaid sightings now, if you're brave enough to venture down to the water's edge. This episode, the first of Folkitory, takes a look at mermaids, from Mesopotamia through to the Victorians and all the way to the present. Naturally, since recording this episode, I have discovered so much more. I have a feeling we'll be visited by mermaids again in the future. Join the newsletter over on Substack. Patreon and exclusive spook coming soon! Theme music: The Nightingale by Ceridwen McCooey Sound effects from Pixabay. Cover art by moi, Jenny. Find out more at folkitory.co.uk. Sources for this episode: The list of sightings on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/mermaids/comments/y1d9yk/does_anyone_have_legit_mermaid_stories_or/  https://www.scotsman.com/hays-way/radioactive-beach-highlands-dounreay-walk-thurso-police-4766996 https://www.thebrochproject.co.uk/locations/sandside-bay-beach https://www.shimajournal.org/issues/v12n2/e.-Young-Shima-v12n2.pdf Check out page 88 of P.T. Barnum’s autobiography for more information on the Fiji Mermaid: https://ia803202.us.archive.org/18/items/autobiographypt01barngoog/autobiographypt01barngoog.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._T._Barnum https://www.pointseast.com/the-truth-about-mermaids/ https://morrablibrary.org.uk/2021/03/conrad-gesner-fantastic-creatures-and-ancient-books/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326803926_Monstrosities_from_the_Sea_Taxonomy_and_tradition_in_Conrad_Gessner's_1516-1565_discussion_of_cetaceans_and_sea-monsters_In_JACQUEMARD_C_GAUVIN_B_LUCAS-AVENEL_M-A_CLAVEL_B_BUQUET_T_eds_Animaux_aquatiq https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steller's_sea_ape https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/5SQ4jD8FVf10RlhG7mjcPPJ/elaine-morgan https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/a-new-aquatic-ape-theory-67868308/ https://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/engraved-ornament-project/mermaids?srsltid=AfmBOopsEA7WPMmky_slLjUefqvNdGEFN0qnlu3ndy4ylU2EvxHdP80y https://www.historyhit.com/singing-sirens-the-mesmerising-history-of-mermaids/ https://seaboardcentre.com/mermaid-of-the-north/ http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid1/student_projects/mermaids/sightings.html https://cornishbirdblog.com/mermaids-sighted-in-cornwall-honest/ https://www.mimimatthews.com/2018/03/26/mermaids-sightings-in-the-19th-century/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_mermaid https://shimajournal.org/article/10.21463/shima.268.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 Mermaids: Luring You Into The Depths

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    Series One Trailer

    Humans have been telling stories since the beginning, through generation upon generation. And often, if you go back far enough, you’ll find truth behind the folklore. Join me, Jenny, as I delve into spooky folklore, strange history and hunt down some truth behind the stories. The first series of Folkitory starts soon, and we’ll be diving into medieval occultists summoning angels, what lures people into the depths, the Devil’s own tourist map of the UK and much, much more. Hit follow wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Series One Trailer
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    11 Episodes

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About

Spooky folklore, strange history, stories that have been passed down through generations and the truth behind them! Join Jenny for weekly short episodes and take a dive into the strange, spooky or monstrous, from using sigils to summon angels, things that lurk in the deep, and places the Devil has left his mark to fairies, what's hiding among the trees and the end of the world. We're just getting started. Come listen and hit follow. See you on the other side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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