The Aurora Borealis: The Beautiful Northern Lights in Folklore and Myth
As we’re focusing on the Folklore of the Skies this month, it seemed only right to start with a celestial phenomenon that becomes a lot easier to see as the nights draw in. Yes, we’re looking at the n...
5 Sep 22min
Folklore of Poison Hemlock: The Poison that killed Socrates
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a member of the Apiaceae family—otherwise known as the Carrot family. It's also known as Beaver Poison, Devil's Porridge, Herb Bennet, Poison Parsley, Water Parsle...
29 Aug 17min
The Folklore of Deadly Nightshade: Devils, Witches, and Murder
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna) is part of the Solanaceae family, which also contains peppers, aubergines, tomatoes and potatoes! This most famous of poisonous plants is also known as belladonna...
22 Aug 16min
Aconite Folklore: From the Underworld to the Poisoner's Cabinet
<em>Aconitum</em>, referred to as ‘aconite’, is part of the Ranunculaceae family, or the buttercup family. The Aconitum genus contains around 100 species, each of which is poisonous. Records of its ...
15 Aug 18min
Folklore of Foxgloves: Witches' Thimbles and Dead Men's Bells
Foxgloves are one of the most enchanting wildflowers you might encounter in a shady woodland. With their deep pink flowers on spikes that can grow as tall as a person, they certainly arrest the attent...
8 Aug 16min
Cuckoo Pint or Lords-and-Ladies: The Folklore of Arum Maculatum
When we talk about poisonous plants, your mind might leap to the celebrities, like foxglove, aconite, or belladonna. You may not immediately think of cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum). It’s native to the U...
1 Aug 16min
Roma Lister: Witch, Medium, and Influence on Aradia with Dr A.D. Manns
We're finishing up Witches Month by switching gears a little to examine the genesis of a foundational text of modern Wicca - Arada: Or The Gospel of the Witches. To do so, I'm joined by Dr A. D. Manns...
25 Jul 47min
A Surprising 1485 Witch Trial with Marion Gibson
In this episode of Fabulous Folklore, I'm chatting to Marion Gibson about Helena Scheuberin and her witchcraft trial in 1485 in Innsbruck, how her clash with Inquisitor Heinrich Kramer led to the Mall...
18 Jul 57min
