Magic and Medicines #9: Amulets

Clutch your lucky rabbit's foot and rub your sacred ring, for in this week's Bonus Episode Eleanor and Martin are discussing the history of amulets and charms.

Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they start by chatting through how we define what amulets are, chatting through some truly ancient examples, from a 40,000 year old Siberian cave bear amulet to the kinds of charms commonly found in Upper Egypt. Next they move through Ancient Greek and Roman traditions, exploring ideas of the crucifix, saints' icons and angel medallions, as well as Jewish beliefs about the golem.

Via Japanese omamori, Classical-era bullae necklaces, scarabs and caul membranes, they explore how amulets are a seemingly universal human idea, encompassing everything from lucky pennies to charm bracelets.

But which talisman should you deploy if you're feeling gassy? And which will protect your ship at sea? And if you're suffering from scrofula, which charm should you place your hopes in, after the monarch has deigned to touch you, to cure 'The King's Evil?'

The answers lie within...

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 (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) 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

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