373: European Fairy Tales: The Elements (part 1 of 2)

Werewolves are people that turn into wolves. Or they don't. Maybe they just wear a fancy wolf belt. Or maybe part of a wolf skin. Or maybe they just like to think they're a wolf. Or maybe they're just...

25 Okt 201736min

Clever Hans is clever. He knows the best way to store needles and knives and how to carry a goat in your pockets on long walks through the country. He's even getting married to Gretel, and we'll see h...

18 Okt 201733min

The conclusion to the dwarf with the long beard, a story about a dwarf. And a long beard. And entering the ear canals of magic horses for fun and profit. We'll see the epic struggle between brothers c...

11 Okt 201733min

Today's story comes from Slavic folklore and it was so much fun. It's surprisingly complex and full of magic, love, and a sleazy little kidnapper who just can't catch a break.  Did you know cotton ba...

4 Okt 201731min

Threes are everywhere in folklore, and today we look at stories where they feature the most prominently: The three bears, the three little pigs, and Cinderella. The tales told and adapted for children...

27 Sep 201733min

The "Tale of Tales" is a very famous, moderately deranged collection of folklore from 16th century Italy. It's by the author Giambattista Basile, a storyteller who traveled the Mediterranean region co...

20 Sep 201741min

We have to go deeper.  Well, for Scheherazade to survive, she always has to have another level of story to go to - she always has to have another layer of protection, to keep the king interested or h...

13 Sep 201734min

(Have you checked out Fictional? Check out Fictional! There are three episodes waiting for you. Go to https://fictional.fm for more info.) The collection known as "Arabian Nights" actually has an over...

6 Sep 201729min