This is an ancient Gaelic tale that has been told in both Ireland and Scotland for countless years. In Ireland, the story of Deirdre is part of the Ulster Cycle of mythology, but the version that I am telling comes from a fellow named John Macneil, who told it from his home on the Isle of Barra in 1867. The story of Deirdire was told in Gaelic and taken down by Alexander Carmichael, who later translated it into English and published both versions in 1905. This is the most comprehensive Scottish version of this story on record, and while it differs in some ways from the Irish telling, it’s no less of a cracker!You can read Alexander Carmichael’s original Gaelic transcription and English translation hereMany thanks to Caoimhe Keohane of Wild Anam for helping with the many Irish Gaelic pronunciations in this tale!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30. Robert the Bruce: Wee Beasties and Big Battles
The man, the myth, the legend. Robert the Bruce is one of Scotland’s most iconic figures, and for good reason too. As King, he led Scotland to a monumental victory against the English at The Battle of Bannockburn, paving the way for independence. From itsy-bitsy spiders to superhuman feats of endurance and skill, the stories that survive about Bruce paint a picture of a tenacious hero. But behind the legends lie a ruthless leader who took chances when they appeared and used force when they didn’t, but above all, he never ever gave up.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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29. St Mungo: Glasgow's Patron Saint
Join Jenny as she dives into the folklore behind Glasgow’s rather odd coat of arms and its remarkable patron saint, St. Mungo. Although a religious figure, the stories of St. Mungo and his mother, St. Thenew, are steeped in folklore, mythology, and magical happenings - much of which is handily condensed into this little rhyme:The tree that never grew, The bird that never flew, The fish that never swam, The bell that never rangEvery school child in Glasgow learnt this rhyme and the stories behind it, and now, thanks to this episode, you can too!Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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28. Dragon Tales
Scottish dragons aren’t quite like the dragons found in the rest of the world, they don’t breath fire, can’t fly, and don’t even have any limbs, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous or terrifying! (Ok well, maybe a tad).In this episode Jenny tells two tales of dragons found in Scotland, the first is of Martin’s Stane just north of Dundee, and the second is called Eilean Fraoch, which is the name of a small island in Loch Awe, which was once home to a dastardly dragon.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramVisit the website and view the interactive mapSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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27. The Well at the World's End
Fancy kissing a frog? How about marrying one? The Frog Prince is a common theme found in folk tales throughout Europe, and ‘The Well at the World’s End’ is Scotland’s take on this age-old classic.Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on InstagramSupport Jenny as she makes the show by joining the PatreonView the Interactive Map of Folklore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In each episode of The Scottish Folklore Podcast host Jenny Johnstone retells traditional Scottish folk tales from around the country, bringing age-old adventures, local lore, and strange creatures to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Netherlands