Uncommon Folk
by Uncommon Folk
The world of folklore is a diverse, thriving mix of ancient traditions, old gods, strange beasts and curious tales. Every land has their own folk traditions, and while some themes are universal, each has something special about them that makes them unique. Join stand-up comedian, writer, and folklore PhD candidate Dan Mitchell as he dives into the dark oceans of folk, hoping to find a never before found denizen of the deep. Featuring exclusive interviews with academics, folklorists, scientists, poets, magical practitioners, and many more special guests from around the world, Uncommon Folk hopes to unearth the bones of folklore and resurrect them with incantations long forgotten. From deep dives to short nuggets, Uncommon Folk will enlighten, enthuse, and entertain the folk community.
Episodes
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Ijiraq
Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Ursul, The Bear Dance
The Bear Dance in Romania blends ancient traditions with modern celebrations, invoking powerful folklore and community spirit during New Year's Eve. Delving into its origins with the Roma and exploring both the joyous and darker elements of the tradition captivates listeners with rich…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Calenig
Discover the whimsical world of Calenig, a cherished Welsh New Year tradition that promises to enchant and amuse. Imagine children parading through the streets with ornately decorated apples and oranges, transformed into charming tripods with flour, nuts, oats, and fragrant herbs. Weaving through...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Ringing in the New Year: Global Traditions and Customs
Ever wondered why some people ring in the New Year by setting scarecrows ablaze or hurling plates at their friends' doors? Discover the quirky and colorful customs that people around the globe embrace to usher in a prosperous year, from Ecuador's fiery traditions to Japan's bell-ringing sin...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter-Holly Beating
Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Hunting the Wren
This episode explores the fascinating tradition of hunting the Wren, a symbolic custom celebrated on St Stephen's Day featuring folklore, music, and community spirit. We delve into its historical roots, modern adaptations, and the stories that keep this tradition alive. • Overview of the Wren...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Ghost Stories at Christmas
It's time to celebrate Christmas with a Spooky story from the mind of MR James Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Gohone
In this episode we explore the god of frost, Gohone. Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Burning the Clocks
What drives a community to create new traditions in the face of commercialization? Join us as we explore the magic of Burning the Clocks, Brighton's unique winter solstice festival that turns the typical holiday narrative on its head. Born from the creative minds at Same Sky, this event offers a...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Pantomime
Discover the enchanting world of pantomime, a theatrical tradition that's as British as a cup of afternoon tea. Ever wondered why a young woman plays the principal boy or why the pantomime dame is always a man in drag? We're unveiling these intriguing customs and more in our latest episode. From...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter - Joulupukki and the Yule Goat
Ever wondered how a fearsome figure demanding gifts turned into the jolly Santa Claus we know today? Get ready to uncover the captivating transformation of Yulepukki, Finland's own Santa Claus. Once a formidable character with a mask and horns, Yulepukki's evolution is steeped in rich folklore…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Wild Hunt
Experience the chilling allure of the Wild Hunt, an ancient myth deeply woven into the fabric of Norwegian and Germanic folklore. Imagine a supernatural procession led by the mighty Odin, riding his eight-legged steed Sleipnir beneath the wintry night sky, and accompanied by a host of spectral...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Yule Log
Can ancient traditions offer light in our modern darkest days? Discover the secrets of the Yule Log, a symbol steeped in history from the proto-Indo-European customs to the festive hearths of Europe and North America. Explore how this legendary log has evolved from pagan solstice celebrations…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Abominable Snowman
Could the legendary Yeti be more than just a frosty myth, lurking in the snowy peaks of the Himalayas? Join us on a captivating journey as we unravel the lore surrounding the Abominable Snowman, a creature that has intrigued locals from Nepal to Tibet and captured the imaginations of Western...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Père Fouettard
Uncover the chilling origins of Père Fouettard, the sinister sidekick to St. Nicholas, whose terrifying tale is sure to send shivers down your spine. Known as Father Whipper, this dark figure of French folklore was a malevolent butcher who, along with his wife, abducted and murdered children…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Lord of Misrule
Uncover the captivating history of the Lord of Misrule, a tradition that once turned Christmas on its head with a bold promise of chaos and joy. Travel back to a time where peasants and sub-deacons presided over England's grandest revelries, commanding the festivities with unchecked merriment....
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Itztlacoliuhqui
Uncover the mysteries of Aztec mythology and decode the transformative journey of Itztlacoliuhqui, the enigmatic god of frost. How did a deity of dawn become a harbinger of winter’s chill? Join us as we unravel this transition, exploring the cosmic clash with the sun god, Tonatiuh , that forever...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Glastonbury Thorn
Ever wondered how a seemingly ordinary thorn tree could bridge the gap between myth and history? Tune in to discover the enchanting tale of the Glastonbury Thorn, a tree that defies the ordinary by blooming twice a year and intertwining itself with centuries of English lore. We journey to the...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Apple Cider Wassailing
Some ancient traditions can still bring warmth and cheer in the dead of winter. Let us take you on a journey to discover the captivating world of apple cider wassailing—a centuries-old ritual full of song, dance, and rich customs aimed at ensuring a fruitful harvest. From its origins in...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Hans Trapp
Discover the haunting legend of Hans Trapp, a character so entangled in greed and misdeeds that his story carries echoes of the notorious Ebenezer Scrooge—only far more macabre. Journey with us as we unravel his chilling transformation from a man driven by ambition to a spectral menace feared by...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Arsgard
Uncover the enigmatic practice of year walking, an ancient Swedish divination ritual. This episode promises to immerse you in the mystical world of spiritual quests undertaken during the festive season. Imagine fasting and venturing to a place of power, all in pursuit of prophetic visions for the...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Mistletoe
Unlock the secrets of an ancient tradition that goes far beyond holiday kisses. Did you know that the mistletoe's romantic legacy has roots in age-old fertility rites? Tune in to explore how this plant's clever survival tactics mirror its enchanting mythological roles, from playing a pivotal part...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Plygain
Experience the magic and wonder of a Welsh Christmas like never before as we unravel the captivating tradition of Plygain. Imagine the early hours of Christmas morning, where candlelit processions weave through village streets and into churches, transforming them into vibrant spaces of devotion…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Cailleach
Unlock the mysteries of Gaelic mythology as we explore the enigmatic figure of the Cailleach, a powerful divine hag whose presence looms large in the folklore of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. What secrets does she hold in her giant form, with her blue skin and single eye, as she shapes...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Yule Lads
Ever wondered what happens when folklore meets festive cheer? Discover the enchanting and slightly mischievous world of Iceland's Yule Lads as we promise to fill your holiday season with a curious blend of laughter and lore. These 13 pint-sized pranksters, each with their own peculiar habits…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- The Holly King
Holly is all about at Christmas, spiking the unwary. Let's have a look at the king of Holly.... Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths, traditions and…
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Yuki Onna
Today we explore a Japanese spirit of Winter- The Yuki Onna. What is She? Can we actually decide on her name? Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to suggest local myths,...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Kallikantzaros
A bizarre underground creature crawls onto land at Christmas time. What is it? Let me introduce you to the world of the Kallikantzaros. Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us to...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Robin Redbreast
The Robin, an instantly recognisable symbol of Christmas and Winter. But where did its name come from? What powers does it possess? Let's find out.... Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit https://uncommonfolk.buzzsprout.com and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also...
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Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Introduction
Winter, more than any other season, is a time for folklore. The darkest season lends itself to fireside stories, traditions and songs. Allow Dan Mitchell to introduce you to 31 small gifts of folklore, for you to unwrap at your leisure. Send a text Thanks for listening! Visit...
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Uncommon Folk Pilot- The Mari Lwyd
Welcome to Uncommon Folk! In this pilot episode, comedians, writers, and folklore enthusiasts Dan Mitchell and Col Howarth take a deep dive into the Mari Lwyd. An exploration of folk traditions, myths, stories and culture, from stand-up comedians, writers and folklore enthusiasts Dan Mitchell and...
About this show
The world of folklore is a diverse, thriving mix of ancient traditions, old gods, strange beasts and curious tales.
Every land has their own folk traditions, and while some themes are universal, each has something special about them that makes them unique.
Join stand-up comedian, writer, and folklore PhD candidate Dan Mitchell as he dives into the dark oceans of folk, hoping to find a never before found denizen of the deep. Featuring exclusive interviews with academics, folklorists, scientists, poets, magical practitioners, and many more special guests from around the world, Uncommon Folk hopes to unearth the bones of folklore and resurrect them with incantations long forgotten.
From deep dives to short nuggets, Uncommon Folk will enlighten, enthuse, and entertain the folk community.
Hosted by
Uncommon Folk