Tales From The Enchanted Forest: Recent Episodes
Fox & Sparrow
Ever wondered what the property value of Baba Yaga’s house is? Or the Executioner’s salary in 1001 nights? Is Ursula the real hero in the Little Mermaid? Is Harry Potter a Disney Princess? Does Supreme executive power derive from the masses or strange women in lakes? Join Fox and Sparrow as they journey out of the Enchanted Forest to share Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends. If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of these fantastic tales and where to find them, then join us on Wednesdays, every fortnight.
Had enough of the Odyssey? Well, join Fox on a solo trip with the seafaring goddess, Mazu as we dive into Hong Kong folktales, Chinese legends and historical retellings of both! Born human, Lin Moniang has a gift for forecasting upcoming storms, but can she save her father and brothers from a hurricane that threatens to tear her family apart? How does a girl become a goddess?
Also mentioned in this episode are Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim and Harbour of Hungry Ghosts by Eliza Chan. Come find safe harbour in this episode on transmission, identity, and migration. Huge shoutout to Klaas Ruitenbeek for the article "Mazu, the Patroness of Sailors, in Chinese Pictorial Art.”
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
We have a special interview today with author and illustrator Denise Gallagher on her upcoming folklore collection, "How to Calm a Rain Bull" releasing September 2026 through Moon+Bird! Join us as we pick her brain on folklore, everyday magic, Kidlit, rabbit holes and seasonal tales! Stay tuned for the end where she reads us "The Candle Dragon" from her collection.
A condensed/edited version of the interview can be found on our website at:www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com.
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
There is no place we'd rather be than in Latin America to explore some more animal tales! Latin American folktales and animal tales are a truly remarkable fingerprint of history (as Nadine McFadden puts it) of their native cultures and the transmitted cultures from Europe. Join us for "Señor Coyote and Señor Fox" from Mexico and "The King of Leaves" from Nicaragua both adapted from The World of Folklore's "Tales from Hispanic Lands" collection.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Today it's Canada versus Switzerland in the Fifa World Cup and we thought we would cheer on our team with a story from Canadian First Nations! Of course, being on the cusp of summer vacation, we also had to pull out a seasonal tale just for you, travellers.
This story is called “How Summer Came to Canada” collected by Cyrus Macmillian in his “Canadian Wonder Tales.” This story is a Glooskap story and these stories were first collected by Silas Tertius Rand and then by Charles Godfrey Leland in the 19th century.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
We all know that monkeys love bananas. But did you know that they also believe all bananas belong to them? Join Sparrow as she flies to Brazil to learn more about this in this week's story, "Why the Bananas Belong to the Monkey".
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The story of “The Lad who stole a Troll’s Hat, a Bird and a Horse and Married the Princess” comes from “Sámi Folktales from the Near and Far Worlds” by Just Knud Qvigstad and Isak Saba as translated by Barbara Sjoholm published just yesterday through the University of Minnesota Press! We were lucky enough to receive an early edition of the book and it was a treat to look through all the different stories of the Sámi people.
This story is truly one that makes you ask: WHY and HOW instead of what since it's all technically in the title!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Happy 5th Anniversary, Travellers! What started as a pandemic project is still going strong and we wanted to share our top "Enchantees" with you! We scoured our entire catalogue to find the best myths, fairy tales and folklore that cover such prestigious categories as:
The Failing Forward Award
Wait, that's why? Award
It’s Hot and it’s Cold Award
Somehow that works Award
Let us know what your nominations would have been!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Award music was by paulyudin.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a beautiful, accomplished young woman must be in want of a husband who can keep her happy. Unfortunately, she ends up being courted by a Canadian-Wolf-Bird and a trickster fox. How does that lead to a Sparrow searching for Whirlwinds and Rain? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!
April showers bring May flowers and we'll be searching for rain in this Canadian story from the 1922 book of Canadian fairy tales by Cyrus Macmillan.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
With all the buzz around NASA's Artemis II lunar mission with the Orion spacecraft, we thought now was a great refresher on the Greek Olympian herself- Artemis! The Goddess of the Hunt is the daughter of Zeus and Leto, sister of Apollo, and the maybe lover of Orion!
Learn about her origin story, the Homeric Hymns to Artemis, some of her wrath myths involving Niobe and her involvement in the Trojan War (where we also mention an epic roast by Hera). Of course, we also cover the three different storytelling traditions involving the Goddess and Orion.
Stick around for the end when we review some of our ARC's for the month including: “How to Calm a Rain Bull” by Denise Gallagher, “Nell O'Dell Hates Quests” by Emily B. Martin, "Aicha" by Soraya Bouazzaoui and "The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances" by Glenn Dixon.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Travellers, we've covered most of the major players coming into the Trojan War and now it is time for the Iliad itself! That's right, the prologue and preamble was longer than the Iliad section, but don't worry as we will pull from the Odyssey along with other plays and writings to draw a picture of what happened to our sisters who started it all- Helen and Clytemnestra. Featuring one of my favourite confrontations with a Goddess probably ever and lots of feminine rage!
Fox and Sparrow draw a close to the Trojan War series (for now) with part three: The Women of the Trojan War.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Last episode we dove into the beginnings of the Trojan War- namely centred around Helen of Sparta and her legendary, divine beauty that changed the world forever. However, more threads of fate were being woven together than just in the House of Sparta. The Trojan royal family had many secrets of their own....as did the House of Atreus...things are about to get a lot more messy before we can step into the war itself. So back in time we go!
Weaving through Homer's Iliad & Odyssey, the Cyrpia and countless histories, plays and poems, we bring you part two on the House of Troy and the Curse of the Atreides.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The Trojan War is the last great clash of the Greek heroes and it was all due to one face that launched a thousand ships- or was it? Join Fox and special guest, Squirrel, as we launch our first episode in our three part series on the lead up to the Trojan War and the women at the centre of it all.
There are two prophecies Zeus receives about bringing calamity to mankind. The first involves Helen of Sparta who was born with a curse already laid upon her by both her divine father, Zeus, and her mortal stepfather. Starting with Leda and the Swan, the Abduction of Helen by Theseus and the Suitor's Oath, we work our way through Helen's story. The second prophecy involves Thetis and her son so we side quest through the history of Peleus as well.
Weaving through Homer's Iliad & Odyssey, the Cyrpia and countless histories, plays and poems, we bring you part one of our series on the Trojan War with: The House of Sparta.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in full swing, let's take you on a journey to the Norse Olympics in the Land of the Giants! Thor and Loki make their way to Utgard where King Utgard-Loki challenges them to feats in order for them to stay. But, not all is as it seems...
Collected from Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda and "Folklore and Legends of Scandinavia" edited by Charles Tibbitts.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Ever wondered where the "Heer and Ranjha" verse in Bachna Ae Haseeno's “Jogi Mahi” come from? Or who the Ranjha from the movie Sheershah's hit song is about? Well, we went down the rabbit hole so you don't have to! Join us as we tell the tragic tale of Heer and her lover, Ranjha that is sadly still applicable to life today.
We used many versions in our retelling with the main text being from Waris Shah with English translations by Charles Frederick Usborne and Umer Munir. Also, Muhammad Sheeraz’s translation of the urdu version by Shafi Aqueel from his book Folk Tales of Pakistan and R.C Temple's Legends of the Punjab.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Based on the snow conditions, it looks like King Frost has passed by, so why not tell a story to keep him at bay? For the first episode in the new year, we have a Fox short as Sparrow gathers more tales for the rest of 2026.
Our story today has the classic trope of "Kind and Unkind Girls" as taken from Edith Martha Almedingen’s retelling of Russian folktales based on the works of Aleksandr Nikolaevich Afanasev. Sometimes, it's nice to just see good rewarded and bad punished. Oh, and there's a Fairy Queen.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
It's time to say farewell to another year and as everyone settles into the internight days before the real start of 2026, we have a light hearted episode today on the Swan Princess movie! By now, you must be sick of Christmas classics and hallmark shows full of snow and Santa, so join Fox and Sparrow for a look back on one of Sparrow's favourite tales based on the ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
It's only 8 days until Christmas which means its time for a Christmas ghost story! Join us as we tell the harrowing tale of the The Deacon of Dark River also known as The Deacon of Myrká. Unlike Scrooge, this Christmas ghost had an unfortunate death and wanted to drag his poor lover down into hell with him. Spooky festive cheer to all those who celebrate and those who don't! This story comes to us from Jón Árnason's translated version in Icelandic Legends.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
It's almost like When Harry Met Sally, except Tawhaki literally climbs through the sky to get his girl. Straight from Edith Howes’ 1913 book titled, Maoriland Fairy Tales, we bring you a fairy story from New Zealand all about how having great upper body strength and carpentry skills can win you magic and love.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Welcome back to part two of our wild haunted ride at Pengersick Castle in Cornwall! Last time we left off with pirates and revenge and this time we'll pick up with Lord-Enchanter Pengersec and the Witch of Fraddam! He's less of a boy wizard and more of a reclusive-locked-up-in-his-tower-summoning-spirits type of wizard, but still makes for a great legend!
We are continuing using Robert Hunt’s Popular Romances of the West of England which tells three stories based on ‘How Pengerswick became a Sorcerer,""The Lord of Pengerswick an Enchanter” and “The Witch of Fraddam and Pengerswick" as well as William Bottrell’s "Legends of Pengersec" from his Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall.
So settle in for Wizards and Witches at Pengersick Castle! Part two of our series on Pengersick castle. Be sure to listen to part one: Murder and Magic at Pengersick Castle!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Strange things are afoot at Pengersick Castle in Cornwall and they include (but are not limited to) murder, vengeful spirits, pirates, enchanters, witches, love potions, civil war and generational trauma! That's right, we are going to dive deep into the stories of Lord Pengersec using Robert Hunt’s Popular Romances of the West of England which tells three stories based on ‘How Pengerswick became a Sorcerer,""The Lord of Pengerswick an Enchanter” and “The Witch of Fraddam and Pengerswick" as well as William Bottrell’s "Legends of Pengersec" from his Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall.
So settle in for Murder and Magic at Pengersick Castle, Part One!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
A monk comes across an odd priest and an even odder town. You see, on the first night after a death, the entire village empties out for fear of the flesh eater. Curious, the Monk chooses to stay and that night, he beholds a frightening sound...then a frightening shape...then- what happens next? Well, you'll have to listen or read the 1998 book, Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, by Lafcadio Hearn to find out more!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
R.F Kuang's Katabasis has reignited the discourse around journeying into the underworld as a storytelling device. We've covered many stories in the past with the theme of Katabasis (namely Inanna and Persephone), so why not deep dive into the various versions of Orpheus' myth especially with Supergiant Games' Hades II coming out! Join us as we trace Orpheus and Eurydice's story from Pindar to Virgil and Ovid all the way to Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Hadestown as we ask the age old question- why did Orpheus turn?
Show notes for this episode can be found on our website at: https://talesfromtheenchantedforest.com/2025/09/24/katabasis-the-myth-of-orpheus/
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Sometimes when you find the Shadow-Daddy of your dreams, you won't care that you're dancing with the Devil. Instead, you'll hold him tight until he needs to find a way to get rid of you! Join Fox and Sparrow as they share a tale that frightens even the devil himself! It is the tale of Katcha and the Devil by Czech writer Božena Němcová from her collection Národní báchorky a powěsti (Folk Stories and Legends) with English translations from the book Czechoslovak Fairy Tales by Parker Filmore.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
What one single creation probably changed the course of human evolution? If you're thinking tools then you're close but we're thinking FIRE! If you're looking for a tutorial on how to make a fire in Australia then this is not the episode for you! However, if you are searching for a tale on how Bootoolgah, the crane, and Goonur, the kangaroo rat, created fire and then hid it away from everyone else- then you're in the right place!
Today’s Australian folktale comes to us from the 1896 book, Australian Legendary Tales: folklore of the Noongahburrahs as told to the Piccaninnies, by K. Langloh Parker.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Combining the stories of the "Goose Girl" and "Love like Salt," we have the tale of the Goose Girl at the Well from the Brothers Grimm! The moral lessons of this tale?
-
Sometimes helping a wild old lady do a meaningless task that feels like torture is worth the hassle.
-
Telling your father you love him like salt can lead to immediate exile...who knew Kings could be so salty?
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Welcome back to our special "Box Office" episodes where we look at the folklore behind the fiction. Today we deep dive into the mythology and monsters behind "K-Pop Demon Hunters" using interviews from co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
We might not be covering tales of your idols, but we're still golden because we'll be discussing demon-hunting Shamans, the tale of Princess Bari, Jeoseung saja, Dokkaebi and Gwishin.
Show notes for K-Pop Demon Hunters monsters and mythology can be found on our website at: Tales From the Enchanted Forest
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
If you love playing "Who's that Pokemon" then this is the fable game for you! Join Fox as she tries to guess the animals in each tale Sparrow has collected! Sometimes with a furry clue and sometimes without- Sparrow shares 6 short tales from all around the world including tricksters and revenge!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
This story is adapted from Petre Inspirescu's "Ileana Simziana" or "liane of the Golden Tresses" and is the final part of the story so be sure to check out part one: "The Princess who would be a Prince."
Last episode the young Princess set off on her quest to save her Empire and her family by pretending to be a Prince. After passing her father's tests and proving her courage, she arrives at the palace and quickly becomes entangled in a quest to free the beautiful Princess Iliane of the Golden Tresses. Fall in love with wave-jumping witches, gender defying curses and oddly enough- security guard nuns.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
When the ailing ruler of the last nation to stand tall against a conquering nation finally surrenders, only one thing stands in the way of his people's peace- the Empire demands a prince as a hostage. Having only daughters, he tests their courage until his youngest proves her valour, courage and strength. So, she sets off to become the Princess who would be a Prince. This story is adapted from Petre Inspirescu.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The Prince of the West runs off for seven years to win the hand of the Princess of the East, but when things go sideways, she has to rely on her own skills and wit to survive! Joining her are 40 beautiful maidens as they don disguises, blades and even crowns to survive. The Betrothed of Destiny comes from The Golden Maiden and other folk tales and fairy stories told in Armenia by A.G. Seklemian (1898).
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
It is May which means a whole host of things from Bealtaine to the emergence of the Oak King and Holly King, the Green Man, Persephone, the May Queen and other figures associated with rebirth and fertility. So, in honour of these celebrations and folk figures, we turn to the Welsh Mabinogion, a collection of stories from the 12th-13th centuries. Our first story is the abduction of Creiddylad and our second is the creation of the flower queen, Blodeuwedd.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Today we head back to Brazil and our animal folktales straight from Fairy Tales from Brazil: how and why tales from Brazilian folk-lore by folklorist Elsie Spicer Eells. This explanatory tale takes us to a capitalist Tiger and his just punishment for exploiting his sole worker- the rabbit.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Today we have three tales of Sæmund: The Wise Priest-Wizard of the North! Saemunder/Saemund, an Icelandic folk hero, attended the Black Magic school run by the devil himself. We look at how his tales may have been canonized from their original oral traditions. These tales are "Saemund at the Black School," "The Magic Whistle," and "Saemund on his Deathbed" which all come from “Scandinavian Folktales,” edited and translated by Jacqueline Simpson.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The consequences of accidentally partying too hard after a hurling-match are too much to handle for one little fairy and his fairy tree. Edmund Leamy's Irish Fairy Tale includes the shortest exile known to storytelling, a helpful ogre, ugly princesses and helpful animal companions. Truly a tale for the bingo cards.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
March is in full swing as the long preparations towards Nowruz (the Persian New Year) begin! To celebrate spring and all things pickled, we have two stories today- "The Pumpkin Child" and "The Rolling Pumpkin" from Iranian folklore traditions. Whether you want to listen to a Cinderella-esque fairy tale or the misadventures of an old woman, we have something for you!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Finish the story of the Snow Queen with us as we continue Gerda's journey to save Kai with the help of a chatty crow (and his sweetheart), another couple's happily ever after, the little Robber Girl and a reindeer from Lapland! Will Gerda's quest to save her beloved childhood friend end positively or will she have to just let it go?
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
With the Groundhog proclaiming an extension to winter, why not go back to one of the most timeless tales of frost and shivers- Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen." She is an infamously familiar figure, but how many of us actually know this wild tale of friendship and love? Join Fox, Sparrow, Kai and Gerda as they tell this story about good and evil (with some trolls for effect). Part One covers chapters one to three of the tale.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Happy Lunar New Year / Spring Festival to all those celebrating! Join Fox and Sparrow as we share the the tale of the Nian, the Jade Emperor's Great Race and the tale of the animals visit to Buddha. Out of the twelve zodiac animals, we discuss some of their attributes and what lies in store for us during the year of the wood Snake!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
- X @FromEnchanted
Spring and Father Frost had a lovely daughter who could never love, but what happens when she yearns to?
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's folk play "The Snow Maiden" had many harsh critics including ones that called it anti-theatrical, a story about a stupid king and his stupid subjects, and a pale imitation of Shakespeare's Midsummers Night Dream. However, despite the initial onslaught, the mythologically rich folk story later became a national hit. Follow us on this journey from Afanasyev's "Snow Child" all the way to Nikolai Rimsky‐Korsakov's opera!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
- X @FromEnchanted
With Midwinter a few days away and the reign of the Holly King coming to an end, we turn to a Midsummer Tale to help warm us up during these cold months. Barbara Leonie Picard's tale "Lord Alaric's Lady" comes from her fairy tale collection called "The Faun and the Woodcutter" and reminds us what the true meaning of fairy-love stories should be.
We'll see you again in the New Year, Travellers! May your holidays be full of wonder and cheer.
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
- X @FromEnchanted
Shrek is full of fairy tale references and none are as cute as the character of Puss in Boots! Join us as we tell the tale of the oldest version of this 'trickster' cat-helper character from Giovanni Francesco Straparola's 1551 story Costantino Fortunato and Charles Perrault's 1697 version which was translated into Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
- X @FromEnchanted
Last time, Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of war, love and sexuality stole the Mes, fought against Gilgamesh and lost while getting her brother-in-law killed. Now, she's on her way to pay her respects in the underworld to her sister, Ereshkigal, but unsurprisingly things do not go as planned. Join us in the second part of our Inanna series which includes the seasonal myth of Dumuzi!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
- X @FromEnchanted
Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of war, love and sexuality is used to getting her way, but when she's rejected by Gilgamesh, her fury knows no bounds. Screaming down the heavens, getting her brother-in-law killed, and stealing the very essence of human civilization make up just the long list of what she does. Join us for part one of the tale of Inanna, possibly among the first female protagonists in a written text!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- X @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
They say strange things happen in the Bayous of Louisiana. Hauntings, ghosts, mysterious disappearances and pirates. That's right, pirates! It's time to hoist the colours with Fox and Sparrow as they recount the tale of the Pirate Ghost of Gombi Island. This story comes from "Gumbo ya ya: A Collection of Louisiana folklore."
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- X @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Travel with us to the Isle of Mull today as we share the story of the two sisters and a curse! Sibling rivalry maybe goes a bit too far in this revenge drama and the cost of betrayal is heavy. Listen to us chat about the corn maiden, folk traditions around the harvest, fae and of course, little sisters. This version is retold from “Clan Traditions and Popular Tales of the Western Highlands and Islands” collected from oral sources by Rev. John Gregorson Campbell.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- X @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Continuing with our Campfire Tales, we have a hauntingly heroic tale from Uzbekistan! A haunted wood in Bukhara that no one dares step foot into, a poor cobbler's son and a beast of unimaginable horror....or is it? Step inside this unexpected folktale by Amina Shah as we explore more of the campfire tales told around the world.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- X @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
There's a slight chill in the air which means its time for falling leaves and tales of horror! Before there were True Crime Podcasts, there was just a campfire and the desire to scare your friends. So, join Fox and Sparrow as we explore the world of campfire tales, especially in North America! Our story is from Doc Forgey's retelling of the Minnesota Maggot! Where else do we find death, graveyard maggots and a line of corpses?
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- X @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Heists are all fun and games until somebody gets caught. Or was the person getting caught part of the REAL plan? And what happens if you're stealing from the god of thunder himself? Join Sparrow as she explores The Lay of Thrym from the Poetic Edda.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
It's a little bit too early to be celebrating the Chinese Qixi Festival or the Korean Chilseok, but the Japanese Tanabata festival is just around the corner, so we are sharing the tale of the Sky Bridge of Birds! You may know the story better as the Tale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, but this version has a little more gambling and bankruptcy! Story adapted from William Elliot Griffis' book on Korean Folktales.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Meg just wants to manage her coven of daughters in her quiet Cumbrian village, but when the solstice falls on the day before Lord's Day, she knows they have a strict curfew. Too bad that the Devil or the wizard Michael Scot (not affiliated to Dunder Mifflin) have other plans. Come join us as we explore the folktales around this Neolithic stone circle and recount the tale of Long Meg and her Daughters.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Today's episode is all about Japanese Yōkai and Thersa Matsuura's new book "The Encyclopedia of Japanese Folklore." We chat about moving to a completely different country, crows, everyday folklore and the process behind compiling a book on folklore! You can find out more about Thersa's Uncanny Japan Podcast and books!
The gorgeous illustrations were done by Michelle Wang!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
This episode is sponsored by cats! Join Fox and Sparrow as we delve into the wonderful world of Japanese Yokai, particularly the Bakeneko and the Nekomata. Be sure to check out the episode for some exciting news about our special guest for the next episode!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox on a solo trip down to Mexico with three fun regional folktales! From the Endless Story to Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet, these delightful stories are the perfect transition away from the doom and gloom of winter as we celebrate May!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
This week Fox & Sparrow laugh out loud as they retell a series of very short stories starring Mullah Nasruddin.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Hoppy Easter Travellers! In this week's solo episode, Sparrow explores a rabbit-centric Brazilian folktale from Elsie Spicer Eells's 1917 book, Fairy Tales from Brazil. This cute explanatory story recounts why rabbits no longer have a tail and why another animal now does.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Spring has finally arrived in the Enchanted Forest, but it's also the Persian New Year, Nowruz! In honour of this celebration, Fox and Sparrow explore the classic Persian folktale: Fatima and the Crow. This cozy story will make you feel like you have entered a Studio Ghibli film before moving to a higher-stakes ending where an old grandma learns how to take down those in power.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
In honour of St Patrick's Day, Fox and Sparrow look at an Irish folktale from the county of Kildare. In this quaint county, there is a grand manor with some peculiar goings on, and the servants are spooked. Little do they realize that a pooka, a trickster spirit, is the source. But is the Pooka here to help? Or does this fae creature have a more sinister plan for the manor?
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Disclaimer: Cover image includes public domain images
- Creature illustration by T.H Thomas for "British Goblins" by Wirt Sikes
- Background art of Kitchen Interior by Eliphalet Frazer Andrews
Storms, doctors of dead things, a damp mob and a miserable mermaid make this a mermaid story straight from the heart and soul of South Carolina’s literary tradition. Please enjoy the African-American tale of the "Apothecary and the Mermaid" collected by John Bennett and retold by Virginia Hamilton in "Her Stories" as "The Mer-Woman out of the Water."
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Fox & Sparrow are back together for a new year with a new wild tale to tell! This Italian tale is like Snow White if it was made by Studio Ghibli. From an evil stepmother to a mischievous eagle and a questionable prince, our female protagonist, Ermellina, will have her work cut out for her to avoid her fate in the Crystal Casket.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Sparrow soars solo this week to Greenland for a wild tale about brothers and what happens when they make some pretty big decisions for their sisters. From surprise marriages to murder and even an epic boat chase, this tale will keep you guessing until the end.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox for the first story of the year where we'll dive into a story gifted by a friend. Enjoy a short, weird tale that takes us over rivers, over fields, over ridges, over bens and glens and seas!
Eachann MacPhaidein's "The Butterfly's Wedding" (Pòsadh An Dealan-dè) comes from Highland Legends (1905) as edited by Johnny Mains for the British Libraries "Celtic Weird."
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Happy New Year!
Join Fox and Sparrow for the final story of the year, a whirlwind of a tale from the enchanted forests of Bulgaria! Can a little orphan girl with a warm heart thwart the witch's plan for a forever winter?
In the final episode of 2023, Fox and Sparrow reflect on what they have been into the previous year. From getting sick to enjoying new media, it's been a full year, and there is a lot to look back on.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The winter holidays are fast approaching and to celebrate, Fox & Sparrow are teaming up with a special guest Julia, aka Kuzco! Together they will cover not one but three Festive Folklore Figures! From Krampus to the Kallikantzaros to the Yule Cat, these animal companions are dedicated to sharing the Christmas whimsy and terror of these holiday creatures.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Ever wonder why a jellyfish looks the way it does? Well, wonder no more! Fox and Sparrow retell a Japanese fairy tale that explains the appearance of one of the ocean's more peculiar creatures and the importance of staying in school.
In this week's catch-up, Sparrow has caught the Animal Crossing bug and Fox is getting amped for the upcoming Percy Jackson TV series.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
November is when the dark creeps up on us and nightmare creatures run rampant in the night! So, snuggle in as Fox and Sparrow dig deep to find the tale behind the Wampus-Cat with the Cherokee tale of Running Deer and the Ew'ah. Also, catch-up with us as we have some spoiler-free Iron Flame and 'Jetlagged' chatter before the story!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Catch up with Fox and Sparrow as they talk about Animal Crossing, cozy games, and Dungeons and Dragons! The story for today comes from Edith Howes. Two friends set off to gain immortality for all of mankind, but despite their success and fairy intervention, the Sky Father has other plans!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
With Halloween fast approaching, Fox and Sparrow bravely explore the spookier part of the Enchanted Forest. This Taiwanese tale features two sisters who are left home alone until they suddenly hear a mysterious knock at the door.
During this week's Current Obsession catch-up, Fox tells of her latest Netflix binge and kindly explains Korean reality shows to Sparrow. Meanwhile, Sparrow gushes over her new favourite podcast about NBC's The Office.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox and Sparrow as we share two Nigerian Animal Tales and contemplate the existence of animal tales in a bleak future of extinct mammals! Will Elephants join the mammoths in the folkloric landscape? Chat with us about the strongest Nigerian birds, and African trickster animals!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Cosy up with Fox and Sparrow as we travel to Romania/Ukraine to bring you this Bukovinian fairy tale! It's like the Persephone myth...if the Persephone myth had a seductive Dragon Mother, three very old men, a magic bell and a runaway mare!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
This week, Fox and Sparrow toss and turn over this small tale. Is it just a fun silly little story? Or is there more below the surface of Hans Christian Anderson's retelling? Find out the truth of the seemingly simple story of the Princess and the Pea (or as it was originally known: The Princess on the Pea).
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Bluesky
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox and Sparrow as they Dance the Night into Barbieland and examine the Grimm story behind Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses. For our Five Fantastic Finds we look at the origins of the Barbieverse movies, the ballet connection, the locked room trope and much more!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox's solo episode on the Rainbow Serpent, a Dreamtime Creature from Aboriginal Australian Stories. The Rainbow Serpent is a creation creature from "Everywhen" that created the rivers, mountains and (sometimes) humans! There is also a darker, bloodier underbelly to this rainbow snake...
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
This week's story comes from Professor Cyrus MacMillan's 1922 book, which is simply titled Canadian Fairy Tales. This collection covers various stories all across Canada but the story of this episode originates from Canada's east coast near the Magdalene Islands.
Join Sparrow as she dives into this fishy tale of man's greed, a great Lobster's power, and the sardines' tragic fate.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you want us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox's solo episode on the entire tangled web of the Caledonian Boar Hunt! From Atalanta and Meleager to Jason and Heracles, all of our favourite Greek Heroes are involved in this extended marvel cinematic universe style showdown. Also, of course special smiting appearances from Artemis, Aphrodite and Zeus.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
What if you could know when Death was coming for you? Would you want to know? And would you even be able to recognize the signs? Join Sparrow as she explores these ideas in the Brothers Grimm story: Death's Messengers.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox as she explores the Nahua story of Princess Iztaccíhuatl and her star-crossed lover, Popocatépetl. We look at an origin myth that explains how the volcanoes came to be and a fun story about how another mountain lost his head after fighting Popocatépetl!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
We all love to find answers and understand the world around us. But when does that curiosity stop making us happy and start becoming an obsession with empty knowledge? Join Sparrow as she explores a tale from Estonia, which sees how far one will go to see what mortal eyes have never seen before.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Join Fox's solo episode on an Afghan Fairy-tale featuring a Poor Prince and his two idle brothers. After their father's death, the youngest brother must face a giant, a tower, and magical spells in order to win the hand of a beautiful princess. Originally published in Kabul, Afghanistan's bimonthly Folklore Journal.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Our tale today is “Baingan Bádsháhzádi” meaning the Aubergine Princess. It is a Punjabi tale collected by Flora Annie Steel in her book, “Tales of the Punjab: told by the People.” Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore this enchanting tale of a beautiful princess, an evil queen and a kind king.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who lived in a golden palace atop a glass mountain. Every knight tried and failed to save the princess until, one day, a knight clad in gold appeared. Will this golden knight be able to get to the top of the mountain and save the princess? Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore the Polish Fairy Tale: The Glass Mountain.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Enjoy this solo episode with your host, Fox, as I bring you a tale from the Blackfoot Native Americans of the Canadian Plains. Feather Woman, Morning Star and Star Boy centre in this story around forbidden turnips, fantastical lands, and the Spider Man. Snuggle in close for a bittersweet story of family.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The Northern African tale of Aicha, the demon slayer, comes from modern-day Algeria and Morocco. Aicha is brave, beautiful, smart, capable and sometimes magical- literally. She rejects a lazy prince, tricks a cannibal and is cursed to wander the earth restlessly. Will she break her curse? Come find out more about this fascinating heroine to close off Women's History Month!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
St. Patrick's Day is full of revelry fun and gathering around to hear silly stories so we have the perfect one for you! The Irish tale from Emerson's Welsh collection called, "Billy Duffy and the Devil" features a smart-lazy blacksmith tricking the devil, magic-granting three wishes, and at the end of the day- an explanatory folktale.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser or follow us on Goodpods and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: https://talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Once upon a time, there were two people in love named Siya and Maadi. But tragedy strikes when Siya is chosen to be a sacrifice to a seven-headed serpent to save the empire. Will Maadi slay the monster and doom their empire? Or will he step aside so others may live? Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore their love story for this Valentine's Day special!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.TalesFromTheEnchantedForest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Has anything ever been over-promised to you? Only to find yourself thoroughly disappointed when it falls short? The Daughter of the Sword does, and she will not be happy until she gets all the cows she has promised. Join Fox & Sparrow as they explore this South African tale about a princess of swords and the Lord of the Cattle.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Welcome to a Footnotes with Fox solo episode! To celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, we are heading to Korea for the tale of the 'Story Bag!' What happens when you keep your tales under lock and key? Well, they'll try to kill you and your new wife of course!
Wishing healthy and happiness to all those celebrating Chinese New Year, Seollal, Tết Nguyên Đán, and all the other lunar celebrations on January 22nd.
Happy New Year Travellers! Sparrow starts off the year with the purr-fect fairy tale featuring a classic nameless protagonist as he runs away from his problems. Only for him to find a feline-tastic companion along the way!
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The Oak King will rise again. During Midwinter, he will emerge to fight his brother, the Holly King, and the cycle of the seasons will resume. Join us as we explore this legend and piece together the story of the twins using Celtic, Wiccan, Pagan and Modern sources! The eternal battle for love, light and dark will continue.
For another Christmas-focused story, check out last year's holiday special, A Ghost Story of Christmas, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean or wherever fine podcasts can be found.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Asbjörnsen and Moe give us an unusual holiday story this year with the story of "The Quern that Stands and Grinds at the Bottom of the Sea" translated by Sir George Webbe Dasent. Two brothers, a journey to Hel, A Christmas Eve miracle and the devil in the outhouse make up this fun story! Happy Holidays from the Enchanted Forest!
For a more Christmas-focused story, check out last year's holiday special, A Ghost Story of Christmas, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean or wherever fine podcasts can be found.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you would like us to cover next!
Show notes can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
Today we are covering the Chinese story of Chang'e, the Lady on the Moon, and her husband, Hou Yi, the famed archer! This legend is also one of the origins of the Autumn Festivals and has many regional and time related derivations so we try to cover as many as possible!
For another classic moon fairy tale, check our previous episode, Kaguya: The Suitor Games on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean or anywhere else fine podcasts can be found.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and tell us what story you like us to cover next!
Show notes, can be found on our website at: www.talesfromtheenchantedforest.com
You can also find us on:
- Twitter @FromEnchanted
- Mastodon
- TikTok
The Selkie is a magical creature that can shed its seal skin to become human! The downside is that human men have a habit of blackmailing Selkie women and human women keep having affairs with Selkie men. There is a lot of Stockholm syndrome to unpack here, so join us as we unravel this wonderful tale and its migratory roots!
For a more classic mermaid tale, check our previous episode, The Little Mer-Cast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean or anywhere else fine podcasts can be found.
Enjoying the Podcast? We want to hear from you! Leave us a review on Podchaser and let us know what story you want us to cover next!
For detailed show notes, on our fantastic website! Or if you want to see our inspiration for this week's episode, check out our original tweet on the story.
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
- TikTok
Join Fox and Sparrow for a spooky breakdown of some of the best non-horror villains out there! Get in the Halloween spirit with Azula, Morgoth, Darth Vader and Regina George!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
To close off our series on ancient heroes, we present a glimpse at some modern ones! From Frodo, Jon Snow, Spiderman, Luke Skywalker, Aang and Katniss, we touch upon some modern heroes and rank them according to, well whatever we want!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Sparrow flies solo in a special mini-episode! Join her as she explores three of Aesop's Fables and tries her absolute best to discern the real lesson in these tales: The Sparrow and the Hare, The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree & The Gnat and the Bull.
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
The story of Beowulf and his monsters is one of the most popular topics from early European literature! Vikings, monsters, angry mothers and dragons round off this epic poem that influenced one of the greatest fantasy writers - J.R.R Tolkien. Stay tuned after the retelling to hear our five fantastic finds on Anglo-Saxon swords, Tolkien's essay on Monsters, destiny, the great bardic tradition and Royal tropes!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
"By George! I think they've got it!"
The famous legend of "Saint George and the Dragon" is as iconic to the English as Jack and the Beanstalk and a Christmas Carol. The original story was a lot more intense than the abridged version we all know. For our 'Five Fantastic Finds' hear about Religious myths and canon, Damsels in distress, the origins of slaying dragons, the etymology of George and the cost of hiring a hero.
Cover image from Raphael, painted c. 1505
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
After listening to the Shahnameh trilogy, make sure to drop in and listen to our Five Fantastic Finds! Today we cover Zal's "protagonist" hair, Daddy (and monarch) issues, the cool horse trope, literary psychoanalysis of Rostam's dreamlike state and the overconfident sidekick trope!
In our final episode on the Shahnameh, we dive into the tragedy of Rostam and his son, Sohrab. Family, loyalty, and death highlight the main themes of our Shahnameh special trilogy. The fall of the Epic hero begins and ends with Rostam!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Often likened to the great Greek Heroes, Rostam quickly turns from a mammoth baby to a warrior and hero. To prove himself as the child of prophecy, he adventures out to save a king-in-distress and overcome his seven labours. Special shoutout to his saviour, steed, and sidekick: Rakhsh! For being the true hero during Rostam's power naps.
Episode Image: "Rustam and Rakhsh in the Third Trial" 891/1486, Turkman/Timurid style.
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic Website!
Or chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
The Shahnameh is an epic chronology of Kings and Heroes, none greater than the line of Nariman which descends through the generations. Join us as we explore this generation of heroes starting with Sam and Zal, a story featuring the mythical Simurgh, letting down your hair, lots of passive-aggressive letter writing, and daddy issues. We retell the story using a variety of both Farsi and English sources to recreate the essence of the story.
Episode image: "Zal is sighted by a Caravan' attributed to Abdul Aziz
You can find our detailed show notes, on our fantastic Website!
Or Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Fox & Sparrow celebrate the podcast's first Anniversary in this special bonus episode! Join your animal companions as they reflect on the past year and give some insight into their journey in making this podcast.
Also, Tales From The Enchanted Forest will be going on a brief break! But we will be returning in July with more magical stories! In the meantime, stay in touch with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted.
And check out our website for updates and more Footnotes with Fox: TalesFromTheEnchantedForest.com
You can also find us on:
TikTok
A Long Time Ago, in an Enchanted Forest Far Far Away, Sparrow uses her Jedi mind trick to hijack this episode! In honour of Star Wars Day, she will make her case to the Jedi council (Fox), as to why she believes Star Wars is a modern fairy tale. We discuss everything from the greater Star Wars canon and wonder when will Hollywood make more space pirate movies?
Hear the arguments and let us know what you think on Twitter @FromEnchanted!
Check out this week's show notes at TalesFromTheEnchantedForest.com!
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Fox and Sparrow explore the Ukrainian animal tale of the 'Mitten,' popularized by children's authors like Jan Brett! Stick around for our five fantastic finds afterwards which explore the role of folklore in children's stories, the reality of an endless mitten, the bag of holding trope, the brief history of Ukrainian folktales, and the tragedy of the commons!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new Website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Lin Lan brings you the "Three Wishes," one of the earliest Cinderella retellings with no ordinary twists! Beauty and her stepsister Pockface can't seem to stay apart. From vicarious living to straight-up murder, this is a fairy tale for those who want a good true crime fairy tale without the true part. Stick around for a breakdown of the Lin Lan movement, Weekend at Bernie's, Forgetful soup, and walking on eggshells!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new Website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Sometimes you are fated to die and you stay away from your 'fate,' however, that becomes impossible when your fate includes a dog! Join us as we translate, read, and contextualize the "Tale of the Doomed Prince" from the Harris 500 Papyrus! Glass castles, shadow-fearing giants, and man's best friend are all prominent parts of our story today! Discover the secrets of collectors and donors, Selima Harris and her father, Anthony Charles Harris.
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Top of the mornin' to ya! Joseph Jacobs' collected works includes folklore right from the source and we scoured the Irish Folklore Commission for more context on Leprechauns, boliauns, and superstitions! Our Five Fantastic Finds delve deep in the differences between Irish myth and folklore, the beer brewing process, and the history of drinking stereotypes! You'll never be fooled again after hearing this tale!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Three helpful crones, golden apples, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Norse mythology are all discussed as we continue our story from last week! Unnamed Female Protagonist (dubbed Thordotter) goes on a quest to save her husband from the 3-yard long nosed troll! Tune in at the end for our first Five Fantastic Finds of the year!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Sometimes finding a groom can be unbearable, but other times, the beast comes knocking! Curses, magic castles, Beauty and the Beast, and Thor all feature in this episode starring "the beautiful younger sister" and "mysterious bear husband." Join us as we tackle part one of this Nordic story from Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe! Stay tuned for the end when we answer some of your questions!
You can find our detailed show notes, on our new website!
Chat with us on Twitter @FromEnchanted
You can also find us on:
TikTok
Fox & Sparrow are back in the Enchanted Forest! And they are bringing along with them more fantastic fairy tales, legends, myths and much much more!
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the burrow Not a creature was stirring, not even a sparrow;
The stories were told in the forest with care, In hopes that the fox soon would be there!' Enjoy our holiday wrap-up and an exploration on the modern image of Santa Claus from Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem! Happy Holidays from the Enchanted Forest and we are excited to see you in the new year!
Charles Dicken’s isn’t for everyone, but he does a fantastic job here with his modern fairy-tale, a Christmas Carol. Join us as we discuss the classic story revisited from the original source and talk about all things Victorian Christmas from Queen Victoria to Yuletide giving.
Happy Holidays from Fox and Sparrow!
Disappear from the cold winter with us in the cozy Filipino forests! We have three bite sized stories to help warm you up! Enjoy the Hawk and the Hen, The Battle of the Crabs, and the Spider and the Fly.
Make sure to give your animal friends a cuddle throughout this episode where we discuss Netflix’s Trese, Indigenious Filipino folktale classifications, the ‘didn’t think this through’ trope, and Darwin!
And I’m free, free fallin’! We’d like to imagine Sky Woman from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tale was into Tom Petty, but just in case she wasn’t, we also have the musical styling of ABBA, Elvis, and Bob Dylan on standby. Our story today is one of many First Nation Creation Stories that describe the world before land and people.
If you enjoy animal self-sacrifice, good-and -bad twins, lots and lots of water, and crab apples, then this story is for you!
Join Fox and Sparrow as we round up our favourite monsters and create a Monster Mash in the Enchanted Forest! We discuss the origins of our top ten creatures, including Jörmungandr, Simurgh, Godzilla, Banshees, Doppelgängers, Sphinx, Tah-tah kle’-ah, La Muelona, Koschei the Deathless and Jinn. Travel from Asgard to a gambling house in Colombia with these vibrant tales of terror!
Are you ready for a spooky good time? Let us know what monsters made it in your emporium!
No one does horror better than Japanese folktales, and this one is no exception! The Tongue-Cut Sparrow tells the tale of an old man and his beloved pet, with a horrible twist caused by a jealous wife. You reap what you sow with this tale so choose carefully.
A demi-god Bachelor agrees to marry a partner chosen for him by his relationship expert (which happens to be a ‘sentient’ magic arrow). Looking forward to the perfect match, he meets his mate, abandons her, and then swings down to the underworld to get her back. Let’s head to the original Love Island, with this Hawaiian tale.
Have you ever been distracted by a sweet treat and a silver tongue? The masters of trickery and deception include Loki, the Fox, and our current favourite, the Jackal! Join our animals as they attempt to outwit the Trickster Jackal! In this episode, we discuss African folklore, Anthropomorphism, Jackals, and lots more!
Sometimes the universe keeps you apart and sometimes it would be better for you to listen. Shirin and Khosrow are the result of ignoring all the red flags and having a trainwreck relationship that is a tragedy for all involved. Join us on this adventure through Nizami Ganjavi’s epic poem that has inspired generations of writers including William Shakespeare.
We loved having a guest so much we are releasing another episode with her! Our five fantastic finds this week feature Aphrodite’s motives, the myth in YA literature and video games, the Sumerian origins, and the triple goddess! Come join us for a quick show on all the best tidbits!
Hades and Persephone have one of the most well-known myths, but did you know the whole debacle might be Aphrodite and Eros’ fault? In this episode, we delve deep into the origins of the myth with the Homeric Hymns’ and Ovid’s poetry to examine the way they treat Demeter’s smothering, Hades’ villainization and Persephone’s agency. Joining us for this episode is Queen’s University doctoral candidate, Jessica Caravaggio.
What do you do when your incestuous father tries to marry you following your mother's death? Wear the skin of his favourite gold pooping donkey and run away to find Prince Charming! In this bizarre Cinderella tale, we explore a classic French story and get to the bottom of why Disney hates alive mother figures.
You know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but do you know the story of “Jack Spriggins"? A less likable, more fantastical story of Jack! Instead of stealing from the giant three times to aid his financial woes (and mismanagement), Jack abandons his toad ‘grandmother,’ marries an Empress who can turn into a Basilisk, and gets a pretty cool castle in the sky.
Trespassing, property rights, destruction of property and assault are just some of the things the Billy Goats Gruff can be charged with! Norwegians love their Trolls and we love talking about them so come talk about Hilda, trolls in the dungeons and three very fat Billy goats.
Welcome to our first episode of “Tales from the Box Office” where we will explore all the different elements in a movie relating to fairy tales, literature, myths and legends! For our premiere episode, we decided on exploring the differences between Disney's “Raya and the Last Dragon” and Netflix’s “Wish Dragon!” Raya is a fast paced, fantasy epic about the world of Kumandra featuring heavy emphasis on SE Asian cultures. Wish Dragon is a romantic comedy based in Shanghai with some heartwarming familial roots!
Vasilisa is known by many adjectives, the beautiful, the fair, the just, and the...podcaster? On a parallel note, Baba Yaga is also known by many names but her house with chicken feet remains a fun constant. Join us as we take on the classic Russian fairy tale about a magic doll, disembodied hand, and a murder skull lamp that puts your lava lamp to shame!
From tiny bamboo babies to Moon People straight out of a science fiction novel, 10th century Japan was a rough time for our fictional bamboo cutter. His bamboo baby, Princess Kaguya has a hard time too, what with all the available suitors being jerks and her pen pal being the emperor, and don’t forget the casual extraterrestrial exile. Is it comforting knowing that simply living on earth is punishment for other beings?
Casual murder and true crime’s kiss lead to a happy marriage! Who knew? Don’t learn any lessons in this classic tale about breaking promises, pets at the dinner table, and again- murder. We cannot stress that murder, intentional murder, takes place in this story. Oh and there was never a kiss. Whoops. Thanks, Disney.
“But, Daddy I love him” and they all lived seafoam ever after. Dive deep with us to explore Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid through a feminist lens, teenage lens, and “I-kinda-want-an immortal-soul” lens! If you were part of the Mermaid Madness in the 2000’s (looking at everyone who was a fan of “Aquamarine” or “Splash”) then you don’t want to miss this episode!
Strange women in chests are no basis of government policy.. or are they. We have A Thousand and One Nights to make sense of this story! Travel to a land far, far, away with us as we cover the framing story of 1001 nights with our cast of eccentric characters including two brothers who have no place being rulers, a storytelling Vizier named Jafar (no, not THAT Jafar) and Fox’s personal heroine, Scheherazade.
How does coffee with the King go horribly, horribly wrong, and other musings from the Miller's daughter, including listing names that resemble a shopping list. Join Fox and Sparrow as they get to the root of this Kingdom’s financial problems- which can apparently be saved by a girl with a knack for dealing with strange, small men and 3 rooms full of gold. Greedy Kings, the power of names (and lack of), and a caffeine problem all end in a fantastic story!
Welcome, to Tales From the Enchanted Forest! Meet Fox & Sparrow as we take you on this whimsical journey through Fairy tales, myths and legends!