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Folktales can be strange, mystical, macabre and intriguing. Join us as we explore the stories, culture and people behind the folklore. We go beyond retelling the legends, myths and fairy tales of old. We look at the story behind the lore, behind the songs and traditions to understand more about what they mean, and their importance. These stories, many originating as oral histories, inform us of what it means to be human; what it means to be an integral part of this Earth. Stories of magic and wonder bind us. They connect us through invisible strands, like the gossamer fibers of a spiders web. Folktales have the power to demonstrate how, although we live in drastically different locals, our hearts and minds beat as one human race. We are weaving the fabrics of our past and present stories, to help us better understand ourselves and to awaken us to a more compassionate and caring world community. As we explore the meaning of existence through folklore we hope to inspire future generations to lead with love and understanding.
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This is one of the most famous versions of the Jorōgumo, the Japanese shapeshifting spider spirit. Part love story, part horror, it is a wonderful folktale you wont want to miss! Known for transforming into a beautiful woman to lure unsuspecting travelers. By day, she appears as an elegant, enchanting maiden—often near waterfalls, forests, or abandoned houses—drawing people in with her beauty and gentle voice. But once her victim is close, she reveals her true form: a monstrous spider who bin...
Have you heard of the vampiric predator roaming the Australian Outback in search of unsuspecting victims? In this storytelling mini-episode, I share a chilling tale from the fig groves of Australia: the story of the Yara-Ma-Yha-Who. This eerie, red-skinned, toad-like creature lurks in the treetops, draining the blood of wanderers before its terrifying queen appears to finish the job. Poachers shouldn’t be poaching, but did he deserve the toe-curling, blood-sucking encounter with these monstro...
In this STORYTELLING episode of Fabric of Folklore, Vanessa Y Rogers narrates the classic Aesop's fable, 'The Belling of the Cat.' The story revolves around a group of mice trying to outsmart a stealthy cat threatening their lives. A young mouse proposes the ingenious solution of belling the cat, but the older, wiser mouse raises the crucial question: who will bell the cat? We delve into the inherently cautionary nature of Aesop's fables, explaining why their endings often feel incomplete and...
In this mini storytelling episode, we share and reflect on the classic Aesop fable, "The Frogs Who Wished for a King." The story follows a community of frogs living peacefully in their pond, who become dissatisfied with their simple lives and ask Jupiter, the king of the gods, for a ruler. Their wish is granted—first with a passive king (a log), then with a dangerous one (a crowned crane). In the original tale it was a water snake. In many other versions its a stork. I changed the bird to a c...
Can you imagine the fear of losing the sun every winter? Would it ever come back? In episode 21 of Fairy Tale Flip we journey into the snowy landscapes of Finnish mythology to explore the enigmatic sorceress of Louhi from the Kalevala. Together we unpack the cultural and historical significance of Finland’s national epic and how it helped shape Finnish identity and independence. We dive deep into Louhi’s character—her motivations, her power, and the consequences of her actions—challenging...
Beware the shape-shifting man-eater. Jorōgumo, the seductive spider woman of Japanese folklore, lures her victims with beauty before revealing her true form. In this Fairy Tale Flip episode, we dive into Japan’s religious and cultural history—Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and the rise of the samurai—to understand how power, belief, and sacred spaces shaped this terrifying legend. We explore themes of deception, seduction, and control, compare Jorōgumo to spider myths across cultures, an...
Forget Dracula. Australia has its own vampire story—and it’s stranger than you think. Have you heard of the bloodsucking creature that hides in Australia’s fig trees? In episode 19 of Fairytale Flip, we dive into the Aboriginal Australian myth of the Yara-Ma-Yahoo: a toothless, red-skinned, frog-like vampire that preys on those resting beneath fig trees, draining their blood and slowly transforming them into the very monster they feared. We compare this chilling tale to European fairy tales a...
What hidden messages lie within the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty? In Part 2 of our deep dive, we explore the layers of meaning in this timeless story—examining the prince’s motivations, the surprising motif of cannibalism, and the moral and spiritual lessons woven throughout. Building on Part 1’s look at the earliest origins, we turn to the influence, propaganda, and messaging behind the versions of Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. We also trace modern adaptations, German mythology, and...
Do you know the dark and hidden origins of Sleeping Beauty? In Episode 18 of Fairy Tale Flip, we dive into the evolution of this classic story and the political messaging woven into its earliest versions. While today’s Sleeping Beauty feels like a simple romantic tale, its European roots stretch back nearly 700 years—and the oldest versions are far more unsettling. We explore the Arthurian romance Perceforest and Giambattista Basile’s Sun, Moon, and Talia, uncovering themes of displaced nobil...
You may have heard of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas—but have you heard of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess of marine life? In this episode, we dive into the mythological story of the mermaid-like goddess who is transformed from a young woman into a powerful deity without hands. We discuss the story’s various versions and cultural significance, as well as Sedna’s role as steward of the natural world. Themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and empowerment are explored throughout. We also look at the ...
Ep 16: Persephone and Hades: Love, Power, or Possession? Persephone and Hades, love story or horror story? That is the question we ask in Fairytale Flip episode 16. Is the ancient Greek myth of these gods a myth about romance or captivity? The story, although often used to explain the different seasons, is about so much more than how spring and winter came to be. We explore controversial themes of abduction, power and marriage, the empowerment of women in modern retellings, and the intersecti...
Buckle up, fairy tale enthusiasts! We're kicking off this magical episode with some thrilling news – we're launching a Fairytale Journal! Its in draft mode so we want your input! But that's just the beginning of our enchanted journey. Today, we're diving headfirst into the mesmerizing world of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans." Episode 15 is nothing short of a wild ride as we unravel the threads of this captivating tale, exploring its hidden depths and shimmering symbolism. We ...
Have you ever wondered why some folktales stand the test of time, captivating generation after generation? Join me, Vanessa Y Rogers, and my insightful co-host Donna Lee Fields from Scaffolding Magic, as we unravel the enchanting legend of La Befana, Italy's beloved witchy gift-giver. This episode of Fairytale Flip takes you on a journey through the intriguing story of Old Bafana—a tale wrapped in Christmas, Epiphany traditions, and the enduring themes of redemption and transformation. As we ...
Have you encountered the Latin American hauntress, La llorona? In episode 13 of Fairy Tale Flip we delve into the haunting folktale of La Llorona, exploring its origins, symbolism, and cultural implications. We trace the many and varied roots of La Llorona, from the first documentation in 1550 to its connections with Aztec mythology and themes of grief. We also discuss global variations and interpretations, highlighting the portrayal of women as "monsters" in folklore and societal narratives ...
What do fairies have to do with Halloween? And should you be afraid? That is the question we discuss in episode 12 of Fairy Tale Flip this month while exploring "The Girl Who Danced with Fairies, An Irish Halloween Tale." We take a deep dive into the history of Halloween in Ireland, including Samhain, celebrated by the Celts 2,000 years ago. While diving deep into symbolic elements, we examine dancing, music, food, spiritual growth, and self-discovery. Of course, we also explore fairy abducti...
Have you ever heard of the Chinese fairy tale "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl?" Maybe you have experienced the festival dubbed by some, the Chinese Valentine's Day Festival which happens on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunisolar calendar to commemorate the star-crossed lovers from the ancient fairytale? We chat about cultural elements such as the significance of the number seven, the symbolism and creation story involving magpies, the color red, and the importance of weaving skills in...
Do you know the Celtic tale of Finn McCool and the Giant's Causeway? In episode 9 of Fairy Tale Flip, Vanessa and Donna dive deep into the giant, the hero, and the origin of the story of Finn McCool and his band of warriors called the Fianna. We explore the geological characteristics named for Finn in both Ireland and Scotland. We explore the nuances between legend, folktale, and fairy tale, highlighting Finn's historical backdrop, his transformation into a giant, how he was raised by two war...
Do you know what the oldest fairy tale known to modern times is? If you don't now, you will soon! The Smith and the Devil is a fairy tale found all over the world throughout countless cultures. But why? Why has that fairy tale been maintained through the not hundreds of years but thousands? What is the connection with blacksmiths and devils? Is the devil a bad guy in the story? In this fascinating episode we reflect on themes of duality and power dynamics, intricate relationship between black...
Have you heard of the Aztec Legend of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl? At the heart of this Mexican Legend from Aztec Mythology are two volcanoes overlooking Mexico City. A legend sometimes referred to as the Romeo and Juliet of Central America, this legend tells of a princess and a warrior whose love burns bright, but because of unfortunate circumstances, die of grief and are turned into the beautiful snow capped mountains looming large over the city. In Fairy Tale Flip episode 5, Donna ...
Is Rumpelstiltskin morally good or is he evil? Why does he want the queen's baby? What does nature and the natural world have to do this fairy tale? If you have ever read a fairy tale and wondered if there was a hidden meaning, if it had a message you just weren't catching, this is the podcast for you. Fairy Tale Flip is a monthly collaboration between Doorways to Leaning and Fabric of Folklore to bring you a unique exploration of a different fairy tale each month. Each month, we have YOU, th...
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