Do you believe in fairies? The term Fairytale was never more appropriate than in this 20th Century episode where fact and fiction became ‘faction.’ A folk tale of a more contemporary creation, imagined by two young girls which took the world by storm. This story has lasted over a century, and includes the involvement of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of Sherlock Holmes) who was a keen spiritualist. Discover more: @creativeasfolk. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Thank you to New Pod City!

Folklore, Myths and Legends

The Cottingley Fairies

The Hierarchy of the Hidden looks into the mysterious world of fairies, and some of the creatures that are a part of old world of beliefs. The fairy family encompasses a wider range of fantastical beings more than we might first have imagined. Ranging in scale from giants to miniature creatures, we explore their stories and conclude with the one fairy that traditionally still visits us. Discover more: @creativeasfolk . Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper

The Hierarchy of the Hidden

This is the story of Matthew Hopkins, the most prolific witch hunter of the 15th Century. With partner John Stearne the two travelled throughout England hunting witches. Their practice included many methods, as well as identifying a witch by their animal known as a familiar. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

The Witch Hunters

A Midwinter tale about the seasonal cycle and the many traditions linked to the Winter Solstice, with both the Holly King and the Oak King. The meanings of yule, holly, mistletoe, ivy and Saturnalia are also investigated. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper. Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

The Holly King

In April of 1593 one of the most notorious trials in the history of English witch-hunting, opened at Huntingdon Assizes. The case of the ‘Witches of Warboys’ began in the imagination of a sick child and ended in the deaths of three innocent people. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

The Witches of Warboys

Commonly depicted as a face, surrounded by leaves, he appears frequently as a name for English pubs. Considered the muse for Robin Hood, Jack in the Green & other green, folklore characters – he is as constant as Spring & the festivals associated with it. Digging a little deeper he has starring roles in other centuries & countries. Is there a connection between these characters, and if so—what is it? Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

Green Man

This episode explores the black devil dog that haunted East Anglia and said to be the inspiration behind The Hound of the Baskervilles. A legend that returned to our present with the discovery of a large dog skeleton close to many of the original sightings. Additional credits: Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper Recording engineer: Frank Sasso, New Pod City

Black Shuck

This podcast is a folklore revival project by Jackie Piper and Andrew Wilkinson. Researching and retelling stories from our past, based in the UK. Recorded in Trenton, New Jersey. Research and narration: Jackie Piper Production and music: Andrew Wilkinson Photo editing and artwork: John Piper