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
31 episodes
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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2:54
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 f...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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5:43
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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5:19
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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6:00
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
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36:35
Uncommon Folk 31 Days of Winter- Gohone
In this episode we explore the god of frost, Gohone.
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:59
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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2:51
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 int...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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5:31
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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3:10
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 wintr...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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3:43
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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4:32
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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3:38
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, alo...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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5:44
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, co...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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5:26
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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4:32
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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2:54
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 ensur...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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2:48
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 fr...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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3:31
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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2:34
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 encha...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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2:58
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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5:09
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 fo...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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2:56
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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6:39