We’re on a break at the moment, researching and writing our sixth series, but, to fill the gap, this is the first of six new compilation episodes containing a trio of stories from across our earlier series.

We’ve entitled this episode Three Tales of Chivalry because, following on from our 25-part retelling of Gawain and the Green Knight, we imagined listeners might be jones-ing, for some shining armour and talking horses.

As such, this episode contains three of our more knightly stories, including our second-lap Cornwall story, The Once and Future King; or The Mad Man’s Dream, our second lap Northamptonshire story, Dionysia The Female Knight, and our live retelling of The Many of Adventures of Arundel the Horse, and His Blundering Knight, Sir Bevis of Hampton, as performed at The Chichester Festival last summer.

We really hope you enjoy them, and will be back with a new compilation episode next Monday. Or, if you're a Patreon Supporter, on Thursday and Saturday with new episodes of the Three Ravens Film Club!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Local Legends, Martin is joined by author, folklorist, musician and songwriter Paul Weatherhead, whose book Weird Calderdale is a must-have for fans of Yorkshire folklore!

Paul is a native of the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and was brought up in Hebden Bridge.

After finishing school and his BA, Paul spent several years teaching in Greece, Moscow and Northern Siberia before he returned to Calder Valley in the late 1990s.

With a longstanding obsession with the weird history of the area he grew up, he wrote Weird Calderdale, the first edition of which was released in 2003 which went on to become a local best-seller.

After earning his MA, Paul’s writing then began to be published in various magazines and journals, including Psychology Today, The Skeptic, Northern Life and Psychedelic Scene. He frequently writes on topics including mass hysteria, delusions, weird history and folklore.

And on the mass hysteria and delusions front, his latest book, released in September 2024, is called Social Panics and Phantom Attackers – A Study of Imaginary Assailants, which was co-written with renowned sociologist Robert Bartholomew: a mega-interesting topic which we discuss in some depth during this episode.

As well as his research interests, Paul is a musician and songwriter, playing electric mandolin with cult folk rock band The Ukrainians for many years, as well as composing solo work consisting of comic folk horror songs inspired by 60s psychedelia, 80s video nasties and the Hebden Bridge Times.

All of which makes Paul the ideal person to speak to about Yorkshire, and about folk music, too.

To learn more about Paul and his work and books, and to read his excellent blog, do be sure to visit his website at paulweatherhead.com.

Otherwise, settle in for a chat which engages with topics including local witches battling Cliff Richard, Yorkshire’s zombies, the Halifax guillotine, local anti-hero Tom Bell, unidentified flying objects, and so much more!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's bonus episode, we proudly present the first installment of a new series, Magus, all about the legendary lives of the most famous witches and wizards in history, and their legacies in the magic of the modern day.

In this first episode we are exploring the mythical life and magical accomplishments of King Solomon, including some of the iconic objects associated with him, such as the Seal of Solomon and the Lesser Key of Solomon, while also digging into the history of how the legends about him have come to be.

Via early Jewish mystic writings to Arabian folktales and Medieval European grimoires, we're sifting through sand, rifling through parchment scrolls, and seeking the truth behind forged texts, disputing revisionist accounts of the past and discussing archaeological evidence to separate fact from fiction.

For example, what was Solomon's Temple said to be like, and why can nobody find it? Did he really have a flying throne to whizz about on jolly adventures? What was his relationship like with the Queen of Sheba, and why is it said the Kingdom of Israel fell to pieces after he died?

From super-destructive magical worms to demons forced into manual handling work, a litany of pagan deities being worshiped in buildings right alongside armies of busy sex workers, we're weaving a wild tangle of stories, spells, mysteries and enchantments that we hope will enlighten and entertain.

Also, if anyone has any ideas as to what to get 700 wives as anniversary presents, please send your answers on a postcard.

Ideally one enhanced by an angel-summoning arcane wax seal...

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the icing on the cake of our Series 5 finale, we split Eleanor's chunky new mystery story "Old Stinker" into three parts, and this is its' suitably lycanthropic conclusion!

If you missed the first two parts, GO BACK! The tale begins in Series 5 Episode 13, continued with "Old Stinker Part II" and ends here, with Finn, Oona and Mr Timms taking a trip to the funfair - though what they find there is more than just dodgems and a coconut shy...

We won't say more about it here, but we hope you enjoy it, and do hang around at the end to hear Eleanor speak about her inspirations for the story, as well as the surprising amount of the tale which is based in folklore and in fact!

Otherwise, we will be back tomorrow with the first episode of our new Bonus Series Magus, about the legendary life of King Solomon, all before Saturday's Local Legends interview with Paul Weatherhead to round out Series 5 in style!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of our Series 5 finale, we've split Eleanor's tangled mystery story "Old Stinker" into three parts.

This is the second.

If you missed the first section, do check out yesterday's Yorkshire episode, in which Oona St Clair, in her new job working for 'Heritage Management' company Spenser & Associates, found herself drawn to Wold Newton, alongside her boss, Finn, and his friend and fellow assistant Mr Timms.

What lured the trio to Yorkshire were reports of missing pets and grave robbery, but as the team continue in their investigation and their list of suspects expands, Oona begins to wonder quite how many of the case's disparate threads might be connected...

We hope you enjoy the episode, and be sure to check back tomorrow for its concluding part - all before Thursday's first episode of our new Bonus Series Magus, about the legendary life of King Solomon!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our Series 5 finale, we're talking about the history and folklore of England's largest county, and Eleanor is telling a story so epic we've split it into three ridings! Or, should that be three parts?!

We start off chatting about St Hilary of Poitier, a right pain of a saint known for his pedantry and not much else, after which we yomp on to Yorkshire and get a bit literary!

We discuss all sorts to do with the county's past, not least the legacy of the Brontë Sisters, Whitby and its enduring Goth Weekend, and its claim to possess England's oldest pub, and plenty else, all before Eleanor offers up a silver platter of tasty County Dishes, including Yorkshire Pudding, Ilkley Cakes, and, of course, Parkin.

As for folklore, interspersed with some excerpts from next Saturday's Local Legends interview with Yorkshire-based folklorist, author and musician Paul Weatherhead, we talk about UFO abductions, demonic cats guarding treasure on lonely hilltops, screaming skulls, greedy dragons, lumbering giants, and much more besides.

Then it's on to the main event: the first third of Eleanor's sharp-clawed mystery story, "Old Stinker."

Fingers-crossed you enjoy the episode, be sure to check out the second part of Old Stinker tomorrow and its conclusion on Wednesday, and we'll also be back on Thursday with the first episode in our new Bonus Series Magus, about the legendary life of King Solomon, all before the full Local Legends chat with Paul comes out on Saturday!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's bonus episode, we proudly present the first installment of a new series, Forgotten Melodies, which is all about folk music, featuring explorations of types of folk song and original recordings which put fresh spins on trad tunes!

In this first episode, we are talking all about the seasonally-appropriate Wassail tradition, and are joined by our friend and collaborator Ben Harber, who, with Eleanor, delivers brand new versions of "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and "The Bottom of the Punch Bowl," talking through the song-types' musical features.

If you're unfamiliar with what a Wassail even is, you're in the right place, as we're chatting through the earliest records we have, from Anglo Saxon drinking games to Geoffrey of Monmouth and Shakespeare weaving Wassails into the fabric of English Literature.

But, while modern perceptions of Wassailing might relate hundreds of regionally varied folk songs to waking up apple orchards after winter, is that the purpose they have always served? Is there any difference between a Wassail Bowl and a Loving Cup?

And why oh why, on a Wassail, do people pin bits of toast to fruit trees?

As ever, we'll do our best to get to the bottom of these mysteries, and several others. All while trying to appease the Old Apple Tree Man, in the hope he might show us the way to buried treasure!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, for our penultimate County Episode of Series 5, we're talking all about the history and folklore of Cheshire, a legend-rich county whose identity and boundaries have been in near-constant flux ever since its founding.

We start off discussing Epiphany and Twelfth Night traditions, also touching on Wassailing, which we will be going into much more depth on during Thursday's Forgotten Melodies bonus episode.

After which we wander the Cheshire Plain and dig into the county's rich mines of folklore!

We chat through all sorts, not least the county's traditional teapot-shaped outline (and which bits of it have been lost to other counties and regional authorities) plus a whole bunch of Cheshire's haunted historic houses and natural features, as well as plenty else, all before Martin presents us with not just a County Dish this week, but a full-on County Three Course Meal, plus some traditional Cheshire snack options too!

When it comes to folklore, we've got lashing of lore, too, including local cryptid "The Wirral Kraken," tales of hitch-hiking witches, the Devil transforming into a hedgehog, mermaids, Ginny Greenteeth, and so much more.

Then it's on to the main event: Martin's unsettling telling of "The Cursed Fisherman of Hoylake."

We really hope you enjoy it all, and we'll be back on Thursday with our first ever episode of Forgotten Melodies, featuring two new versions of traditional Wassails from Ben and Eleanor, so be sure to bring some mulled cider along and let's wake some trees up from their winter slumber!

The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.