BONUS EPISODE: Love, Jealousy, and a Haunted Castle: The Tale of Bertha

BONUS EPISODE: Love, Jealousy, and a Haunted Castle: The Tale of Bertha

Author: Jodie Paterson August 6, 2025 Duration: 3:27

Grab your favorite snack and get comfy, because we’re diving into a wild tale straight from the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This episode is all about Bertha de Bernard, the second Green Lady of Crathes Castle (otherwise known as the white lady of Crathes Castle), and trust me, her story is anything but a fairy tale. Picture this: a beautiful noblewoman caught in a whirlwind of love, jealousy, and betrayal — classic drama, right? But it takes a dark twist when her mother-in-law, Lady Agnes, isn’t having any of it and serves up a drink that changes everything. Now, Bertha’s spirit is said to roam the castle grounds every year on the anniversary of her untimely demise, dressed in ghostly hues of green or white, forever tied to that fateful night. So, if you ever find yourself wandering the castle at dusk, you might just spot her gliding through the shadows, and let’s be real, you probably don’t wanna follow her. Buckle up, because this story is a spine-chilling ride through love and lore!

Takeaways:

  • The tale of Bertha de Bernard unfolds a tragic love story tinged with betrayal and jealousy.
  • Crathes Castle's haunting history is marked by the ghostly presence of Bertha, the White Lady.
  • Every year, on the anniversary of her death, Bertha is seen wandering the castle grounds.
  • Lady Agnes Burnett's sinister actions led to Bertha's untimely demise, stirring the castle's folklore.
  • Visitors to Crathes Castle should beware of the ghostly figure in green or white at dusk.
  • Bite Sized Folklore dives deep into eerie legends, perfect for fans of spooky stories.


Jodie Paterson guides you through the misty glens and ancient ruins of Scotland and Ireland in Bitesized Folklore. This isn't a dry history lesson; it's an invitation to the hearthside for a story. Each episode is a compact journey, lasting about ten minutes, where Jodie brings to life the eerie legends and curious creatures that have whispered from these landscapes for centuries. You'll hear about the shapeshifting selkies emerging from the cold sea, the mischievous faeries who guard hidden paths, and the tragic ghosts that still walk crumbling castle walls. The podcast digs into the roots of these stories, considering what they reveal about the culture, fears, and hopes of the people who first told them. Released twice weekly, with a new tale every Monday, this series is for anyone who feels a pull toward the mysterious past. It’s designed for a quick commute, a short walk, or just a moment of escape. The magic of folklore is in its timelessness, and Jodie presents each piece with a sense of wonder and respect, making the old stories feel vividly present. Tune in for a regular dose of the strange and magical, served in perfectly digestible portions that linger long after the episode ends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bitesized Folklore
Podcast Episodes
From Beauty to Battle: The Many Faces of the Morrigan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Get ready to dive into the world of the Morrigan, the ultimate Phantom Queen of Irish mythology, where war and prophecy strut hand in hand! I’m Jodie, and we’re about to unravel the enigma of this fierce goddess who’s no…
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Today, we’re getting our folklore fix by diving into the world of leprechauns—those little dudes with the tiny hammers and a knack for trickery. Forget the cheesy green suits and pots of gold; we’re uncovering the real d…
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The Mystery of the Green Lady of Crathes Castle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:11
Today, we're diving into the spine-tingling legend of the Green Lady of Crathes Castle, a ghostly figure draped in mystery right outta North East Scotland. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill ghost story; we're talking…
Beware the Dullahan: The Headless Horror of Irish Folklore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:01
Today, we’re diving headfirst into the spine-chilling world of Irish folklore with none other than the Dullahan, the headless rider who’s basically the life of the death party! Picture this: a dude riding a jet-black hor…
Scotland's Mystic: The Wild Visions of the Brahan Seer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:59
Get ready to dive into the wild and mystical world of the Brahan Seer, a cat from the Scottish Highlands who had the uncanny ability to see into the future. Picture this: a man born in the 17th century, Kenneth the Sallo…
Swans, Spells, and Sorrow: The Tale of the Children of Lir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:51
Let me tell you, today’s tale is a real heart-tugger mixed with a sprinkle of magic and a pinch of mischief. We’re diving into the enchanting legend of the Children of Lir, where four kids get transformed into swans than…
The Tale of the Njuggle and the Blacksmith's Daughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:17
We're diving into the wild and windswept Shetland Islands today, and let me tell you, it's a trip filled with legends and a splash of spookiness. We’re hanging out with the Njuggle, a sneaky shape-shifting water spirit t…