The Twelve Wild Geese

The Twelve Wild Geese

Author: Jodie Paterson September 19, 2025 Duration: 6:46

Today, we’re exploring a tale of envy, regret, and redemption with the story of the twelve wild geese. A queen who’s got everything but a daughter, and in a moment of longing, she makes a wish that spirals into chaos. Spoiler alert: her wish comes true, but it comes with a heavy price—her 12 sons are turned into geese! As the story unfolds, we see the daughter, Snow White and Rose Red, on a quest to save her brothers and break the curse while keeping her mouth zipped for a whopping five years. Yeah, you heard me right! Grab your snacks, get cozy, and let’s unravel the magic, heartache, and a solid dose of family drama together!

Takeaways:

  • In this episode, we dive deep into a tale that's all about envy, regret, and redemption, trust me, it's a wild ride!
  • A mother’s wish for a daughter leads to a heart-wrenching curse that takes away her 12 sons, highlighting the dangers of longing.
  • Our girl Snow White and Rose Red was born beautiful but soon felt the weight of family secrets and a missing connection, talk about heavy!
  • The story teaches us that silence can be both a burden and a necessity, especially when it comes to breaking family curses.
  • As our heroine embarks on a quest to save her brothers, she shows us that love can drive us to do the impossible, like knitting shirts for geese!
  • In the end, the power of love and perseverance triumphs, reminding us that happy endings are often just a wild journey away!


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: 56

Bitesized Folklore
Podcast Episodes
Stingy Jack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:54
In this episode we’re diving into the wild world of Halloween legends! First up, let’s shine a spotlight on the infamous Stingy Jack, a dude who outsmarted the devil not once, but twice—talk about a slippery character! T…
Chasing Love: The Epic Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:25
Get ready to dive into a wild ride of love, loyalty, and a whole lot of drama in the tale of Diarmuid and Grainne! Picture this: a wedding feast gone sideways when our girl Grainne, all young and fiery, locks eyes on the…
Names That Bind: The Scottish Riddle of Whuppity Stoorie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:02
We’re diving into a wild Scottish tale today, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss this one! Picture a poor woman with a sick kiddo and a mysterious creature popping up by the river, ready to strike a deal that’ll leave yo…
Bulls and Blood: The Legendary Cattle Raid of Cooley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:53
Get ready to saddle up, folks, ‘cause we’re diving into the wild world of Irish mythology with a legendary tale that’s got it all: pride, power, blood, curses, and one seriously coveted bull. We’re spilling the tea on th…
Three Coats, One Epic Adventure: The Story of Rashiecoats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:29
We’re diving into a super intriguing tale today about a girl named Rashiecoats, who’s got not just one, but three incredible coats that are as magical as they sound. Picture this: a king’s daughter who’s bright and capab…
The Leanan Sidhe: Muse or Menace? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:32
Get ready to dive into the enchanting, yet slightly perilous world of the Leanan Sidhe, the fairy muse of Irish folklore! Tonight, we're unpacking how this captivating figure can light up the hearts of artists or, you kn…
The Bauchan: The Hairy Houseguests You Didn't Ask For! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:38
We're diving into the wild, misty hills of the Scottish Highlands to meet the Bauchan, a creature who's like your best mate and the flatmate from hell all rolled into one. Picture this: a hairy little dude who can crash…
The Lazy Beauty and Her Aunts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:47
Get ready to kick back and dive into the tale of the lazy beauty and her aunts, where we uncover the sneaky side of hard work—or the lack thereof! So, this girl is basically a master of dodging chores, turning heads whil…
When Beauty Turns Deadly: The Baobhan Sith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving deep into the Scottish Highlands, where the winds whisper secrets and the shadows dance with danger. We’re unpacking the chilling legend of the Baobhan Sith —a bewitching be…
Oisín in Tír na nÓg: The Land of Youth and Sorrow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:53
We're diving into the enchanting legend of Oisin in Tirna Nog, where love, loss, and the relentless tick-tock of time collide in the most beautiful way. Picture this: Oisin, a total legend himself, gets swept off his fee…