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
Beware the Each-Uisge: A Tale of Loss and Revenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Beware the Woods: The Enchanted Story of Tam Lin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Get ready to dive into the wild tale of Tam Lin, where a fearless gal named Janet takes a stroll through the haunted woods of Caterhaugh and bumps into a fairy knight. Seriously, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill fairy tal…
Deirdre of the Sorrows: A Heartbreaking Irish Myth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:04
Get ready to dive into the heart-wrenching tale of Deirdre of the Sorrows, one of the most tragic love stories from Irish mythology. We’re talking beauty, prophecy, and enough heartbreak to make your heart do a somersaul…
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…