The First Welsh Jack-o'-Lantern: Devils, Demons, and a Lost Spirit in Welsh Folklore (Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees EP71)

The First Welsh Jack-o'-Lantern: Devils, Demons, and a Lost Spirit in Welsh Folklore (Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees EP71)

Author: Mark Rees October 7, 2021 Duration: 29:06
Halloween wouldn't be Halloween with a grinning jack-o'-lantern, but did you know that it was once far more sinister than a finely carved pumpkin? Nothing encapsulates Nos Calan Gaeaf - as we call Halloween in Wales - like the flickering face of a finely-carved lantern. But unlike the modern-day pumpkin which can be seen carried by trick or treaters, it was considered to be an all-too-real "dreaded ghost" which led people to their doom in the dark forests at harvest time. Its origins can be traced back to an old Welsh folk tale in which the Devil is outwitted by a particularly crafty Welshman, but who pays a heavy price for his dealings with Satan. On this Halloween special, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) explores the true horror behind the Welsh "Jack y Lantern" on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.     What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends. By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogi and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd. Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast

Each month, writer and historian Mark Rees guides you through the misty valleys and ancient ruins of a landscape steeped in story. Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees is a monthly journey into the nation's stranger history, where tales are treated with both a keen scholarly eye and a welcoming sense of wonder. Mark, described as a leading authority on the curious and paranormal threads in Wales' past, doesn't just recount spooky legends; he breathes life into them, exploring the origins and cultural echoes of each narrative. The podcast serves as an audio archive of the uncanny, moving seamlessly from the grandeur of "most haunted" castles to the intimate chill of a local poltergeist story, and from dark Gothic tales to the older, whimsical mysteries of fairy folklore. You'll find a unique blend here, where deep historical research meets the engaging delivery of a seasoned storyteller, all delivered with a touch of characterful wit. It’s for anyone fascinated by how places hold memory and myth, and how the past has a peculiar way of never quite staying silent. Tune in to hear a country's soul, as told through its most enduring and eerie whispers.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
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