A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part One

A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part One

Author: Paul A.T. Wilson December 16, 2021 Duration: 10:00

A Christmas Carol, Stave Two: The First of the Spirits, Part One

Adapted, Directed and Produced by Paul A.T. Wilson

Narrator: Paul A.T. Wilson
Scrooge: Oliver Fry
Ghost of Christmas Past: Jake Brading
Fan: Naeve Hunter
Fezziwig: Paul A.T. Wilson

Music: David Pudney
Sound Design: Paul A.T. Wilson

Copyright 2021, This production is published under the International Creative Commons Attribution Licence version 4

The curtains of the bed were drawn aside; starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, Scrooge found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them.

It was a strange figure -- like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium, which gave him the appearance of having receded from the view, and being diminished to a child's proportions. Its hair, which hung about its neck and down its back, was white as if with age; and yet the face had not a wrinkle in it, and the tenderest bloom was on the skin. It held a branch of fresh green holly in its hand; and, in singular contradiction of that wintry emblem, had its dress trimmed with summer flowers. But the strangest thing about it was, that from the crown of its head there sprung a bright clear jet of light, by which all this was visible; and which was doubtless the occasion of its using, in its duller moments, a great extinguisher for a cap, which it now held under its arm.


In Tales of Wihtlore: Folklore and Stories from a sacred isle, Paul A.T. Wilson acts as a modern-day keeper of ancient wisdom, drawing inspiration from Britain's most hallowed landscapes. This podcast is rooted in the deep magic and mythology that permeates the land, long before history was written down. Each episode feels like a journey into those other domains, realms of mist and subtle sorcery that are felt more often than they are seen. You'll hear stories passed down through generations, tales that capture the unique spirit of a sacred isle where the veil between worlds is famously thin. The narrative style is immersive and contemplative, designed to transport you directly into the heart of these legends. It’s a fiction podcast built on the very real, atmospheric folklore that defines a magical Britain. Listening becomes an act of shared meditation, uncovering the whispers and shadows that have shaped a culture’s imagination. Paul A.T. Wilson weaves these threads not as simple retellings, but as living encounters with the past. The result is a deeply atmospheric collection where every myth and legend feels personally discovered, resonating with a timeless quality that modern life often overlooks. This isn't just about stories; it's about experiencing the persistent echo of an older, enchanted world that still lingers in the landscape and in memory.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Tales of Wihtlore: Folklore and Stories from a sacred isle
Podcast Episodes
The Erdrawyrm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:34
Deep within the chalky earth, permeated by the greasy loam that runs in veins through the land are tunnels. These tunnels travel in a haphazard way, twisting and turning, going right and left and up and down and they for…
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part Three [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:02
The final part of the Wihtlore around Beltaine. In this part I speak about St Catherine's oratory, it's connection to the magic of the Island and read from the wonderful Legends and lays of the Wight by P.G. Stone
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:41
Continuing on with the Wihtlore of Beltane, I describe old accounts of practises as the Hexal Grove. I describe the Oaken Youth and the Spring Maiden and their courtship and the trials of the woods.
The Wyrd and Wihtlore -- Beltaine and Mayday Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:57
This week I speak about Beltaine / Mayday and some of the Wihtlore that goes with it. Welcome to Part one. I talk about the ancient ceremonies, the old songs,, the ancient rivers and the magics of the Island
From the Crows Nest: 2019-08-15 -- The Wee Hill Folk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:48
I go walking through the hills in Scotland and find a lovely lake to sit by and talk about the Wee Hill Folk and their struggle with humanity. I share my adventure with you. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesacred…
From the Crows Nest: 2019-08-08 -- Nine Sacred Herbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:39
I venture into the haunted Morey's Copes on the Isle of Wight to take some time out to visit the Nine Sacred Herbs. Also, please check out my Kickstarter for my new Magazine. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesacre…