Scotland's Shapeshifting Selkies and Fantastical Faeries

Scotland's Shapeshifting Selkies and Fantastical Faeries

Author: The Faerie Folk April 1, 2020 Duration: 38:29

Our latest magical excursion takes us up to Scotland to have a look at two different Scottish folk creatures - selkies (also known as silkies, selchie or roane) and faeries (or fairies if you prefer!)  

We begin our journey at the very top of the country, on the edge of Duncansby Head, close to John O'Groats. Down below the waves, we come face to face with a whole community of friendly, but mysterious selkies. But what exactly is a selkie? Well, stick around to hear the folktale of the Seal Catcher's Adventure and discover how one man's chance encounter with a shapeshifting stranger changes his life forever. 

Then, we travel down to Nithsdale in southern Scotland to meet a member of the Faerie Folk and dive into a magical story centred around the powerful 'fairy ointment' that pops up in folklore from across the United Kingdom. 

[This episode is a re-recorded version of the one originally released in April 2020. The new version was uploaded in July 2025].

There's more folklore, myths and legends waiting for you over on social media, so why not join us on:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefaeriefolk 
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The music featured in today's episode is:

Galway by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3795-galway/ 
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

The Road Less Travelled / Gabriel Lewis / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Greyish Regret / Charles Holme / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
The Last of Our Kind (Edit) / Jon Björk / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
A King's Ransom / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
The Norman Kings / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Winds of Aetheria/ Dian Shuai / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Vagabond's Awakening / Dian Shuai / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Circle of Stones / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Lost Empire / David Celeste / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Commence Orbit / Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
My Soul Delights / Bonnie Grace / courtesy of Epidemic Sound


Step into a world where ancient stones whisper and misty moors hold secrets with The Faerie Folk-Folklore, Myths and Legends from the U.K. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an invitation to experience the living breath of British folklore through your ears. Your host acts as a guide on these audio journeys, weaving together narrative, historical context, and immersive sound design to bring each tale vividly to life. You'll encounter the elusive creatures of Celtic myth, unravel the truths behind local legends, and walk the landscapes where these stories were born. The podcast delves into the cultural roots of these traditions, exploring how they shaped communities and continue to resonate today. Designed for curious minds of all ages, each episode is a self-contained adventure, perfect for family listening or a solitary escape. The magic of this podcast lies in its ability to transport you across time and terrain, from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the enchanted forests of England, all through the power of story and sound. Settle in and let the tales begin.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

The Faerie Folk - Folklore, Myths and Legends from the U.K
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