Episode 126: THE TRICKSTER

Episode 126: THE TRICKSTER

Author: Mark Norman March 3, 2023 Duration: 56:48

The idea of the trickster is a strong archetype in mythology and folklore in different cultures around the world. Whether a deity, a human or something more anthropomorphic, the trickster uses their intellect to create confusion, subvert rules or simply, to play tricks.

Of course, the trickster is not just confined to mythology. Where folklore crosses into popular culture, we can still find the trickster looming large from older texts such as Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream with Puck at the centre, to Looney Tunes’s Bugs Bunny.

On this episode of the podcast, special guest Dr. Shepherd Siegel, author of two books on the theme of the trickster, discusses the subject with literary correspondent Hilary Wilson.

To support the work of the Folklore Podcast and the Folklore Library and Archive, please visit www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast


Mark Norman hosts The Folklore Podcast, a series that digs into the stories, customs, and beliefs passed down through generations across the globe. This isn't just about fairy tales; it's an exploration of how folklore shapes our identities, communities, and understanding of the world, touching on history, culture, and even spirituality. The podcast stands out for its direct conversations with researchers, authors, and other specialists, making deep scholarship accessible to everyone. You'll hear specific episodes examining everything from local legends and seasonal rituals to the deeper symbolic meanings behind familiar traditions. The show's consistent quality and engaging approach have placed it among the most listened-to podcasts internationally. Each episode offers a chance to step into a different cultural landscape, understanding the human experiences behind the myths. Tune in to this documentary-style podcast for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that connect ancient patterns to modern life, all presented in a clear and compelling way by a host deeply embedded in the subject.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Folklore Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Folklore and Magic Roundtable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
An episode of 'Folklore in the Field' presenting interviews and discussions recorded live at events we attend.This episode features a roundtable discussion on the topic of folklore and magical practice, recorded in assoc…
Episode 157: LINCOLNSHIRE FOLKLORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:39
Wherever we might be in the world, we find that folklore will always take on very specific regional variations: any area will have both its own unique stories and versions of other tales which have been shaped by local k…
Episode 156: TRAUMA AND THE PARANORMAL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:32
In this episode of the Folklore Podcast we explore the psychology of trauma and its intersection with alleged paranormal phenomena, with guests Bill and Jaci Kousoulas.For some, paranormal occurrences can be a precursor…
Episode 155: THE FOX IN ASIAN FOLKLORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:03
The image of the fox appears in many cultures as a trickster figure, but in Asian folklore there are some subtle differences. The Chinese fox is a symbol of intelligence, and has the ability to shapeshift for example.Exp…
Episode 154: MONSTROUS WOMEN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
In the field of Gothic literature, from the Penny Dreadful and Chapbook through the Penny Bloods and novels. whether it a classic like Bronte or something less well known, there are many ways in which the female characte…
Episode 153: EVERYDAY FOLKLORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:29
We welcome writer and folklore graduate Liza Frank to the Folklore Podcast for an episode looking at the many different ways in which you might be able to combine a bit of folklore into your daily life.In conversation wi…
Episode 152: NICK MEDINA - Native American lore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
Nick Medina's debut novel from 2023, 'Sisters of the Lost Nation', describes the hunt for answers as a Native girl searches for information about women who have been mysteriously disappearing from her tribe's reservation…
Episode 151: RAT HOLES, POTHOLES AND MANHOLES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:56
Folklorist Mark Norman, the creator and host of The Folklore Podcast, returns to write and present an individual episode of the show.Spurred on by the recent viral sharing of the Chicago Rat Hole, Mark takes a look at th…
Episode 150 - AISLING: VISIONS OF IRELAND [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:59
Aisling is the Irish for dream or vision, and it may take the form of a vision poem. The genre was developed as a part of the wider Irish language poetry field at the end of the 17th century, going into the 18th. More br…
Episode 149 - LOKI: A BAD GOD? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:33
Season 9 of The Folklore Podcast kicks off with another examination of folklore writing for a younger audience.Special guest on this first episode of a new season, Louie Stowell, discusses Norse Mythology, gods, writing…