51. Corp Creadha: Scottish Voodoo Dolls and Black Magic

51. Corp Creadha: Scottish Voodoo Dolls and Black Magic

Author: The Scottish Folklore Podcast February 22, 2026 Duration: 29:16

This episode sees Jenny exploring the mysterious and often malicious dark magic of Corp Creadha, or Clay Bodies. These are Scotland’s version of voodoo dolls, and although less well known than their famous counterparts, as the three tales in this episode tell, they are by no means any less powerful!


These stories are of a heartbroken man out on a Hebridean Island, a vengeful witch from Inverness and her vendetta against the Provost, and of Mac Ian Ghiorr, a notorious cattle thief from Ardnamurchan, who causes all sorts of trouble for the Maclean’s of Duart on Mull.


Each tale has a Clay Body at its heart, here’s just hoping there’s not a needle in there too!



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Step into the misty glens and ancient castles of Scotland with The Scottish Folklore Podcast. Your guide, Jenny Johnstone, has a voice made for storytelling, drawing you directly into the heart of each narrative she shares. This isn't just a recitation of old stories; it's an immersion into the landscapes and mindsets that created them. You'll hear tales of selkies shedding their skins on rocky shores, encounters with the otherworldly inhabitants of the sidhe, and the clever exploits of legendary heroes whose names echo through the Highlands. Each episode is a journey to a specific place, uncovering the local lore that has been whispered for generations. The podcast weaves together threads from history, culture, and pure imaginative fiction, revealing how these stories served as both entertainment and a way to explain the mysterious world. It’s about the feeling of a peat fire on a dark night and the sense that magic might just be lingering in the next valley over. By focusing on one tale at a time, Jenny gives each story the space to breathe, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the character, tension, and wonder embedded in these traditional narratives. For anyone curious about the roots of Scottish culture or simply in love with a well-told tale, this podcast offers a direct and captivating connection to a rich oral heritage.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

The Scottish Folklore Podcast
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