52. Will o’ the Wisps

52. Will o’ the Wisps

Author: The Scottish Folklore Podcast March 8, 2026 Duration: 26:43

Sometimes called Spunkies, other times Will o’ the Wisps, whatever the name, these fiery spirits are always up to no good. And by no good I mean straight up bog-induced murder! Will o’ the Wisps are fiery orbs that lure lost and weary travellers away from the path and out into the vast swampy moors, and in this episode Jenny tells a tale where the poor unsuspecting victim is none other than the moon herself!


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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
Podcast Episodes
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49. Tam o’ Shanter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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47. Christmas Time Tales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Scottish Yuletide and Hogmanay Traditions [Re-Release] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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46. Assipattle and the Mester Stoorworm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:36
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45. Origins of the Selkie Folk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:47
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