57. The Midge: Scotland’s Most Vicious Predator

57. The Midge: Scotland’s Most Vicious Predator

Author: The Scottish Folklore Podcast July 5, 2026 Duration: 25:56

The blasted, buzzing, biting midge is the most vicious predator in all of Scotland. One alone is not much to worry about, but they rarely come alone! In this episode Jenny looks at some of the lore around the minuscule midge, including some truly awful punishments, so listeners beware!


She also tells the tale of the bloodthirsty giant Thrim, and how the midge came to Scotland, which takes us all the way from Norway to Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, and finally to the little peninsula of Applecross. 


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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: 50

The Scottish Folklore Podcast
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