Two tales of Anglo Saxon mythical creatures

Two tales of Anglo Saxon mythical creatures

Author: Frank Docherty September 29, 2025 Duration: 20:00

What Are “Anglo-Saxon Tales”?

“Anglo-Saxon” refers to the people who settled in what is now England from roughly the 5th to the 11th centuries (the Angles, the Saxons, the Jutes, etc.)
Their tales are the stories, poems, myths, legends, riddles, and heroic narratives produced by or for those people mostly in Old English.

  • Oral tradition was very important. Storytellers (often called scops) would recite or sing tales to an audience, sometimes accompanied by music (like lyres).

  • Only a minority of people could read and write. When tales were written, it was usually by monks in monasteries. That means many stories survive today only because someone decided to write them down much later.


  • Frank Docherty hosts The Wanderer, a podcast that moves through the deep forests and mead halls of early medieval England. This isn't a dry recitation of dates, but an exploration of how people thought, believed, and told stories. You’ll hear discussions on the foundational myths and local spirits that populated the Anglo-Saxon world, understanding how folklore was woven into daily life. The conversation naturally extends to the complex religious landscape, from the old gods to the coming of Christianity, and how these forces collided and merged. History provides the anchor, examining the society and events that formed the backdrop for everything else. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering layers of a rich tapestry, where a heroic poem, a pagan ritual, and a historical king might all be connected. Each episode aims to make the distant past feel tangible and relevant, exploring the wisdom and the weirdness of a foundational era. The goal is to provide a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes, all while appreciating the haunting beauty of the language and ideas left behind. It’s for anyone curious about the roots of stories and the echoes of a world that still subtly shapes our own.
    Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

    The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion
    Podcast Episodes
    Anglo Saxon resistance against Norman rule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 9:40
    Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Anglo-Saxon populace mounted several resistance efforts against William the Conqueror's rule. These uprisings were driven by widespread resentment towards the oppress…
    Murder in Anglo Saxon England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 21:02
    In Anglo-Saxon England, murder was regarded as a serious crime, and there were various legal practices and customs in place for dealing with it. These practices evolved over the course of the Anglo-Saxon period (roughly…
    Yule and Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 8:10
    Yule is a pagan celebration rooted in Northern European traditions, marking the winter solstice (around December 21–22). It celebrates the return of the sun and the renewal of life. Common customs include burning a Yule…
    Anglo Saxon Leatherwork [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 16:32
    Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Leather working Leather working was an essential craft in Anglo-Saxon England (circa 5th to 11th centuries) and played a crucial role in everyday life. The Anglo-Saxons were skilled artisans w…
    The Spear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 9:18
    The spear has been a crucial weapon in English warfare, both for its versatility and its effectiveness in various military contexts. Its use spans from the early medieval period through the Renaissance, reflecting the ev…
    The English Billhook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 8:22
    The billhook, often referred to simply as a "bill," is a traditional weapon that originated in medieval Europe, primarily used by infantry soldiers. It evolved from an agricultural tool used for pruning and cutting branc…
    Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 11:07
    The "Broken Back Seax" is a type of knife or dagger that was characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons, the Germanic inhabitants of England from the 5th century AD until the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name "seax" itself refer…
    Hide Tanning in Anglo Saxon England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

    Duration: 9:06
    In Anglo-Saxon England, hide tanning was a significant craft. Hides were processed to create leather, which served various purposes, including clothing, footwear, armor, and household items. Here are some true facts abou…