Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
Episodes
Thursday Sep 24, 2020
Thursday Sep 24, 2020
Dare you cross the Devil's Bridge?
In this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast, join Mark Rees (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ Paranormal Wales" etc.) for a journey in search of Satan himself who, it is claimed, built a bridge over a great chasm in west Wales in exchange for the soul of an old Welsh widow.
This story is one of Wales' most popular folk tales, and while it might seem a little bit too far-fetched to be true, there's no denying the fact that the Devil's Bridge really does exits in the village of Pontarfynach. In fact, it's not just one bridge but three.
By digging deeper into the origins of this much-loved tale we can attempt to separate the fact from the fiction, and uncover the real secret history behind this most diabolical of spans.
Did the Devil really build a bridge in haunted Wales? Press play to find out more!
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
Thursday Sep 17, 2020
In this real-life ghost story, a terrified Welsh farmer is forced to flee from a spectral locomotive as it hurtles around the idyllic landscape. But this was no ordinary ghost train - according to the witness, it was a ghost train from the future.
Join MARK REES (author of "Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales") as he delves into the archives in search of evidence surrounding this extremely rare type of haunting, and asks if a ghostly form really can travel "back to the future".
He also takes a quick look at the at more physical ghost trains to be found in the fun fairs of haunted Wales, or rather the lack of them as the case may be.
Did the farmer really see such paranormal activity in Victorian Carmarthenshire, or was it clairvoyance or second sight at work? Press play to find out more in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast!
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Did a Welsh witch really invent beer in her magical cauldron? And what macabre part did it play in the funeral traditions of old?
Join MARK REES (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ "Paranormal Wales" etc.) as he goes in search of the often dark and Gothic myths, legends and folklore surrounding the history of beer in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast.
Considered to be the "national drink of Wales", this frothy beverage has connections with the fantastical tale of Ceridwen and Taliesin, played an important role in funeral processions, and by using the correct bits of folk knowledge hangovers could be avoided.
Oh, and did you know that women used to hold secret cheese and beer parties when the men weren't looking? Press play to find out more...
Cheers/ iechyd da!
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
The world is full of magical tales about fairies, but have you ever wondered where they come from?
According to Welsh folklore, the little folk originated in either north Wales or south Wales, and the answer to that question - along with many others - is revealed in this episode of the GHOSTS & FOLKLORE podcast with Mark Rees (author of "Ghosts of Wales"/ "Paranormal Wales" etc.).
In the company of a pioneering Victorian writer who travelled from America to Wales and recorded many a fairy tale, join them for a whirlwind tour which looks at old beliefs in the mischievous creatures, and some real-life hiding places where they are said to have dwelt.
This episode is the perfect starting point for anyone with an interest in folklore and fairy tales, and lays the groundwork for many of the fantastical - and occasionally dark - tales to follow.
Do you believe in fairies? Listen to this podcast before making your mind up!