This is the end. Thanks for listening! Contact at [email protected] www.fiveminutefolklore.com Buy bonus episodes at https://bobshoy.bandcamp.com/ Support editing time at https://www.patreon.com/bobshoy -Part of The Bob Shoy Podcast

#33 - Adze: Vampires of Africa

Aug 13th, 2020 17m 30s

Folklore from West Africa, specifically the areas of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, that originate from the Ewe, Akan, Ashanti and Dahomey people.The story on this episode tells of the Adze, a creature with the ability to travel as a fi

#32 - Strigoi: Vampires of Europe

Jun 12th, 2020 32m 27s

Folklore from Eastern Europe, specifically Romania and Croatia.The first of two episodes dedicated to vampire folklores. This episode looks at Strigoi, the inspiration for the most famous vampire of all; 'Dracula', from the novel by Bram Stoker

#31 - Curupira & Boto Encantos

May 1st, 2020 18m 59s

Folklore from Brazil.The Protector of the Amazon Forest; Curupira, and Transforming Party-loving Dolphins from the Amazon River; Boto Encantos.Contact at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv

#30 - Sedna & Qivittoq

Oct 12th, 2019 19m 51s

Folklore from Greenland. The Goddess of the Sea; Sedna, and the exiled wandering spirit; Qivittoq.Contact at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#29 - NyamiNyami

Jan 8th, 2019 13m 59s

The episode is all about the snake spirit river God; NyamiNyami, who lives within the waters of the Zambezi river, that runs between the African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The story on this one is a retelling of actual events that occurr

#28 - La Befana

Dec 20th, 2018 15m 39s

This festive episode of Five Minute Folklore takes a look at La Befana - the Christmas witch of Italy, who visits children to delivery gifts of the eve of Epiphany. There are many similarities between her and the more modern Santa Claus, althou

#27 - Fatma Al Samha & Fatoom: Daughter of Beggars

Dec 6th, 2018 24m 6s

This episode features two stories; both longer than usual, from two different African countries - Sudan and Libya. The Sudanese story of Fatma Al Samha, or Fatma The Beautiful if one of the most well known folklores in the ahaji style, and the

#26 - Vila

Nov 22nd, 2018 29m 40s

Slavic folklore originating in Serbia, but told over many European countries, Vila are nature spirits that are also fearsome warriors, and mesmerising dancers. Otherwise known as Wilis, they are also the inspiration for the ballet Giselle, and

#25 - Pasancana & El Familiar

Nov 8th, 2018 18m 11s

This episode covers two different folklores from Argentina - The Legend of the Cactus; Pasancana, and The Devil's fearsome debt collector; El Familiar. Contact at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast

#24 - Banshee

Oct 25th, 2018 29m 19s

Celtic folklore. On this Halloween episode, I decided to look at the most famous ghost of them all - The Banshee, an omen of death which originates in Irish folklore. This episode looks at the possible origins of the myth, similar figures from

#23 - Grootslang

Aug 30th, 2018 16m 46s

Folklore from South Africa. Mistakenly created at the dawn of time by the Gods, the Grootslang is a cryptid that now lurks the rivers and caves of South Africa, eating elephants, and hoarding diamonds. Contact at [email protected]

#22 - Suur Tõll

Aug 16th, 2018 15m 56s

Folklore from Estonia - The legend of Suur Tõll, otherwise known as Toell the Great, or Tyll the Giant, who defends his island of Saaremaa, alongside his wife Piret, against the attacking hordes, the evil Warlord, and his rival, Vanatuhi, The O

#21 - Aldar Kose

Jul 19th, 2018 16m 23s

This episode looks at the legendary trickster from the folklore of Kazakhstan - Aldar Kose. He is a hero of the lower classes who always comes out on top, by outwitting the wealthy.Contact at [email protected]

#20 - El Sombrerón

Jun 28th, 2018 17m 31s

This episode is all about the guitar-playing, hair-braiding, sombrero-wearing, El Sombrerón, from Guatemalan folklore. His music can mesmerise young girls, as he attempts to woo them, and possibly steal their souls...Contact at fiveminutefolklo

#19 - Taniwha

Jun 14th, 2018 21m 51s

Maori folklore from New Zealand on this episode - we take a look at the Taniwha, the protective, or dangerous, water-dragons. This episode explores Maori beliefs and superstitions, taniwhas role as a monster or protector, and it’s similarities

#18 - Eloko

May 17th, 2018 16m 19s

This episode looks at Eloko - the grass-covered trolls which dwell within the rainforests of the Congo. A five-minute story, followed by a closer look at the Eloko, variations on the legends, and what the creature possibly represents. Contact a

#17 - Arash The Archer

Mar 29th, 2018 20m 3s

This episode explores the heroic Iranian folklore character of Arash The Archer. He is a symbol of sacrifice and bravery in Persian culture, and his story has been told for many, many years. We look at the many variations of his tale, his impor

#16 - Tikbalang

Mar 22nd, 2018 21m 55s

Folklore from the Philippines. The Tikbalang is half-man, half-horse, and dwells within the forests to trick travellers into losing their way. This episode looks at the many variations of Tikbalang beliefs, possible sightings, and origins possi

#15 - La Llorona

Mar 15th, 2018 28m 13s

Mexican folklore. La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, has been told in many variations across generations. There are a few versions of the tale on this episode as well as a look at similarities to Greek and Aztec folklores, and how the stories ha

#14 - Boggarts

Mar 1st, 2018 28m 43s

Folklore from the north of England, and my most requested topic - Boggarts. Includes the stories, 'The Farmer and The Boggart', and 'The Legend of Boggart Hole Clough'. I also talk about superstitions, appearances in fantasy media, and The Griz

#13 - Tatzelwurm

Feb 22nd, 2018 24m 18s

Real or Myth? This episode takes a look at The Alps Dragon - Tatzelwurm. We talk about the legend of Heinrich Von Winkelried, variations of the Tatzelwurm, and some real life sightings and hoaxes.Contact at [email protected]

#12 - Headless Horseman

Jan 11th, 2018 26m 50s

This episode looks at Headless Horseman stories from all over the world. From the oldest stories of the Dullahan in Ireland, and the German horsemen written down by the Brothers Grimm, to Ichabod Crane and The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow.Contact at

#11 - The Rainbow Serpent

Jan 4th, 2018 25m

This week we're taking a look at the world's oldest religious symbol - The Rainbow Serpent, from the indigenous cultures of Australia.It is an aboriginal creator God whose first images appeared over 6000 years ago.Contact at fiveminutefolklore@

#10 - Ceridwen & Taliesin

Dec 28th, 2017 30m 3s

Welsh Folklore this week. The stories of Ceridwen the Enchantress, and Taliesin the Bard were too connected to split into separate episodes, so I will be talking about both on this one. Pagan beliefs, ancient texts, and Arthurian connections.Co