EP80 Mysteries of the Mari Lwyd: The Welsh ”Christmas Horse” goes from folk favourite to folk horror in Victorian Wales. Explore the lore and history on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Explore Wales’s weird and wonderful Christmastime tradition, the festive "bone horse" that is the Mari Lwyd! The Mari Lwyd is a curious custom which sees a hobby horse-like like creature challenge people to a battle in verse - what some call a "rap battle" - and, if victorious, enters their home to eat their cakes and ale. But what began as a good-natured folk tradition soon descended into one of chaotic folk horror, and as we discover on this episode, it got so out of hand that the Mari Lwyd was outlawed. Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the mysteries of the Mari Lwyd on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!     What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends. By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogi, to dark and Gothic Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf traditions to the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd. Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast

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Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Dive deep into ghost stories, ancient lore, myths, and legends from haunted Wales. Join author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – ”arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – for a journey through the weird and wonderful history of Cymru and beyond. From “most haunted” Welsh castles to fairy-filled forests, each episode explores spine-chilling topics like pesky poltergeists and uncanny apparitions; seasonal traditions such as the Mari Lwyd and Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf); real-life ghostbusters and paranormal investigators who venture into the unknown; and eerie customs like the Sin Eater and corpse candles. Listeners who enjoy uncovering unexplained mysteries, delving into the supernatural like The X-Files, or exploring haunted locations similar will love the tales lurking within. Discover the real-life hauntings behind legends, like the Skirrid Mountain Inn, or eerie events in the remote hills and forests of Wales, where legends like the mystical Ceffyl Dŵr or the dreaded Gwyllgi roam the night. If you’re a fan of horror classics, the ghostly atmospheres of Gothic stories, or the folklore and mythology found in The Mabinogion, this podcast is perfect for you. These gripping accounts will take you from ancient Druid rituals to modern-day Welsh witchcraft. Expect exciting ghost hunts, interviews with paranormal experts, and plenty of spine-tingling stories that will transport you to the haunted corners of Wales, where magic and the supernatural blend with history. Whether you’re fascinated by the macabre traditions of phantom funerals or intrigued by the legends of mythical creatures, the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast offers a captivating exploration of the unknown. Don’t miss an episode – subscribe now and unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales with Mark Rees, where history, myth, and magic still cast a spell over the land.