S04 Episode 2: The Night People & The Time of Souls

It is November in an Estonian village and it is the Time of Souls, when dead ancestors return and roam, visiting homes and enjoying the pleasures of life in the sauna In this time of extended night, there are forces afoot, and not just those of deceased ancestors. There might be Nututaja: the evil eye, whose envy distresses and disturbs the new-born, and is one amongst a number of supernatural threats around the globe that threaten the infant. Perhaps a symbol of the immense world - with all of its dangers - surrounding the vulnerable little one, the Nututaja’s influence unsettles the baby, who becomes colicky and unable to sleep. In fact, Nututaja’s envy, the evil eye, is so powerful that it creates what seems to be an entity in its own right: Ööitketaja, the Night Wail. A huge thank you to Maarja Nuut, a stunningly talented Estonian musician whose music seems made for these stories. Songs: 'Siidisulis linnukene,' 'Veere, Veere, paevakene,' and 'Odangule.' For more from Maarja, see her website: https://maarjanuut.com/ Introduction Music: Estonian Cradle Song

Om Podcasten

This podcast is a storytelling journey through world-folklore. With brief context and analysis in the introductions, the main focus is the retelling of stories themselves. From saucer-eyed spectral dogs to pond-scum haunting child-eating witches - experience the darker side of Britain's folklore in Series 1. Then journey to central and eastern Europe to the world of Slavic folklore, home of Baba Yaga and lurking nature spirits (Series 2). From there, step into the vast world of Nordic Folklore, where creatures abound in the woodlands, mountains and fjords of beautiful northern climes. Look out a series called 'Earth Lore' this autumn/winter to celebrate the natural world and a series on Japanese and Korean folklore next spring.