The Folklore Forum

Hello, welcome to the Folklore Forum, your place to explore the world of folk and fairy tales. This week, I’m sharing Chapter 2 from my latest short story, In the Company of Elves—the origin story of my two favourite Seelie (or Elf) characters, Agnur & Ulfur. If you haven’t listened to Chapter 1, you can go back to the previous episode and listen before starting this one. The third and final chapter will debut in the next episode.

Part 3 - Chapter 3 will be out next episode, but if you can’t wait to find out how this story concludes and whether Ulfur will be accepted into Seelie society by their Queen, you can download and read the full story for free by going to www.folkloreforum.org 

* This story was written, read, edited, and produced by Natalie Guttormsson.

In this episode, I have a treat for you listeners. I’m turning my latest short story, In the Company of Elves, into an audiobook, and over the next three episodes, I’ll be sharing one chapter of the recording with you at a time.

This episode includes Chapter One, Part One, of In the Company of Elves. Part 2 - Chapter 2 will be out next episode, but if you can’t wait to find out what happens next, you can download and read the full story for free by going to www.folkloreforum.org  

The story was written, read, edited, and produced by me, Natalie Guttormsson.

Why is it that we love talking about elves, huldufolk, and fairies? Why do we have so much passion about these stories and is it unique to one culture? Find out in this episode of the Folklore forum

*NEW SHORT STORY*

In the Company of Elves by Natalie Guttormsson In the wake of the Ragnarok Revolution, new alliances must be formed for mutual survival. When a Vanir named Ulfur finds himself lost on the battlefield and rescued by elves, he is forced to face some uncomfortable truths about his past, his kind, and the future of the entire hidden realm. Get it free here.

Resources:

Neil Gaiman - Stories Keep Us Alive

Blind Boy Podcast - Hozier

This is the elf episode. Many countries around the world have folklore that includes elf-like beings. In this episode, we examine the etymology of the word "elf" and the synonyms: alfar, seelie/unseelie, wights, and fair folk along with some modern tolk tales.

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Saturday Stories

Start your weekend off with a little bit of whimsy and inspiration by signing up for my Saturday Stories and you'll receive:

Sign up for Saturday Stories by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/saturdays

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Links:
The Fair Folk - Edited by Marvin Kaye

Mexican President Sees Elf

Natalie takes you on a beginner's tour of Iceland's beloved folklore beings, the Hidden People or Huldufólk. 

Where are they from? 

What do they look like? 

Are they friendly or deadly? 

And, do Icelanders really believe in them? 

Natalie is answering all those questions and more!

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Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

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Shownotes:

https://www.folkloreforum.org/post/a-beginner-guide-to-huldufolk

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Book Recommendations for Further Reading:
The Little Book of the Hidden People by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

Looking for the Hidden Folk by Nancy Marie Brown

Icelandic Folktales by Jón Árnason (Icelandic)

The Huldufolk by Terry Gunnell and Brian Pilkington

The Story of the Gimli Huldufolk by Kathleen Arnason

Folktales have many overlaps from culture to culture. So do the origins of creatures in folklore. This mini episode is one such tale that explains the origin of huldufolk, elves, fairies, and more magical creatures!

Season 2 is called: “The Fair, The Hidden, and The Unusual.”

I chose this title deliberately because while different regions of the world use different languages to name and describe beings in folklore, when you get down to the basic details, the stories of these beings are nearly identical.

Which goes to show that stories aren’t contained by political or linguistic boundaries.

These beings typically fall into categories of beauty, hidden from sight, or just plain unusual.

Upcoming episodes will cover elves, huldufolk, fair folk, selkies, trolls, ogres, banshees and much more! You’ll hear their origin stories, metaphors, cultural significance, as well as modern interpretations of these beings in literature, film, and TV.

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Book Recommendations:

Are you looking for your next folktale or fantasy read? Look no further! We've teamed up with two groups of bestselling authors to offer a delightful free selection of new books and short stories introducing new fantastical worlds and characters. The best part? They’re all free on digital download only until January 31st! Find these free downloads and other recommendations at www.folkloreforum.org/books

The way the Icelanders commemorate the Epiphany, or as they prefer to call it, The Thirteenth Day, is completely bonkers and radically different from most of Europe. On this day, the King and Queen of the elves may visit your community bonfire, cows talk in rhyming couplets that will turn any human listener completely mad, seal-people drop their seal skins to dance naked on the beaches, and it's the last day to legally set off fireworks! But don't go booking your next vacation just yet... as fun as this day sounds, there are risks if you fail to follow the traditional rules! 

All in good fun! Natalie´s own two experiences of Þrettándin were far less exciting than is told in the stories. 

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Sources:

https://grapevine.is/mag/articles/2013/12/30/thirteen-things-about-threttandinn

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/epiphany-in-europe-sweetness-to-share

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Álfareiðin Song

Svavar Knútur

https://svavarknutur.bandcamp.com/track/lfarei-in

New Iceland Youth Choir: Ties That Bind

https://hljodsafn.is/albumDisplay/2742

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La Befana

https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/italian-christmas-legends-folklore

The Deacon of Dark River: A Haunted Winter Tale

by Natalie Guttormsson

Not even death can prevent the Deacon of Dark River from fulfilling his Christmas promise.

Listen to Natalie read her retelling of the classic Icelandic folktale, Djákninn á Myrká, in this bonus Christmas episode of the podcast. 

Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast!

Get your free copy of the Deacon of Dark River e-book by clicking here.

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The Folklore Forum: Website | Instagram

Natalie Guttormsson: Website | Instagram

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Folklore Fridays

Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

Wintertime, especially around Christmas, gets cold and dark in the North of Iceland. Making it the perfect time for hauntings and ... supernatural murder?

Folklorist, librarian, and teacher, Þórdís Edda Guðjónsdóttir joins Natalie Guttormsson to discuss two dark Christmas folktales from Iceland: 

1. The Deacon of Dark River (Djákninn á Myrká)

2. Christmas Eve with the Huldafolk or Elves

Hopefully you enjoy these two tales and get a little bit scared while listening! 

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Download your free copy of The Deacon of Dark River, a short story written by Natalie Guttormsson.

Get your copy here.

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Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

Icelandic folklorist, librarian, and teacher, Þórdís Edda Guðjónsdóttir discusses the Icelandic Yule Lads with Natalie starting with their origins in old Icelandic folklore, their terrifying reputation hundreds of years ago, and their transformation into happy, jolly, generous creatures we know today. We discuss each Yule Lad in turn (all 13!) from what their names mean, to which night they arrive on, and which day they go home. Even if you know about these quirky lads, you´ll probably learn something new. 

5 Folklore Books for Kids

1. Charlie Cook's Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

2.  Once Upon a Slime by Andy Maxwell and Samantha Cotterill

3.  The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allen Ahlberg

4. The 13 Yule Lads of Iceland by Brian Pilkington

5. Little Santa by Jon Agee

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Folklore Fridays

Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

Why are the Brownies of Canada changing their name? What even are brownies? And how is this story connected to Folklore?

Natalie is sharing her personal memories of being in brownies as a child, her confusion over what the name meant back then, and her excitement of where this organization is headed with more change and inclusion for all girls.

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Resources Mentioned: 

Theresa Breslin - 

Kate Leiper - 

Girl Guides of Canada - www.girlguides.ca

I’m sharing 6 of my favourite shows based on folk and fairy tales, in no particular order. All of them are family-friendly, so if you’re looking for ideas for the kids or grandkids on the weekends or during snow days, these might be right for you!

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Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

Do you like stories of haunted things? Be it places, buildings, or people?

I think there must be a spectrum that starts at murder mysteries and ends at full on slasher/gore/horror. I prefer the tame end of the spectrum.

But, in honour of the Halloween season, I’ve sifted through some truly terrifying stories of haunted places in our province to find 10 that are historically intriguing and moderately spooky!

Minnewanka Landing Nordegg mines Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Jasper Fairmont Hotel and Cabins The Rose and Crown Pub The Princess Theatre Wailing Wayne Atlas Coal Mines Lougheed House The Frank Slide

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Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

I'm introducing the first edition of a new recurring series I like to call the Folktale Remixes. This is where we take a folk or fairy tale, and discuss a revised version or create a new one in the process. Since frost is on the ground, I thought it would be perfect timing to look ahead to the winter season and discuss a fun, spicy story: The Gingerbread Man (also the Wee Bannock and The Pancake). 

I hope most of you are somewhat familiar with the story. Whether you've heard the Brothers Grimm version, seen a cartoon rendition or simply watched the Shrek movies. You have some idea of this story. What I didn't know until recently is that there is an entire category of runaway food stories in European folklore. 

Now if you're ready to escape into the realm of folklore and fairy tales and learn more about runaway food, then come on in, the forum is now open.

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Do you want more folklore in your life? Join our free Folklore Fridays membership where you'll receive:

Plus, it's your chance to share your comments and ideas that help shape future episodes of the podcast.

Join Folklore Fridays by visiting www.folkloreforum.org/fridays

A hero single-handily fights their way through a tower filled with terrorizing invaders to save their family and friends from an evil villain.

If you didn't know any better, you might think that I'm about to discuss Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis.

But if you read the title of this episode, you already know that I saw the film The Princess starring Joey King and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

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The Folklore Forum is your place for discussing and dissecting folk and fairy tales. 

https://www.folkloreforum.org/

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Are you a fan of spooky history? Check out Season 4 of the Generally Spooky podcast wherever you get your podcasts for truly haunting Scottish history!

Nat chats with Icelandic folklorist Þórdís Edda Guðjónsdóttir about Icelandic folklore . 

Here are 7 Fundamental Questions to Ask When Reading Folk & Fairy tales. These questions will help you connect deeper with the material, understand the context of the story, and decide whether to take it for enjoyment or move on to something that resonates with you more. Stories aren't created in a vacuum, and this guide helps you see that. (Get the colourful PDF version over on the website).

Listen to the mini-series on Scottish Fairies over on The Generally Spooky Podcast: www.generallyspooky.com 

Do you want more folklore in your life? Be the first to know when new episodes drop, get exclusive tales not heard on the podcast, and original stories written by me. Plus, you can connect and share your stories and opinions on folklore. You might just hear them on a future episode of the podcast!

Join the Folklore Friday email list: www.folkloreforum.org

What should desperate women in folktales be wary of? The supernatural helper! Natalie is exploring the tales of Rumpelstiltskin, Tom Tit Tat, Gilitrutt, and Whuppity Stoorie. What are the common themes? What impossible task is up for grabs? And why are the monarchs so vile? All that and more in this episode. 

Do you want more folklore in your life? Head on over to the website: www.folkloreforum.org

And sign up to get email notifications every Friday, including when new episodes drop. I also share exclusive stories not heard on the podcast and original short stories, written by me, Natalie Guttormsson. Plus, it’s your best chance to connect and share your stories and opinions on folklore. You might just hear them on a future episode of the podcast!

Natalie chats with Danielle Mohr (author of Drift, founder of Fine Point Writing & Editing) about Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.

Read more about Danielle Mohr and her sci-fi novel, Drift, over on her website.

Do you want more folklore in your life? Head on over to the website: www.folkloreforum.org

And sign up to get email notifications every Friday, including when new episodes drop. I also share exclusive stories not heard on the podcast and original short stories, written by me, Natalie Guttormsson. Plus, it’s your best chance to connect and share your stories and opinions on folklore. You might just hear them on a future episode of the podcast! 

Who was Hans Christian Andersen, what was he like, and how was he connected to the Danish royal family? Find out in this episode + hear an exclusive story from Icelandic lore that intertwines with Hans's life and is personally connected to podcast host, Natalie Guttormsson. 

The two articles references in this episode are as follows:

Guardian Article and the LA Times Article

Share your thoughts over on the website: www.folkloreforum.org 

What is folklore? Why does it matter? And is it still relevant today?

We answer these questions + give 9 book recommendations to refresh your memory with folk and fairy tales. 

Full show notes at: https://www.folkloreforum.org/post/__102

New Short Story Available:

Can a clumsy farm boy and a sword-wielding princess defeat an ancient sea dragon? Find out in Natalie Guttormsson’s new short story: Ash Lad and the Sea Dragon.

This Orkney spin on a classic Norwegian folk tale perfectly illustrates the lasting legacy of migrating people.

If you’re looking for a small dose of summer adventure or a quick weekend read, Ash Lad is your perfect escape.

Get your free copy of Ash Lad and the Sea Dragon at www.folkloreforum.org/ashlad

In this first episode, I’m sharing with you the Story that Started It All.

Not only is it the origin story of Iceland’s Hidden People, or Húldufolk, but it's also the story that sparked the idea for this podcast and the Folklore Forum Platform.

If you’re ready to escape into the realm of folklore and fairytales, then come on in, the Forum is now open.

Music: Price of freedom - by Zakhar Valaha on Pixabay

The Folklore Forum is your place for discussing and dissecting folk and fairy tales. 

https://www.folkloreforum.org/

Hello and welcome to the Folklore Forum your place for discussing, dissecting, and retelling folktales.

My name is Natalie and I’m a writer, poet, mother, lover of folklore, and I’m so excited to bring you this podcast!

On the show, we’ll cover popular folk and fairy tales, biographies of important figures, historical overviews, as well as conversations with readers, writers, scholars, and everyone in between.

Our main goal is to find the commonalities between cultures through the stories our ancestors passed along.

For example, did you know …

Rumpelstiltskin was not as unique as he thought he was?

Tales of hidden people exist around the globe?

The Selkie of Sanday, Scotland was identical to the Seal Woman of Southern Iceland?

Or that Norwegians aren’t the only ones who call their youngest son Ash Lad?

If not, you're not alone!

Join me every other Friday as we explore the common threads that stitch together the human experience.

You can join the conversation over at www.folkloreforum.org