The Three Ravens Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Three Ravens is an English myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each weekly episode, released on Mondays, we explore a historic county, digging into the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more.Across our first six series we ventured around England's 39 historic counties twice, taking turns to tell a new version of a legend from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it may have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's...
Episodes
- Local Legends #64: Dr Simon Young
Dr. Simon Young, a historian and expert on fairies, joins The Three Ravens Podcast to discuss his research into human interactions with the supernatural. He explores the evolution of beliefs about creatures like boggarts and fairies, and s…
- The Wonderful Birch and Jack and the Beanstalk
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast discusses "The Wonderful Birch" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" from the Red Fairy Book. The hosts analyze the stories, their history, and tale types, highlighting the bizarre details of "The Wonderful…
- Magus #10: Dion Fortune
This episode of Magus on The Three Ravens Podcast discusses Dion Fortune, a psychotherapist and occultist known for her work in challenging patriarchal traditions within occult circles.
- LIVE @ Treadwell's Books - May 2026
The Three Ravens Podcast features a live conversation with Dr. Christina Oakley-Harrington from Treadwell's Books. The discussion covers May Day folklore, stories, and traditions, ranging from rural Ireland to ancient Mesopotamia.
- May Update: Beltane and Need Fires
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast features a discussion on Beltane and Need Fires. It includes listener music and previews of Patreon-exclusive content, such as "Nine Sacred Trees #1: Birch" and "The Quatermass Xperiment" Film Club.
- The Enchanted Pig and The Norka
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast features a double bill of Lang Fairy Tales: "The Enchanted Pig," a Romanian folk tale, and "The Norka," a Ukrainian and Russian tale. The hosts discuss the stories, their history, and tale types. Th…
- Forgotten Melodies #10: Protest Songs
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, "Forgotten Melodies #10," explores protest songs, specifically "Goose and the Common," "Rigs of the Times," and "The Blackleg Miner." The discussion covers land rights, profiteering, and strike bre…
- Local Legends #63: Philip Carr-Gomm
Philip Carr-Gomm, a psychologist and author, joins The Three Ravens Podcast to discuss his work blending modern psychology with Druidry and nature-based spirituality. He shares insights on his spiritual journey, the legacy of Iolo Morganwg…
- Princess Rosette
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast delves into Madame d'Aulnoy's fairy tale "Princess Rosette," also known as "The King of the Peacocks" or "The Black and the White Bride." The hosts discuss the whimsy and deeper meanings within the…
- Three Ravens Bestiary #23: Giants
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast delves into the mythology and folklore of giants, examining their portrayal in various cultures and historical contexts. It covers topics from the medical condition gigantism to the roles of giants…
- LIVE @ Farnham Literary Festival 2026!
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, recorded live at Farnham Literary Festival 2026, delves into the history and folklore of Surrey. It covers topics such as Bronze Age conflicts, Viking invasions, local legends like Mother Ludlam an…
- The Master Thief
This episode explores the fairy tale "The Master Thief," based on the version by Asbjørnsen and Moe from the Lang Fairy Books. The hosts discuss the story's origins, its connections to the commedia dell'arte, and the character of the trick…
- Magic and Medicines #23: Exorcism
The hosts explore the history and practice of exorcism, discussing its prevalence across religions, its emergence before the written word, and its influence on popular culture. They also examine the role of exorcism in the lives of Jesus a…
- "The Black Thief and Knight of the Glen" and "Brother and Sister"
In this episode, Martin and Eleanor perform and discuss the Irish legend 'The Black Thief and Knight of the Glen' and the folktale 'Brother and Sister' from the Lang Fairy Books. They also examine the persistent theme of stepmothers within…
- "Soria Moria Castle" and "The Death of Koschei The Deathless"
This episode of the Lang Fairy Tale Project features readings of Soria Moria Castle and The Death of Koschei The Deathless, followed by a discussion on the stories and the role of Baba Yaga. The hosts review the source material from Andrew…
- Magus #9: Sir Isaac Newton
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the occult life and alchemical research of Sir Isaac Newton, examining aspects of his history often overlooked by traditional accounts of his scienti…
- The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Martin Vaux explores The Twelve Dancing Princesses from Nora and Andrew Lang's Red Fairy Book. The episode features a performance of the classic tale followed by a discussion on its themes and history.
- The Princess Mayblossom
The Three Ravens Podcast begins their exploration of The Red Fairy Book by reading and discussing Madame d'Aulnoy's The Princess Mayblossom. The hosts also provide context on the history of the Lang Fairy Tale collections and the contribut…
- April Update: Fools and The Festival of Hilaria
This update episode covers April Fool's Day traditions, the launch of a free digital magazine titled Quarters, and news regarding upcoming book releases and live shows. The episode also features previews of Patreon-exclusive content discus…
- Forgotten Melodies #9: Drinking Songs
In this episode of Forgotten Melodies, the hosts explore the history of British alehouses and pubs while presenting new musical arrangements of classic drinking songs. The episode also features a quiz on pub terminology.
- Local Legends #62: Peter Stevenson
In this episode, Martin interviews Peter Stevenson, a renowned authority on Welsh folk tales, about his career in storytelling, art, and film. The hosts also reflect on the conclusion of Series 7 and preview an upcoming bonus episode on dr…
- Local Legends #61: Dr Delyth Badder
Dr. Delyth Badder discusses her background in pathology, her book on Welsh ghost folklore, and explores Welsh legends including the Afanc. Hosted by Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon, this episode also features expert recommendations and a di…
- Local Legends #60: Mark Rees
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon interview author and Welsh folklore researcher Mark Rees. The discussion covers his background in journalism and punk culture, as well as his investigations…
- Local Legends #59: Francesca Simon MBE
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, host Eleanor interviews author Francesca Simon MBE about her writing career, her work in opera, and her latest book, Salka, which retells the Welsh legend of the faerie woman of Llyn y Fan Fach.
- Three Ravens Bestiary #22: Leprechauns
This episode of The Three Ravens Bestiary explores the history and origins of Leprechauns, tracing their evolution from 8th-century water sprites and medieval sagas to their portrayal during the 19th-century Celtic Revival. Hosts Martin Va…
- Series 7 Episode 13: Carmarthenshire
In the Series 7 finale of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the heritage and folklore of Carmarthenshire. The episode features ghost stories, river monsters, historical insights, and a retelling of the…
- Local Legends #58: Will Millard
Martin talks with broadcaster and anthropologist Will Millard about the history, heritage, and landscape of the former Welsh county of Merionethshire. Topics include the area's monuments, mines, quarries, and flooded sites.
- Magic and Medicines #22: Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast explores the history, theory, and controversy surrounding homeopathy and herbal medicine. Hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon discuss the origins of homeopathy, the development of these practices,…
- Series 7 Episode 12: Merionethshire
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the folklore, heritage, and history of Merionethshire. The episode features tales of giants, lake monsters, and local legends, alongside a Victorian…
- Local Legends #57: Dr Jack Hunter
In this episode of The Three Ravens, host Eleanor speaks with anthropologist Dr. Jack Hunter about the folklore, heritage, and stories of Montgomeryshire. They also discuss Dr. Hunter's research into spiritualism, shamanism, and parapsycho…
- Magus #8: Hildegard of Bingen
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast explores the life and works of Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century visionary, philosopher, composer, and mystic. The hosts examine her reported spiritual visions, her contributions to science and th…
- Series 7 Episode 11: Montgomeryshire
In this episode, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the history and folklore of Montgomeryshire. Topics include the kingdom of Powys Wenwynwyn, local legends such as red bandits and blue goblins, Pistyll Rhaeaedr, and a retelling…
- March Update: St David's Day, Ostara, and New Beginnings
This episode features an update on St David's Day and Ostara, alongside previews of Patreon-exclusive content including a mystery story and a film discussion on 'The Devils'. Hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon also briefly discuss the fi…
- Local Legends #56: David Rowe
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, host Martin interviews local historian and author David Rowe about his research and books on Flintshire history. Rowe shares insights from his work and experience studying the region.
- Forgotten Melodies #8: Love Songs
This episode of Forgotten Melodies explores the history and context of love songs, featuring performances of Cupid the Pretty Plough Boy, Green Bushes, and No John No. Hosts Martin Vaux, Ben, and Eleanor discuss the evolution of the love b…
- Series 7 Episode 10: Flintshire
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast explores the history and folklore of the Welsh county of Flintshire. Hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon discuss the region's heritage, legends, and local magic, featuring excerpts from historian D…
- Local Legends #55: Cath Little
Eleanor interviews author and storyteller Cath Little about her career and her passion for re-imagining tales from The Mabinogion. They discuss local storytelling, her work in the Cardiff community, and various folklore themes including pu…
- Three Ravens Bestiary #21: Centaurs and Pegasus
This episode explores the mythology and evolution of Centaurs and Pegasus in literature and art, beginning with Ancient Greek perspectives. Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon discuss the symbolic representations of these creatures from antiqui…
- Series 7 Episode 9: Glamorganshire
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the history and folklore of Glamorganshire, Wales. The discussion covers ancient history, industrial development, local myths, and the original story…
- Valentine's Magic
Dr. Icy Sedgwick joins The Three Ravens Podcast to discuss love magic, folk traditions, and divination for Valentine's Day. The conversation covers various historical practices, including ways to dream of partners and predictive folklore.
- Local Legends #54: Russ Williams
Martin Vaux interviews travel writer and folklorist Russ Williams, author of "Where The Folk: A Welsh Folklore Road Trip," about his work, Welsh tales, and folklore in North Wales. The conversation also covers topics including Welsh nation…
- Magic and Medicines #21: Spiritualism
In this episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon explore the history and traditions of Spiritualism, from its 19th-century origins to its connection with earlier forms of mediumship and necromancy. The disc…
- Series 7 Episode 8: Caernarfonshire
This episode explores the heritage and folklore of the historic Welsh county of Caernarfonshire. Hosts Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon discuss local legends, hauntings, and myths before presenting a retelling of the story of Gelert.
- Local Legends #53: Horatio Clare
In this episode of Local Legends, host Eleanor speaks with author Horatio Clare about landscape, nature writing, and the mythology of Wales. They discuss his background in the Brecon Beacons and his work exploring the myths and legends of…
- Magus #7: Hermes Trismegistus
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast explores the life and history of Hermes Trismegistus, the influential figure foundational to Hermeticism and alchemy. Hosts discuss the historical significance of The Hermetica and the later scholar…
- Series 7 Episode 7: Brecknockshire
In this episode, The Three Ravens Podcast explores the folklore and history of the former Welsh county of Brecknockshire. The hosts discuss King Brychan Brycheiniog, local landscapes, and share the story, 'The Conjurer's Hand.'
- February Update: Imbolc and the Feast of Lights
This episode covers Imbolc, including Brige, Candlemas traditions, and candle magic, while featuring previews of Patreon episodes on Havelock the Dane and the film Penda's Fen. The hosts also look ahead to an upcoming episode on the folklo…
- Discussing The Blue Fairy Book
In this episode, the hosts reflect on the conclusion of their series covering The Blue Fairy Book. They discuss the history and contributions of collectors Leonora and Andrew Lang, examine the origins of the tales, and share their personal…
- 'The Story of Pretty Goldilocks'
Martin and Eleanor present The Story of Pretty Goldilocks from The Blue Fairy Book, noting the absence of bears in this particular tale. They also discuss the history and significance of the Lang Fairy Books, a collection of 798 fairy tale…
- 'A Voyage to Lilliput Chapters 4 and 5'
This episode of The Three Ravens Podcast features the second part of a reading of 'A Voyage to Lilliput' from the Blue Fairy Book. The narrative covers Gulliver's conflict in Lilliput and the subsequent threats against him.