Celtic Myths and Legends Podcast cover

Celtic Myths and Legends Podcast

Sian Esther Powell

A podcast focused on the myths, legends and folkloric creatures of the 6 Celtic Nations; Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man.

A podcast focused on the myths, legends and folkloric creatures of the 6 Celtic Nations; Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man.

The Twelve Wild Geese - Irish folktale

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Epizode

The Twelve Wild Geese - Irish folktale 21 Jul 2026

The Twelve Wild Geese from Patrick Kennedy's Fireside Stories of Ireland published in 1870. Sources: Brothers Turned into Birds: Folktales of Type 451 The fireside stories of Ireland : Kennedy, Patrick, 1801-1873 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast

Welsh Mountains Folklore part 1 21 Apr 2026

Hi everyone!! It feels great to finally be back to the podcast after another big break. In this episode we look at two areas of the Brecon Beacons, a mountain range in Wales that is home to much folklore! ERROR: Cadair Idris is in Eryri / Snowdonia NOT Brecon Beacons...I'm so embarrassed about this mistake but I have been in major burnout lately! Please accept my deepest apologies x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast

Cornish Ghosts Pt 1: Jan Tregeagle 30 Oct 2025

In the FIFTIETH episode of the podcast (woohoo!!) we are covering a relevant topic considering the time of year...that of Jan Tregeagle! A particularly malevolent spirit in Cornish folklore. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Asturian Music 18 Sep 2025

In this episode we look at something a little different - music! I want to branch out and talk about more elements of folk culture - we've covered food and feast days, festivals and dances and now music! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Galician El Urco 15 Aug 2025

In this episode we look at another spooky, ghostly dog! But this one comes with horns and chains...Here's more death folklore with the Galician El Urco! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Manx Glashtin 26 Jul 2025

Who is the manx Glasthin? Water horse? Sex pest? Helpful hand? Scary goblin? All of them? In this episode we look at how tricky it is to define folkloric creatures and how the magic of folklore is in tracing similarities between other creatures and understanding that before folktales were ever written down, they were shared within communities and families! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Breton Iannic-ann-ôd 06 Apr 2025

Hello everyone! A short and bitter...sweet?? episode for you all today on the Breton spirits of the Drowned, lost dead...the Iannic-ann-ôd, otherwise known as Little John of the Shore... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

The Loch Ness Monster 09 Mar 2025

It's finally time I covered Nessie! I was actually quite new to the stories surrounding Loch Ness so embark on this journey alongisde me as we find out a bit more :) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Irish Puca 28 Oct 2024

In this episode we take a look at another tricky, capricious creature from Celtic folklore - the puca!! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Third Branch of Mabinogion 04 Sep 2024

In this episode we delve into one Man...awydan's journey through his mid-life crisis struggles!! This is the third branch of the Mabinogi and the last branch that I was set to cover. You can now listen to each branch in order of when I uploaded them or from 1-4 - enjoy! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Lost Land of Lyonesse 11 May 2024

Hi everyone! In this episode we take a look at the Lost Land of Lyonesse, where the origins of the myth might come from and its links to Athurian legend and previous legends. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Nuberu of Asturias 19 Mar 2024

Hello everyone! It is great to be back speaking with you all and I'm excited to share the mythology of the Nuberu of Asturias, an entity with control over the clouds, rain, thunder and lightning!

The Enchanted Mouras of Galicia 21 Jan 2024

Hi everyone! I am delighted to introduce Galicia as another Celtic region that I will be delving into the folklore of in upcoming episodes. The enchanted mouras are beautiful creatures held thrall by a curse who are looking for someone to break it...scary or exciting?! Would you break the curse? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Manx Sword Dance 04 Jan 2024

Hi everyone! In this episode we explore one of the folk customs of the Isle of Man: The Sword Dance and White Boys Mummers play! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Korrigans of Brittany 31 Dec 2023

In this episode we cover the confusing corrigan - are they twisted dwarf like piskies? Or beautiful sirens? Both of these things? Or something else entirely!? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

A Mither of Life and Death 30 Nov 2023

Hi guys!! In this episode we look at the fascinating myths of the Orkney Islands, particularly that of the Sea Mither and her arch nemesis Teran as well as the horrifying nightmare fuel Nuckelavee. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Samhain, Gaelic Halloween 05 Nov 2023

Happy belated Halloween! In this episode, we learn about the Gaelic festival of Samhain, the first day of winter! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Tylwyth Teg: Welsh Fairies 30 Sep 2023

In this episode I introduce the Tylwyth Teg, the fairies of Welsh mythology. We may cover them more deeply in future episodes, but enjoy a story and example for each! Gwyllion, mountain fairies Gwragedd Annwn, water maidens Ellyllon, elves Coblynau, mine pixies Bwbachod, hobgoblins People of the Otherworld (Annwn) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Cornish Food, Folklore and Feasten 31 Aug 2023

Hi everyone! In this episode we take a look at how food plays a role in folklore, cultural customs and our sense of identity! The first part of a two-parter episode, the next part due Sept 31st. Thank you to Magic Mind for sponsoring this episode: if you'd like to give it a go then you go to magicmind.com/celtic and use my code CELTIC20 for 20-50% off your order! :) Cheers! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

GEF The Talking Mongoose 01 Aug 2023

In this episode we cover one of the most strange hauntings - that of a talking mongoose! We are off course back to the lovely Isle of Man and this time we are taking a peek at the legend of Gef...the talking mongoose. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Ballads of Brittany 13 Jun 2023

Hello everyone! In this episode we look at an interesting acdemic discussion on authenticity! Barzaz Breiz, or Ballads of Brittany is a 19th century compilations of Breton songs and tales from Théodore Hersart de la Villemarqué. But did he really collect them or make it all up!? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Nightmare Scottish Water Horse 31 May 2023

In this episode we are covering one of the most iconic pieces of Scottish folklore and mythology. The Kelpie. These nightmarish waterhoerses have often been confused with other creatures, so just how nasty ar ethey really? (spoiler: Very!!) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Irish Vampires 30 Apr 2023

Despite the catchy (and simplstic title!) we are going to be discussing a few different irish folktales in this episode. All of them loosely 'vampiric' in one way or another. The Abhartach, the Dearg Due, the leannán sídhe and the sluagh. Thanks for listening! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Mabinogi and Mythology 26 Mar 2023

I asked the lovely people of patreon whether they wanted the Mabinogion or a Mythological creature and it was almost even, so I decided to try and do both! Enjoy :) In this episode we finally cover the first branch :) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Pobel Vean Little Folk of Cornwall 28 Feb 2023

In this episode we explore the different types of Cornish piskies, in a sort of revamped, updated version of my very first episode!! Lots more information to share so why not?! There's piskies that like the moors, piskies that like the underground, abandoned buildings, fish...there's a piskie for everyone! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Manx Magic 31 Jan 2023

In this episode we explore some of the different types of magic practitioners in the Isle of Man including witch-doctors and necromancers!

Breton Ankou, The Henchman of Death 23 Oct 2022

Hello everyone!! Today in this spooky, halloween appropriate episode we return to the beautiful and often melancholy rural countryside of Brittany to meet the frightening Henchman of Death and Church Guardian....the skeletal, hat wearing, scythe carrying Ankou! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of the episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Selkies and Seal Husbands 30 Aug 2022

Hello everyone! In this episode we finally cover one of my absolute favourite folkloric creatures: the Selkie! How can we use folklore to talk about difficult contemporary situations? And what about the (seal) men!!? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

Headless Horsemen 28 Jun 2022

In this episode we discuss the Irish legend of the Dullahan, a headless horsemen galloping around rural Ireland as a death portent. Spooky stuff!

BONUS EP: Sian's Yarns 1 12 Dec 2021

Hi everyone! I made up a little Cornish christmas story today inspired by the myths and legends of Cornwall so hopefully you enjoy it! Happy holidays everyone! xx Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

Welsh Hags 14 Nov 2021

This episode we have a cheeky little introduction the Welsh hags Cyhyraeth and Gwrach y Rhybin! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celtic_sian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start and end of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Cornish Urban Legends 02 Jul 2021

Ooops! I uploaded an old file, this should be correct!! Hello everyone!! It's been awhile, hasn't it? I'm very rusty with podcasting but I hope you will enjoy this episode touching upon the Owlman of Mawnan Smith, Morgawr the Falmouth sea serpent and of course...the Beast of Bodmin Moor. Thank you for your patience!!

Friendly Manx Merman 29 Nov 2020

Hello everyone! Finally back with the TWENTIETH episode for you all! Here he learn about the friendly merman from Manx folklore ''Yn Dooinney Marrey'' and also a little bit of love for Manx cultural activist and historian Sophia Morrison who was a badass lady!

Breton Yan-gant-y-tan 28 Jun 2020

In this episode you'll learn about the hairy demon that haunts the countryside of Brittany with a torch hand and a taste for golden chains! We will also be exploring symbolism and similar creatures in other Celtic myths and legends! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start and end of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrog, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Northern Lights, Storm Kelpies and Green Maidens 09 May 2020

Learn about Giants fighting in the northern sky, storm Kelpies drowning sailors and why you should always keep your bargains with Green Ladies... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License. Text read - Wonder Tales from Scottish Myth and Legend taken from: https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tsm/tsm08.htm First piece of music used (other than the intro) is Now We Ride by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The rest of the pieces of music and sound effects were taken from audioblocks.com

BONUS EP 1 10 Apr 2020

Hello, this is the first compilation of mini episodes. So...bonus episode! Here we learn about the Welsh dragon, Scottish unicorns, Irish cures, Cornish pixies, Irish fairies, scottish fairies, there's a few fairies okay! Let me know if you enjoyed this and think I should continue making them.

The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu 08 Apr 2020

This beautiful, and tragic romantic tale is part of the Ulster Cycle. There is something truly amazing about the blend of magical realism, tragedy, and realism in Irish medieval literature. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Mabinogion: Math, son of Mathonwy 23 Feb 2020

Here I share with you the fourth, and most complex branch of the wonderful Mabinogion. I give you some context on the Mabinogion - what it is and how it can be interpreted. Enjoy! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Mermaid of Zennor part 2 12 Feb 2020

The second part to my mermaids of zennor episode - listen to the previous episode 1st if you haven't already. Learn why you shouldn't shoot at mermaids and why mermaids and other folkloric elements find themselves inside churches. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Mermaid of Zennor 22 Jan 2020

Enjoy my own little version of the cornish folk tale Mermaid of Zennor. This episode is a little short and sweet but I thought I would try my hand at a bit of storytelling - with music! Music included is: 1) Music from https://filmmusic.io "Celtic Impulse" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 2)Music from https://filmmusic.io "Gregorian Chant" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 3) Music from https://filmmusic.io "Love Song" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Manx Moddey Dhoo & Other Dogs 02 Dec 2019

In this episode we explore the manx folklore of the Moddey Dhoo - a phantom black hound that is absolutely, totally, horrifying?!? Uhhh...or is it?? We also explore various other dogs in celtic folklore. Really, this is an episode for dog lovers!

Drowned Cities, Lost Lands... 23 Sep 2019

Drowned Cities, Lost Lands and Sunken Kingdoms...here we take a look at some of the myths surrounding water, flooding and cities and kingdoms lost to it. Covering Brittany, Wales and Cornwall and to a lesser extent Scotland and Ireland it is clear that these myths have a trace of folk memory to them, also religious and moral undertones. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Shetland Islands 19 Aug 2019

Exploring the folklore of the Shetlands; including the Wulver...a friendly werewolf, trows, the shy waterhorse nuggle and the interesting fusion of Celtic and Scandinavian folklore. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Banshee 03 May 2019

Taking a look at the Irish Banshee in myth and popular culture, and the scottish and welsh equivalents! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Wassailing with the Mari Lwyd 17 Jan 2019

This episode covers the wassailing folk custom of the Mari Lwyd which originated in South Wales! Just in time for the Twelth Night! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

The Giants of Cornwall 06 Nov 2018

Learn about the Giant who made his home on St. Michaels Mount and lost his life to Jack the Giant Killer, what happens when Giants fall in love with saints and the tragedy of friendship between boy and giant. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod Music used at the start of episode is taken from Beyond the Warriors by Guifrogis, licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License.

Mooinjer Veggey - Manx Fairies 19 Oct 2018

This episode delves into the folklore surrounding the mooinjer veggey which are the fairy people of The Isle of Man! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

The Bugul Noz 08 Aug 2018

This episode focuses on the Breton folkloric creature "The Bugul Noz" or "Night Shepherd" who is a frightening and repulsive creature who is kinder than he seems...with contrasts to other creatures from Breton (and briefly, also) Manx folklore. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

Elfhame and the Courts of Faerie 07 Jun 2018

This episode explains the land of Faerie, or Fairyland, or Elfhame, it's Queen and the Seelie and Unseelie Courts of faeries! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

The Voyage of Mael Duin's Coracle 10 Apr 2018

This episode concerns the 10th century medieval Irish immrama (sea voyage text) The Voyage of Mael Duin's Coracle (or Boat). Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/celticmythspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celticmythspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelticMythsPod

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