The Three Ravens Podcast

Three Ravens
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Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 15min

Three Ravens Bestiary #18: Djinns and Genies

After a bit of a blip, we're now back with an episode all about the mythology of Djinns and Genies from prehistory through to today! Part of our Three Ravens Bestiary Bonus Series, we begin with our Western conception of 'the genie' - a pantomime creature, memorably played by Robin Williams in the 90's Disney movie, filtered through a century of fairy tales and family-friendly legends. Yet, as you might expect, this slight cozy form of 'Oriental' spirit is very different to the 'Jinni' of early Semitic cultures, as discussed in a range of poetry and art, later addressed by Islamic scholars and critics informed by the entire chapter of the Qur'an dedicated to discussing desert spirits and acceptable forms of magical belief.What emerges, as we explore these distinctions, is a series of parallels, including between the 'human' and 'spirit' worlds, between Muslim and Christian discussions of Otherworldly creatures, between types of Devil, and the ways that folktales and legends enable us to see ourselves through tales of so-called monsters.It's a journey that takes us from abandoned ruins lost in Arabian dunes to the times of Geoffrey Chaucer, from Classical discussions of 'genius loci' to tales of pre-Islamic Soothsayers possessed by demons.If you've been rubbing lamps and hoping to have wishes granted then you may have been barking up the wrong tree - but worry not: we've got advice for you on magic rings, fishing, and transcendental meditations that might well enable you to commune with a Jinn.Just don't go expecting them to make all your dreams come true, as they're much more likely to ask you out on a date or hide in the form of a serpent than they are to turn your fantasies into reality... Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 53min

Romney Marsh Ghost Tour

Proof of life, everyone: Eleanor is home from the hospital, and here, talking on this episode!As you may have gathered, the last week has been a bit of a whirlwind, but now Eleanor has been discharged we are working hard on making her fully fit and well. To fill the gap, we duly present another Patreon Exclusive episode from the back catalogue - our Romney Marsh Ghost Tour, released last September, for which we went hunting spooks in the uncanny environment of Romney Marsh just over the Sussex county border into Kent.Did we find a ghost on our trip? Maybe. We certainly recorded some pretty interesting audio. Though we'll leave you to judge, and hopefully enjoy our journey around five churches and several other reputedly haunted sites, with interstitial bits recorded at home to fill in the gaps.Speak to you again on Thursday for our Three Ravens Bestiary episode about Djinns and Genies, and thank you very much for you continued patience.Normal business will be resumed soon!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 8, 2025 • 2h 12min

The Ghosts of Glasshayes House

Hullo everybody - Martin here!Just a quick message to say, this is obviously not the episode we were hoping to release today. This was meant to be Series 7 Episode 1, the opening salvo of our journey through the 13 historic counties of Wales! Unfortunately, Eleanor has had to be hospitalised, so we're a bit on the back foot.They're not quite sure what it is she has, save that it's quite a nasty infection. She first developed symptoms on Thursday and we thought she might just have contracted Covid again. But then it got worse on Friday, worse again on Saturday, and then it was into hospital where Eleanor has had to stay. I'm briefly home to do this, and get myself some rest, and then I'll be back in there with her in the morning.As for what's actually in this episode, well, it's a Patreon Exclusive episode, and our first Spenser & Associates mystery, The Ghosts of Glasshayes House. It's a pretty freaky-deaky story, and for everyone on Patreon we're sorry we don't have anything new for you today, but no doubt you can understand why we are where we are!Keep an eye on social media as I'll be updating it once I know more, and thank you for being so supportive and kind, and for no doubt sending boat-loads of love and healing energies Eleanor's way. Cross your fingers they can figure out what it is really soon, and that she'll be on the path the wellness before we know it.Love you all very much, sending out gronks powerful enough to reverberate around the whole world, and speak to you soon - one way or another!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 28min

A Brief History of Wales

In an act of gross hubris, we proudly present our first episode of Three Ravens Series 7: A Brief History of Wales!Based on a silly amount of research, this episode tracks through the story of how the country of Wales became 'Wales' - from the nation's very first settlers who wandered west through England through to the Stone Age tradition of cromlech building, the Bronze Age, and, in due course, the Iron Age, too.Along the way, the nascent country of Wales develops its own place within Celtic culture, apart from its immediate neighbours, yet connected by ancient trade routes, including by sea. With more hill forts per square mile than any other British nation, even before the Romans came along things in Wales were feisty.Yet, once the Romans came, much like in neighbouring England, things changed forever. Across almost four centuries, the Welsh landscape itself was reshaped by Rome, all before maintaining such large armies in 'Britain' became unaffordable.Much as Rome retreated, Christianity also arrived, and with it a tantalizing time; the development of Anglo Saxon 'England' on one side of Offa's Dyke, and, on the other, one that calls itself 'Cymry' - 'the collective' or 'fellow countrymen.' While the Angles call them the 'Wealas' - 'the foreigners...'We hope it makes for interesting and exciting listening, whether you are Welsh or not, and we look forward to speaking with you again on Monday for Series 7 Episode 1, all about the historic county of Cardiganshire!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 15min

Magic and Medicines #18: Enochian and Angelic Magic

Our first new Magic and Medicines Bonus Episode in ages is out today, and all about Enochian and Angelic Magic! If you happened to listen to our series "Dog Days" then you will have encountered several allusions to this topic, but, so that we can all start on a level pegging, we begin this episode at the beginning of this particular magical tradition, discussing Enoch and the Apocryphal books of the Pentateuch/Christian Bible where Angels are explained, along with tales of the rebel Nephilim who prompted Yahweh/Jove/God to send the Great Flood.Once the waters of all that have receded, we then dig into the dense and mulchy discoveries made by Doctor John Dee and his scryer Edward Kelley. Between them, so they said and wrote, the pair managed to communicate with Angels, who taught them enormous amounts about how the Universe is really structured, and much more besides.Though their work fell out of popularity for several centuries, like the Book of Enoch, the 19th century and the dawn of several secret societies prompted a significant revival in interest in the topic, with the likes of Aleister Crowley developing Renaissance theories and, apparently, fleshing out our understanding of what's hidden in the Aethyrial Realms, behind gates, keys, and outside the realms of normal human experience.It's all slightly bonkers, but we think you're gonna love it - and are so excited to speak to you again on Saturday when we release Series 7 Episode 0: A Brief History of Wales!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 1, 2025 • 60min

September Update: Reap What You Sow!

Ahead of the launch of Three Ravens Series 7, today's episode is a bit of an update from us about Three Ravens goings-on, containing sections of last month's Patreon Exclusive episodes!First comes the initial 25 minutes or so of Eleanor's new Spenser & Associates story 'The Shadow of the Hell Bitch' which is followed by the opening section of our Film Club episode for August, as released last Thursday, about the cult 90's horror/magic movie from Clive Barker 'The Lord of Illusions.'Before that we share news about upcoming Live Shows, bookstore appearances, the curse that seems to have befallen our kitchen, and a bunch of other stuff, too - including the episodes we have planned coming up across September!Speak to you again on Thursday for our first Magic and Medicines Bonus Episode of the new series, and again on Saturday for Series 7 Episode 0: An Introduction to Wales!Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 31, 2025 • 41min

Dog Days: Chapter 30 - The Fates Bound Fast In Iron Chains

The sweltering, heady Dog Days of summer are over and the rain comes down for days.With new scars and his eyes open to a world of magic, Kit is safe and well.Until Tom Watson asks him for just the tiniest favour...Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 30, 2025 • 43min

Dog Days: Chapter 29 - The Sweet Fruition of an Earthly Crown

In the penultimate chapter of Dog Days, Kit stumbles through London as the rain falls, letting his feet lead the way.Where they take him is of some surprise. And what he is to do there is something for which he is not prepared.Though he has always wished for riches.Forever after, he shall be careful what he wishes for...Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 29, 2025 • 39min

Dog Days: Chapter 28 - The Tempest of the Gods

As Dog Days enters its final days, Chapter 28 reveals to us a crystal world of mysteries: that of The Kasal. Who is he? Why is he? What does he want?Moreover, what does Kit want? For the villain before him presents an offer very few would ever refuse...Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 26min

Dog Days: Chapter 27 - Fill All The Air With Fiery Meteors

Chapter 27 of Dog Days sees Tamburlaine Part 2 end in triumph.The two magi, Hues and Herriot, scour the playhouse for any sign of the Kasal.But even their sorcery meets its match when Kit comes face to face with the Kasal himself.Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcastProud members of the Dark Cast Network.CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE THREE RAVENS ACAST SURVEY - PLEASE DO! IT'LL HELP!!!Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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