

The Three Ravens Podcast
Three Ravens
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 hidden past.Our Bonus Episodes are then released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Forgotten Melodies about folk song types with original performances from us, and Magus, which is about the lives of the most famous witches and wizards in history).On Saturdays, we then release episodes of our interview series Local Legends, with each episode featuring a chat between us and an acclaimed folklorist, author, podcaster or historian, deepening discussions about that week's county.In between series, since March 2025 we have also launched our Lang Fairy Tale Project, for which we are recording and releasing the 700+ stories collected by English academics and authors Nora and Andrew Lang, published in over a dozen volumes from the end of the 19th century and changing children's literature forever.With entire other Bonus Series to enjoy, including our comic retelling of the legend of Gawain and the Green Knight, original narratives such as our upcoming series Dog Days about the supernatural adventures of young playwright Christopher Marlowe in Elizabethan London, and our annual Haunting Season every October, there's tonnes of fun to be had in our back catalogue of over 300 episodes. In addition to which, we also release a range of exclusive content on Patreon, where supporters also enjoy ad-free listening, including monthly 'One Off' episodes covering a range of folky topics, editions of the Three Ravens Newsletter, and over two-dozen episodes of the Three Ravens Film Club, through which we discuss folk horror films from across the decades, and more.For a guide of where to start, click here - but our advice is to just pick an episode that sounds interesting, then hit 'Play' and join us around the campfire to listen in...Three Ravens Series 7 will launch in September 2025, and will be all about the heritage and legends of the 13 historic counties of Wales. For press or collaboration inquiries or learn more about our book, published in hardback by The History Press, and the podcast in general, visit our website. Join our Patreon here, and find links to our social media channels and sponsor Three Spirit Drinks here. Use Voucher Code THREERAVENS for a 15% discount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 22, 2023 • 22min
Advent 2023: Two Turtle Doves
In their penultimate Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin talk Two Turtle Doves - which aren't white! Who knew?!In addition to chewing over the slightly unnerving roles doves traditionally played in Candlemas and Imbolc celebrations, they dig into some dovey deities, including the Ancient Mesopotamian goddess Inanna and the Celtic god Aengus, and retell some dove-related folktales including The Ant and the Dove, The Dove, and For the Love of a Dove, coming away with some intriguing reflections about what doves are meant to symbolize...The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 21, 2023 • 37min
Dying Arts #5: Christmas Crafts
In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin discuss traditional Christmas crafts.Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they start of chatting about Midwinter, Yule Logs, and the Ashen Faggot, then discuss the history of the Christingle, old recipes for Christmas pudding, the tradition of the 'Kissing Ball' and 'Kissing Bough' as well as Christmas Trees, Advent Calendars, and Walnut Gilding. As you might expect, there are digressions along the way, but still, scissors, ribbons, and glitter at the ready. Let's get crafting!The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 21, 2023 • 18min
Advent 2023: Three French Hens
In their tenth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss French Hens, which are a genuine, actual thing!Aside from Eleanor performing the St Crispian Day speech from Henry V (yes, the whole thing) they also chat about Bresse Gauloise chickens, Brythonic history, and England's slightly tetchy relationship with the French, along with discussing poultry-based folktales including Henny Penny and talking through Alectromancy, the Celtic goddess Brigid, and the way chickens help to ward off unwanted visitors including the Devil...The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 20, 2023 • 14min
Advent 2023: Four Colley Birds
In their ninth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Four Colley Birds, and not 'Calling Birds' at all!From 'Sing a Song of Sixpence,' which dates back to the Renaissance, to Celtic myths like The Tale of Branwen and The Three Birds of Rhiannon, they discuss how the blackbird occupies a very strange position in folklore. Not least in two really strange tales, one of which sees the Patron Saint of Europe stripping naked and jumping into a bed of stinging nettles, and another which culminates in a magical fox begging to be executed!The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 19, 2023 • 12min
Advent 2023: Five Gold Rings
For their eighth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor are facing down eternity to talk Five Gold Rings!They begin talking about the special properties of gold and the symbolism of rings from Ancient Egypt to today, including the significance of the gifts made in the story of Jesus' birth. Then, before long, they're discussing the mythical Ouroboros, the Ring of Gyges, Norse and Anglo-Saxon runic rings, and the mythical Seal of Solomon which made its wearer able to speak to animals and summon Princes of Hell to do the day job if you fancied going on holiday...The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 18, 2023 • 15min
Advent 2023: Six Geese A-Laying
In their seventh Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Six Geese A-Laying.They start off chatting about whether geese are really just big ducks (and remain split on the matter) all before they set to honking and a-hollering about some famous examples of geese in mythology and folklore, such as The Golden Goose, The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs. the Ugly Duckling, Icarus' doomed flight, Mother Goose, and more besides...The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 3min
Series 3 Episode 3: Buckinghamshire
On this week's episode, Eleanor and Martin are off to Buckinghamshire, one of England's 'Home Counties.'With no particular Saints Days to mark they get cracking quickly and set about unearthing the history and folklore of Buckinghamshire, from the many stately homes owned by the Rothschild family and others, such as Waddesdon Manor, Mentmore Towers, and Bletchley Park, to tales of Little Witches, the Gib Lane Ghost, a rector who trapped the devil in a shoe, and much more besides! Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of a tale of friendship enduring beyond the grave, "A Promise Kept."The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 17, 2023 • 17min
Advent 2023: Seven Swans A-Swimming
In their sixth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are talking Seven Swans A-Swimming!They start off chatting about swans and their many associations, including in Medieval cookery, then dip their bills into some of the very many appearances of swans in myth and folklore, from the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to The Children of Lir, Derbforgaill's love for Cú Chulainn to Leda and the Swan. Then, to finish, Martin retells The Legend of the Seven Swans, the likely inspiration for this line in The Twelve Days of Christmas song...The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 16, 2023 • 13min
Advent 2023: Eight Maids A-Milking
In their fifth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Martin and Eleanor take those udders in hand and talk Eight Maids A-Milking!They start off discussing the Maiden archetype and concept of the Triple Goddess, then moo-ve on to talking about the Maiden's lactose-free role in some specific folktales such as Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Bluebeard. Then it's time to chew the cud about the strange role milk plays in folklore and fairytales, including brief retellings of Aesop's "The Milkmaid and her Pail of Milk" and the Brothers Grimm story "Lean Liza" - all before a brief chat about leaving milk out for mythical creatures... The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.

Dec 15, 2023 • 13min
Advent 2023: Nine Drummers Drumming
In their fourth Advent 2023 mini-episode, Eleanor and Martin are marching to the beat of Nine Drummers Drumming.After a brief chat about the earliest drums yet found by archaeologists (which, to Eleanor's alarm, involved alligators...) they strike up a rhythm and discuss drumming in the animal kingdom, stone age spiritualism, and the ways drums in early societies were used to carry messages over long distances. Then they dig into the history of the "Drums of War" from the Crusades and Little Drummer Boys to The Great War and Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker. Quick march!The 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...With Bonus Episodes released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus a range of exclusive content on Patreon, 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.