

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

Sep 28, 2023 • 23min
Something Wicked #3: The Red Barn Murder
In this Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss a ghostly murder that took the Victorian world by storm.Part of the "Something Wicked" series, they chat about the life of William Corder and his lover, Maria Marten, whose ghost returned after she was killed to help solve the crime. With a case that travels from Suffolk to London and involves a book bound in human skin, a haunted skull, an electrocuted cadaver, and mobs of people stripping the murder site and grave of the deceased for mementos, join us for a chat about this salacious murder solved by the spectre of the victim, which also birthed the most successful play of the mid-19th century...Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 5min
Series 2 Episode 12: Cheshire
On this week's episode, Eleanor and Martin venture to Cheshire, a county rich with ancient mysteries.After discussing Old Holy Rood Day and St Helena, they dabble in the River Dee and then dive into the history and folklore of Cheshire - from the Lindow Man and Maiden Castle to the Dragon of Moston, the many mysteries of Alderley Edge, the ghost duck of Tushingham's Blue Bell Inn, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Mermaid of Rostherne Mere."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 2023 • 27min
Dying Arts #3: Marionette Making
In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin talk about the dying art of marionette-making.Part of the "Dying Arts" series, they discuss puppetry in general, including the history of the tradition across different cultures, then dig into the specific methods used by marionette-makers and marionettists - art forms which were once ubiquitous across Europe and Great Britain, but which are now only really extant in England at five specialist theatres...Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h
Series 2 Episode 11: Northumberland
On this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor head to Northumberland, heart of the once mighty Kingdom of Northumbria.Once they've had a quick chat about Samuel Johnson Commemoration Day and the Southwark Fair, they blow the dust off their manuscripts to illuminate the history and folklore of Northumberland - from the Mesolithic remains of the Howick House and stunning sites like Bamburgh Castle to tales of boggarts, bluecaps, the Beast of Bolam Lake, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "The Fish and the Ring."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 2023 • 21min
Three Ravens Bestiary #3: The Phoenix
In this Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor discuss the immortal fire-bird of legend, the phoenix!Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" bonus series, they start by unpacking the earliest known references to the phoenix via Hesiod, Herodotus and Pliny The Elder, then start to draw connections between those early works and the Phoenicians, Christian writing, Victorian fantasy fiction, and similar creatures from other cultures including the Ancient Egyptian god Bennu, the Chinese Fenghuang, and the Konrul of Mongol myth.Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 11, 2023 • 54min
Series 2 Episode 10: Surrey
On this week's episode, Eleanor and Martin sojourn in Surrey, a county whose borders have changed in every direction over time.After discussing Saint Felix and St Regula and the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, they raise their blue and gold banners and charge into the history and folklore of Surrey - from Hampton Court and Reigate's Barons' Caves to the Silent Pool, the Buckland Shag, Mother Ludlum and the Devil's Jumps, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Tale of Blanche Heriot."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 2023 • 18min
Magic and Medicines #3: Curse Reversals
In this Bonus Episode, Eleanor and Martin offer solutions to try if you've been hexed!Part of the "Magic and Medicines" series, they briefly discuss the history and logic of curses and offer examples from tablet fragments excavated from the hot springs at the Roman shrine to Sulis in Bath, then dig into a set of case studies: what do you do if you've been hexed with prickling pains, or are a fisherman who can't net a catch, or you have been 'overlooked' by a witch and can't catch a break? Between the prudent use of black salt, the art of capturing shadows, unsavoury acts involving toads, and more, fear not: Eleanor's got your back!Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 2min
Series 2 Episode 9: Berkshire
VOTE FOR THE THREE RAVENS PODCAST IN THE BRITISH PODCAST AWARDS HERE: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingOn this week's episode, Martin and Eleanor bustle to Berkshire, the "Royal County," and tell the tale of "Herne the Hunter."After chatting through a raft of folk festivals taking place this week, including Nutting Day, the Hop Hoodening, and Colchester's Barnet Fair, they cut to the chase and explore the history and folklore of Berkshire - from Windsor Castle and the Headless Ghost of Hampden Pye to the tale of the Vicar of Bray, the Blind Woodcutter of Bruelle, the origins of the Order of the Garter, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Martin's telling of "Herne the Hunter."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 2023 • 34min
Something Wicked #2: The Blood Countess
VOTE FOR THE THREE RAVENS PODCAST IN THE BRITISH PODCAST AWARDS HERE: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingIn this Bonus Episode, Martin and Eleanor explore the dark life of Elizabeth Bathory, the "Blood Countess."Part of the "Something Wicked" series, they discuss the 16th century penchant for stories of witches, magicians and the occult, the context in which Bathory lived in Renaissance Hungary, her "Black Knight" husband, and the litany of crimes which earned Bathory the title of "Most Prolific Female Serial Killer in History..."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2023 • 59min
Series 2 Episode 8: Huntingdonshire
VOTE FOR THE THREE RAVENS PODCAST IN THE BRITISH PODCAST AWARDS HERE: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingOn this week's episode of The Three Ravens Podcast, Eleanor and Martin head to Huntingdonshire, a historic county latterly absorbed into Cambridgeshire.With the episode released on both Apple Pie Day and St Augustine of Hippo's Day, they discuss the duties of an Apple Pie Princess and commiserate over the lack of hippo saints, then light their lamps and illuminate the history and folklore of Huntingdonshire - from The Witch of Warboys and the ghosts of Hinchingbrooke House to George Walpole's deeply eccentric pleasure cruise of 1774, the ancient Straw Bear festival, legends of the Fen Tiger, and much more besides. Then it's time for the main event: Eleanor's telling of "The Lantern Men."Learn more about The Three Ravens Podcast at www.threeravenspodcast.com and join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast.Three Ravens is a myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.In each Monday episode we explore a historic county, digging into heritage, folklore and traditions, then we tell a new version of a legend from that county. Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays and Saturdays.Visit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.