Sign in
Arts
Dan Scholz
Every week The Folktale Project brings you new folklore, fairytales, myths and legends from around the world. Some tales you've heard before and some brand new.
The Belly and The Members - An Aesop Fable
This week is a palate cleanser of sort. After a few long stories I'm bringing you a week of fables from Aesop, beginning with 'The Belly and The Members'. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
03:3917/02/2020
Good Little Henry, Pt. 3 - The Harvest - A French Folktale
In Part 3 of 'Good Little Henry', 'The Harvest' we meet the first of the genii of the mountain and get a glimpse into just how long Henry will be spending on his quest. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
05:5614/02/2020
Good Little Henry, Pt. 2 - The Crow, The Cock, and The Frog - A French Folktale
In Part 2 of 'Good Little Henry', 'The Crow, The Cock and The Frog' we see young Henry set off on his quest and meet three very important friends along the way to the mountain. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
07:2712/02/2020
Good Little Henry, Pt. 1 - The Poor Sick Mother - A French Folktale
'Good Little Henry' is our next longer tale from Comtesse de Ségur, and we begin this tale with 'The Poor Sick Mother', where we learn the reason for Henry's quest. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
07:3510/02/2020
The Water of Yoro or the Fountain of Youth - A Japanese Folktale
We end the week with another story of filial piety from Japan, 'The Water of Yoro or the Fountain of Youth'. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
06:1407/02/2020
The Cold Lady - A Japanese Folktale
'The Cold Lady' is a story of love and loss and a young man who, after many years, breaks a promise. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
15:0805/02/2020
How the Wicked Tanuki Was Punished - A Japanese Folktale
The tanuki is not a "good guy", by any stretch of the imagination, but it looks like he'll finally get what's coming to him in 'How the Wicked Tanuki Was Punished'. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
08:4603/02/2020
Two Lives for One - A North American Folktale
'Two Lives for One' is a ghost story about revenge in the southern city of Macon, Georgia. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
06:1431/01/2020
The Moaning Sisters - A North American Folktale
'The Moaning Sisters' warn those who live along the Potomac River of impending death. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support. (img source via Flicker)
04:0929/01/2020
Lake of the Dismal Swamp - A North American Folktale
'Lake of the Dismal Swamp is a love story and a ghost story rolled into one tale from the Virginia swamps. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
04:3227/01/2020
Little Red Hood - A Slavic Folktale
The Slavic version of 'Little Red Riding Hood', 'Little Red Hood' is probably my favorite version of the classic tale. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
09:0624/01/2020
The Beautiful Damsel and the Wicked Old Woman - A Russian Folktale
'The Beautiful Damsel and the Wicked Old Woman' is a familiar tale with some unique (and quite frankly unexpected) parts to it. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
07:2722/01/2020
The Frost, The Sun, and The Wind - A Slavic Folktale
The peasant in 'The Frost, The Sun, and The Wind' is incredibly smart and observant in our first of three Slavic tales this week. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
04:1120/01/2020
The Clever Peasant - An Italian Folktale
'The Clever Peasant' has every opportunity to go a very dark, very different way but in the end it's an endearingly wholesome tale of a generous king and a wise peasant. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
05:4017/01/2020
The Cock That Wished to Become Pope - An Italian Folktale
'The Cock That Wished to Become Pope' is a story that ends in a most logical way, and yet you're still not fully expecting it. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
05:3815/01/2020
The Doctor's Apprentice - An Italian Folktale
I love a good story where a character tries so hard to be right about something but in the end is proven a fool. And the Italian tale of 'The Doctor's Apprentice' is an almost perfect example. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
04:5213/01/2020
Dyjhicon: the Coward-Hero - An Armenian Folktale
Dyjhicon is in some ways an Armenian version of 'The Brave Little Tailor', but in many others it is 100% its own tale of a fool who stumbles his way to great things. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
12:3710/01/2020
The Golden-Headed Fish - An Armenian Folktale
'The Golden-Headed Fish' is a story that's quite a ride, particularly in it's ending. Although I'll admit it is a bit problematic in it's description of a main character who happens to be a person of color. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
12:2208/01/2020
Simon, The Friend of Snakes - An Armenian Folktale
Simon (of the Armenian tale 'Simon, The Friend of Snakes') is definitely a friend of the snakes, and being such he gets a wonderful reward indeed! Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
10:0506/01/2020
Best of 2019: The Dragon After His Winter Sleep - A Chinese Folktale
Today we have your favorite, most listened to episode of 2019, 'The Dragon After His Winter Sleep'! Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
04:4303/01/2020
Best of 2019: How the Pigeon Became a Tame Bird - A Brazilian Folktale
Today we have your second favorite folktale from 2019 - 'How the Pigeon Became a Tame Bird'. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
10:2101/01/2020
Best of 2019: Snow-White and Rose-Red - A German Folktale
Today we have your third favorite folktale from 2019, the German tale of 'Snow-White and Rose-Red'! Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
18:3830/12/2019
Old Santeclaus with Much Delight - A Christmas Folktale
Our final folktale for the year, 'Old Santeclaus with Much Delight', is a glimpse of Santa well before Clement Clarke Moore's portrayal in 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' and shows a much harsher Santa. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
04:4127/12/2019
Christmas at Fezziwig's Warehouse - A Christmas Folktale
One of my favorite parts of "A Christmas Carol", 'Christmas at Fezziwig's Warehouse' is the story of what sounds like one outrageous office party. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
06:1525/12/2019
A Visit from St. Nicholas - A Christmas Folktale
As another year comes quickly to a close we have our traditional reading of Clement Clarke Moore's 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
05:1823/12/2019
Blondine Part 10, The Jouney and Arrival - A French Folktale
The conclusion of the French fairy saga "Blondine" is absolutely, completely and totally worth it as we discover the final fate of Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support.
14:4320/12/2019
Blondine Part 9, The Tortoise - A French Folktale
In 'The Tortoise' our heroine the final leg of her journey in the penultimate chapter of the French fairytale saga, "Blondine". Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support!
05:2318/12/2019
Blondine Pt 8 - Repentance - A French Folktale
We pick up the story of Blondine at a rather sad point and find out exactly what happened to Bonne-Biche and Beau Minon. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support!
11:0416/12/2019
The Sorcerer of the White Lotus Lodge - A Chinese Folktale
Our final Chinese fairy tale this year, 'The Sorcerer of the White Lotus Lodge' is the tale of a great sorcerer who gets away with pretty much everything. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
07:2213/12/2019
The Dangerous Reward - A Chinese Folktale
'The Dangerous Reward' tells a cautionary tale of listening closely when one of the Gods gives you a warning in a story about a man who is just trying to help. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
07:2611/12/2019
The Bird with Nine Heads - A Chinese Folktale
In 'The Bird with Nine Heads' we meet a few sea dragons, a brave (but not so bright) youth and a kidnapped princess. It's quite a way to start a week of Chinese tales. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
09:5109/12/2019
The Three Languages - A German Folktale
In the Brothers Grimm folktale of 'The Three Languages' we get a story that is both expected (the protagonist uses his unique knowledge to better himself) and unexpected (the Grimms don't generally do folklore disparaging the Church). Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
07:5206/12/2019
The Wolf and The Man - A German Folktale
In 'The Wolf and The Man' we learn how animals may perceive human technology, specifically hunting technology. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
04:5104/12/2019
The Duration of Life - A German Folktale
The Brothers Grimm story of 'The Duration of Life' cuts way too close for someone deep in the years of the Ass. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
05:5302/12/2019
The Ghost Bride - A Pawnee Folktale
In the Pawee folktale 'The Ghost Bride' we get an interesting view into the daily life of the Pawnee on the plains. Plus a ghost, just because. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
06:1629/11/2019
The Dog and The Root Digger - A Blackfeet Folktale
Our second Native American folktale this Thanksgiving week is the story of 'The Dog and The Root Digger' and tells us the tale of a man who steals the buffalo from the plains and the brave Napi who gets them back. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter! Find out how at https://www.folktaleproject.com/support
08:1727/11/2019
Two Fast Runners - A Blackfeet Folktale
In our first of three Native American folktales this week we get the story of why the deer has no gall bladder and the antelope has no dewclaw. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject) or Ko-fi (http://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject).
04:3525/11/2019
The Parrot - A French Folktale
In our final chapter of 'Blondine, Bonne-Biche and Bon-Minon' this week the action really gets going with the introduction of 'The Parrot'. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject) or Ko-fi (http://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject).
14:1922/11/2019
Blondine's Second Awakening - A French Folktale
'Blondine's Second Awakening' shows just how alone Blondine feels in the castle of Bonne-Biche. It's heartbreaking for sure, but nearly outweighed by the teaching methodology of Bonne-Biche and Beau Minon. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject) or Ko-fi (http://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject).
11:0520/11/2019
Bonne-Biche - A French Folktale
This week we're picking up where we left off in the story of 'Blondine, Bonne-Bich, and Beau-Minon' with the story of Bonne-Biche, where we meet the very talented white hind herself. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject) or Ko-fi (http://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject).
08:5118/11/2019
The Boy Who Was Saved By Thoughts - A Canadian Folktale
In our last Canadian Fairy Tale 'The Boy Who Was Saved By Thoughts' we have a story of trials, tribulations, and humility instead of a tale of origins. It's quite a story to end the week. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject) or Ko-fi (http://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject).
13:0515/11/2019
The Songbird and The Healing Waters - A Canadian Folktale
Another Canadian origin tale from Cyrus Macmillan's "Canadian Fairy Tales'", 'The Songbird and The Healing Waters' is the story of a loving and devoted husband who makes a discovery. Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon or Ko-fi.
09:1513/11/2019
Rainbow and The Autumn Leaves - A Canadian Folktale
'Rainbow and The Autumn Leaves' is a very special Canadian folktale. It's the source of two completely different origins. Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
12:5411/11/2019
Salman and Rostom - An Armenian Folktale
'Salman and Rostom' is an origin story hidden in a tale of a great warrior and a warlord. From: The Golden Maiden and other folk tales and fairy stories told in Armenia Author: A. G. Seklemian Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
08:0908/11/2019
The Old Woman and The Cat - An Armenian Folktale
The nursery tale of 'The Old Woman and The Cat' is a familiar progressive folktale with a truly surprising ending, complete with a moral worthy of Aesop. From: The Golden Maiden and other folk tales and fairy stories told in Armenia Author: A. G. Seklemian Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
06:0206/11/2019
The Dreamer - An Armenian Folktale
The Armenian folktale of 'The Dreamer' is a story whose pieces we've heard before, but when put together makes a fascinating tale to say the least! From: The Golden Maiden and other folk tales and fairy stories told in Armenia Author: A. G. Seklemian Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
16:2304/11/2019
The Courteous Prince - A Scottish Folktale
In the final Halloween folktale this week of 'The Courteous Prince' we have a love story that takes place on Halloween eve and features the kindest Prince in folklore. From: The Topaz Story Book: Stories and Legends of Autumn, Hallowe'en, and Thanksgiving Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
09:5701/11/2019
Stingy Jack - An Irish Folktale
Happy Halloween from The Folktale Project! We're celebrating, as we do every year, with a retelling of the story of the origin of the Jack o' Lantern, 'Stingy Jack'.
05:1130/10/2019
Twinkling Feet's Halloween - A Cornish Folktale
'Twinkling Feet's Halloween' is the perfect story to start our week of Halloween folklore this year. It's an adorable tale of a pixie who loses his laugh on Halloween and looks to a jolly witch and Jack o Lantern for help. From: The Topaz Story Book: Stories and Legends of Autumn, Hallowe'en, and Thanksgiving Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
13:5428/10/2019
The Lord, St. Peter and The Apostles - An Italian Folktale
The best way I can describe 'The Lord, St. Peter and The Apostles' is as the original, Italian folklore version of "Buddy Christ" and shows Jesus as your friend who plays bad practical jokes. From: Italian Popular Tales Author: Thomas Frederick Crane Help keep The Folktale Project ad-free by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject.
06:1825/10/2019