Five Minute Folklore

Five Minute Folklore

Every episode focuses on a different famous mythological figure. Through atmospheric story-telling we learn the condensed origins of folklore tales from all over the world, and also take a look at varying interpretations, cultural differences, and how the stories have influenced other media. Hosted by Bob Shoy. Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

August 4, 2021 40 mins

This is the end. Thanks for listening!

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com

Buy bonus episodes at https://bobshoy.bandcamp.com/

Support editing time at https://www.patreon.com/bobshoy

-Part of The Bob Shoy Podcast Network-

Visit http://www.bobshoy.com to discover other podcasts you may enjoy.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Folklore from West Africa, specifically the areas of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, that originate from the Ewe, Akan, Ashanti and Dahomey people.

The story on this episode tells of the Adze, a creature with the ability to travel as a firefly to sneak into houses and drink the blood of children. Aside from the Adze, two other African vampires are also covered; the Asanbosam, and the Obayifo, otherwise known as the Asiman.

Con...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 12, 2020 32 mins

Folklore from Eastern Europe, specifically Romania and Croatia.

The first of two episodes dedicated to vampire folklores. This episode looks at Strigoi, the inspiration for the most famous vampire of all; 'Dracula', from the novel by Bram Stoker. There is a retelling of the opening chapters of 'Dracula' on this episode, as well as the real-life Croatian story of 'Jure Grando'; the first man in historical record to be described as a ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
May 1, 2020 18 mins

Folklore from Brazil.

The Protector of the Amazon Forest; Curupira, and Transforming Party-loving Dolphins from the Amazon River; Boto Encantos.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 12, 2019 19 mins

Folklore from Greenland. The Goddess of the Sea; Sedna, and the exiled wandering spirit; Qivittoq.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 8, 2019 13 mins

The episode is all about the snake spirit river God; NyamiNyami, who lives within the waters of the Zambezi river, that runs between the African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The story on this one is a retelling of actual events that occurred around the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See a...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
December 20, 2018 15 mins

This festive episode of Five Minute Folklore takes a look at La Befana - the Christmas witch of Italy, who visits children to delivery gifts of the eve of Epiphany. There are many similarities between her and the more modern Santa Claus, although she is much more closely tied to the traditional Christian Christmas story.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Ho...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This episode features two stories; both longer than usual, from two different African countries - Sudan and Libya. The Sudanese story of Fatma Al Samha, or Fatma The Beautiful if one of the most well known folklores in the ahaji style, and the story of Fatoom is a very strange Libyan tale that I have barely any information on.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
November 22, 2018 29 mins

Slavic folklore originating in Serbia, but told over many European countries, Vila are nature spirits that are also fearsome warriors, and mesmerising dancers. Otherwise known as Wilis, they are also the inspiration for the ballet Giselle, and the Veela from the Harry Potter series.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
November 8, 2018 18 mins

This episode covers two different folklores from Argentina - The Legend of the Cactus; Pasancana, and The Devil's fearsome debt collector; El Familiar.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 25, 2018 29 mins

Celtic folklore. On this Halloween episode, I decided to look at the most famous ghost of them all - The Banshee, an omen of death which originates in Irish folklore. This episode looks at the possible origins of the myth, similar figures from other folklores, and tells a few stories, one about a young girl named Alice, and the other about a young girl named Maeveen.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com

<...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
August 30, 2018 16 mins

Folklore from South Africa. Mistakenly created at the dawn of time by the Gods, the Grootslang is a cryptid that now lurks the rivers and caves of South Africa, eating elephants, and hoarding diamonds.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
August 16, 2018 15 mins

Folklore from Estonia - The legend of Suur Tõll, otherwise known as Toell the Great, or Tyll the Giant, who defends his island of Saaremaa, alongside his wife Piret, against the attacking hordes, the evil Warlord, and his rival, Vanatuhi, The Old Vile One.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
July 19, 2018 16 mins

This episode looks at the legendary trickster from the folklore of Kazakhstan - Aldar Kose. He is a hero of the lower classes who always comes out on top, by outwitting the wealthy.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 28, 2018 17 mins

This episode is all about the guitar-playing, hair-braiding, sombrero-wearing, El Sombrerón, from Guatemalan folklore. His music can mesmerise young girls, as he attempts to woo them, and possibly steal their souls...

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
June 14, 2018 21 mins

Maori folklore from New Zealand on this episode - we take a look at the Taniwha, the protective, or dangerous, water-dragons. This episode explores Maori beliefs and superstitions, taniwhas role as a monster or protector, and it’s similarities to other myths, monsters, and even dinosaurs.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
May 17, 2018 16 mins

This episode looks at Eloko - the grass-covered trolls which dwell within the rainforests of the Congo. A five-minute story, followed by a closer look at the Eloko, variations on the legends, and what the creature possibly represents.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
March 29, 2018 20 mins

This episode explores the heroic Iranian folklore character of Arash The Archer. He is a symbol of sacrifice and bravery in Persian culture, and his story has been told for many, many years. We look at the many variations of his tale, his importance to Iran, and who he is in relation to other Persian folklore figures.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Host...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
March 22, 2018 21 mins

Folklore from the Philippines. The Tikbalang is half-man, half-horse, and dwells within the forests to trick travellers into losing their way. This episode looks at the many variations of Tikbalang beliefs, possible sightings, and origins possibly coming with the Spanish conquistadors, or through Hindu imagery.

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Hosted on Ac...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
March 15, 2018 28 mins

Mexican folklore. La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, has been told in many variations across generations. There are a few versions of the tale on this episode as well as a look at similarities to Greek and Aztec folklores, and how the stories have endured until this day. Is La Llorona merely a ghost story to scare children, or something more...?

Contact at fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com

www.fiveminutefolklore.com


Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices