The hottest Folklore Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Ghost Routines

slow motion multitasking • 515 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Some people believe that ghosts are not actual souls but imprints of past routines or strong emotions. For example, if someone cried a lot in one spot, that might leave a haunting behind.
  2. The theory states that certain places and objects can 'record' these memories, similar to how a tape recorder works. This idea is great for understanding why old castles might feel extra spooky.
  3. Interesting ghost stories can include everything from haunted toys to the history of numbers like 13. Exploring ghost culture can be fun and spooky, especially during Halloween!

The Secret History of Knocking on Wood

Res Obscura • 5909 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
💾 History Folklore
  1. The origins of everyday gestures like knocking on wood are surprisingly hard to pin down in written records. There appear to be two related traditions—touching wood and touching iron—and the practice could be ancient or a relatively recent cultural development.
  2. Much important human knowledge is embodied and learned before literacy, so gestures, handedness, and other implicit habits shape language and moral intuitions but often go unwritten and unnoticed in text-based sources.
  3. Because current AI models are trained mainly on text, they miss bodily experience and these implicit norms; adding historical images, sounds, and simulated physical experiences could help make models more authentically human-aligned, and historians should be part of that work.

Kyys Ñurgun’s Battle

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 535 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
📚 Literature Folklore
  1. This is a translation of lines 3967–4076 from the Yakut epic Alaatyyr Ala Tuïgun, focusing on the episode called Kyys Ñurgun’s Battle.
  2. The material is based on a 1923 recitation by Roman Petrovich Alekseev (Nooroï), a storyteller from the Ust’-Aldansky District of central Yakutia.
  3. The translation appears on a subscription-based platform where the piece is usually paid content, though this post is offered to read for free or via subscription.

Cowboy Poetry

Points And Figures • 666 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Cowboy poetry gatherings celebrate and preserve Old West traditions through live performance, music, and traditional crafts.
  2. The cowboy ethos of rugged independence and hard work is held up as an American ideal and is likened to the spirit of entrepreneurs who want recognition and fewer burdens from government.
  3. Small rural communities contribute far more than tax dollars and deserve recognition, support, and opportunities to grow, so visitors and policymakers should value their businesses and traditions.

AI-Generated Cryptids Are More Real Than Real

Default Wisdom • 351 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Generative AI produces vivid images and videos of monsters and cryptids, and those visuals make imaginary creatures feel more real to many people.
  2. Social media and constant information overload have pushed cryptid and conspiracy beliefs from the fringes into everyday conversation, because these stories help people make sense of chaotic feeds.
  3. AI changes what counts as evidence: even when people know an image is generated, it can act like a plausible rendering that convinces people a thing could exist rather than proving it does.
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The Spirit of 'Horus'

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Isao Takahata started his career at Toei Doga and eventually got to direct his own projects, helping change Japanese animation with his film, Horus: Prince of the Sun.
  2. The project Taro the Dragon Boy was initially shelved because it didn't have the epic scale they wanted, leading Takahata and his team to create something different.
  3. Later, Taro was revived in the late '70s as Toei Doga's hope for a grand return, viewed by some as the studio's last great film.

British myth and folk tales and the 'law of the land'

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3574 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. British myths and folklore contain principles for living in balance with nature, even without a clear set of guidelines, evident in stories passed down through generations.
  2. The concept of a Wasteland in legends like Arthurian tales symbolizes consequences for disrespecting nature and the feminine, resulting in infertility and disruption of the natural order.
  3. Flooding and inundation in Celtic literature serve as punishments for wrongdoing or carelessness, emphasizing the need to respect the land, the Otherworld, and the feminine to avoid negative consequences.

Bathtime in Bulgaria

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Ivan Vazov is a key figure in Bulgarian literature and his work sparked a sense of national identity. His poetry, especially about freedom, shaped how many Bulgarians see their history.
  2. Baths in Bulgaria are more than just places to get clean; they hold cultural and spiritual significance. They serve as social spaces where people connect and share, reflecting the blend of history and community.
  3. The experience of bathing has evolved through different political contexts, from Ottoman influence to socialist ideals and now into capitalist commodification, affecting how people relate to these traditions and spaces today.

Start here

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 4992 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Folklore
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie focuses on reimagining women's stories, myths, and fairy tales, emphasizing the importance of these traditions in addressing modern cultural and environmental issues.
  2. The concept of enchantment, as defined by Dr. Sharon Blackie, involves a profound connection to the world, a sense of wonder, and engagement with creativity and nature, promoting a slow and ethical way of living.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie offers different engagement levels through free subscriptions, paid subscriptions with exclusive content on myth, fairy tales, and psychology, and an exclusive membership called The Hearth for deeper exploration and support.

What is Fairyland?

Default Wisdom • 488 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. An otherworld is a layered, immaterial realm that overlaps the physical world, and the Internet functions like that kind of otherworld.
  2. Folkloric Fairyland is ancient, strange, and often dangerous, governed by its own rules and obligations, not the cute Victorian image of tiny, harmless sprites.
  3. People once treated the Internet as mystical or spiritual and, even though it’s now framed as a tool or an addiction, many online experiences still feel 'magical' and can trap you — so old myths and etiquette for navigating otherworlds remain useful.

Calling all rooted women ...

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2935 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore
  1. The post highlights the focus on ancestral ties and the upcoming book 'Hearth', emphasizing the importance of place and heritage in storytelling and creativity.
  2. The author shares insights about the North Sea, childhood memories, and the inspiration that nature and history provide for her work on folklore and traditions.
  3. There are exciting updates about the upcoming 'Rooted Woman Oracle' and an online event 'The Descent', showcasing the author's exploration of myths, rituals, and empowerment through storytelling.

The owl season

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2536 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore
  1. The newsletter discusses folklore, book releases, and interviews about myths and legends, emphasizing the importance of nature and storytelling.
  2. The writer shares personal reflections on aging, seasonal changes, and the joy of creating in solitude, highlighting the cyclical nature of elderhood and the importance of setting boundaries.
  3. The post also features updates on community events, reading recommendations, and a workshop on the myth of Psyche and Eros, showcasing a diverse range of literary content and upcoming activities.

Greening the Hag

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2116 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. The Cailleach from Scottish and Irish folklore represents an archetype with profound teachings about connection to the land and aspects of aging.
  2. Older women in ancient stories like the Cailleach have an important role as guardians and protectors of the land, offering valuable lessons for contemporary society.
  3. Exploring folklore about the Cailleach as an ecofeminist figure can provide insight into the depth and richness of ancestral traditions surrounding giant old women in Europe.

Panic In Zanzibar: Nocturnal Sodomy & Demon-Bats

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1041 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. In Zanzibar, a collective panic occurred in 1995 due to reports of attacks by a shape-shifting spirit called Popobawa, resulting in violence and fear among residents.
  2. The Popobawa legend is a complex mix of political tensions, taboo sexual elements, supernatural beliefs, and historical legacies, making it challenging to interpret.
  3. The phenomenon of the Popobawa offers insights into Zanzibar's history, culture, and divisions, reflecting how fears and stories can have real-world impacts on communities.

Very Local History

So Here’s a Thing • 1278 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💾 History Folklore
  1. The post shares little-known historical events from Santa Cruz, revealing intriguing stories about individuals and unique happenings in the region's past.
  2. Each image in the post is accompanied by a caption detailing an unusual event, focusing on peculiar individuals and occurrences in Santa Cruz's history.
  3. The narratives in the post blend elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural, adding layers of fascination to the stories.

Monsters of the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. PNW is known for its love of mythical creatures like Sasquatch and the Cadborosaurus, a sea serpent that arose from sightings in 1933. This makes the region full of fascinating stories.
  2. One funny event involved a theory that geoducks were actually eggs of the Cadborosaurus. It led to ridiculous plans to catch them using mothballs, showing how far some ideas can stretch.
  3. There's a possibility of large fish, like sturgeon, living in urban lakes like Lake Washington. This reminds us that nature holds many surprises and we often don't know everything about it.

Death in the European psyche

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 938 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. The post discusses how Death is represented in European myth and folklore, highlighting archetypal forms and stories related to this concept.
  2. It encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with death and prompts them to think deeper about this topic.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, showing that the exploration of Death in the European psyche is offered as exclusive content.

A Fairy Tree Encounter: Bridging Worlds in the Island Woods

The Planet • 412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore
  1. Discovering a fairy tree can feel like stumbling upon a magical portal connecting our world to that of elves and fairies.
  2. Leaving offerings at fairy trees stems from ancient Celtic traditions, symbolizing respect and a plea for good fortune.
  3. Despite skepticism, tales of mysterious happenings near fairy trees continue to spark wonder and captivate imaginations.

The anti-woke hero's journey

Read Max • 2423 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Some high-profile individuals like Bill Ackman and Elon Musk have transitioned from generic liberalism to becoming prominent anti-woke figures.
  2. Both Ackman and Musk utilize their media presence and attention for their political campaigns, believing it symbolizes genuine power.
  3. Ackman and Musk approach their anti-woke campaigns with a logic similar to their investment strategies, showing a strong attachment to Twitter as a platform for discourse.

Rattler Killing Roadrunners

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Roadrunners are not just cartoon characters; they're real birds that are beautiful and have unique colors. They can be seen running around in their natural habitat, which is pretty thrilling.
  2. These birds are skilled hunters and eat various creatures, including rattlesnakes. They even have clever methods to catch their prey, like using cholla pads.
  3. Roadrunners have a fascinating relationship with humans and many legends surrounding them. They are known to bring good luck and can even help lost travelers find their way.

Welcome to The Art of Enchantment

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1278 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore
  1. The newsletter, The Art of Enchantment, by Dr. Sharon Blackie, covers topics from mythology, psychology, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and folklore.
  2. Dr. Sharon Blackie explains the importance of writers earning a living from their work and providing value to their supporters.
  3. Paid supporters of the newsletter receive exclusive content and can engage in subscriber-only conversations with Dr. Sharon Blackie.

The Mountain

Secretum Secretorum • 656 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Folklore
  1. The journey to enlightenment can be tough and filled with challenges, but companions can help support you along the way.
  2. Facing your fears is important. The things that scare you often come from your own experiences and past choices.
  3. We all carry our own burdens and past decisions, represented by the skulls in the story, which remind us that we are shaped by our own dreams and desires.

TITAA #50: Slow Grey Mares Stuck at Exit 8

Things I Think Are Awesome • 196 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Folklore
  1. The post discusses the Welsh tradition of Mari Lwyd, a skeletal horse pranking people during New Year's Eve.
  2. Mari Lwyd is associated with village mummers in south Wales in the 1800s and is constructed of a horse's skull and a white sheet.
  3. The post also covers various AI art tools, including an AI animation artist called NiceAunties and AI-generated SVG from images.

Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. The Aswang is a local Filipino monster that can scare children into behaving. It is said to look like a human, which makes it even creepier.
  2. Beliefs like the Aswang play a big role in Filipino culture and storytelling, blending fear with community wisdom.
  3. The story of the jealous auntie highlights struggles with mental health and relationships, showing how jealousy can strain even the closest ties.

Boracherro: The Flower That Charms & Harms

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Folklore
  1. The Boracherro tree, also known as Angel's Trumpets, may seem beautiful but contains psychoactive compounds that can be deadly and induce intense hallucinations.
  2. Brugmansia, a genus of ornamental shrubs including Boracherro, have vibrant flowers and are extinct in the wild but abundant in cultivation, with psychoactive properties.
  3. Boracherro contains tropane alkaloids like scopolamine that can lead to delirium, vivid hallucinations, and dangerous side effects, emphasizing the importance of caution and shamanic guidance in its use.

A Féchín Rumour

The Abbey of Misrule • 300 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💾 History Folklore
  1. The pilgrimage site of St. Féchín contains a mass grave from the Great Famine in Ireland.
  2. St. Féchín's well, known for healing, is now dry and neglected in a field of cows.
  3. Historical rumors suggest St. Féchín may have played a role in a deadly plague upon society as a response to a request.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part III: The Thunderstone

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Folklore
  1. Thor overcame challenges without his hammer by using a stone and a staff called Grid's Wale, showing his resourcefulness and strength.
  2. Ancient folklore across many cultures has stories of thunderstones, which are stone-age tools mistaken for objects fallen from the sky during thunderstorms.
  3. There are linguistic connections between thunderstones and Thor's association with thunder, hinting at a deeper relationship between the god and these enigmatic stones.

The First Rider

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Folklore
  1. The story revolves around a small tribe in Eastern Europe/Central Asia around 4000 BC speaking a Proto-Indo-European language.
  2. Hester's bonding with a duckling named Swepna showcases a heartwarming connection and her defiance to protect it from becoming a feast for a ceremony.
  3. Bergu's tale of taming the horse Ekwos illustrates courage, friendship with animals, and the importance of respecting nature and the creatures within it.

When Birds Mean Death

Bird History • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Owls have historically been associated with death and fear by different cultures, with beliefs about their calls foretelling misfortune or demise.
  2. The arrival of European settlers in America brought over beliefs about birds, like owls, being evil omens, creating a sense of fear and superstition towards them.
  3. The intimidating and mysterious nature of owls, especially their nocturnal habits and unique physical characteristics, contribute to their reputation as ominous symbols.

Traditional Methods of Black Magic

Traditions of Conflict • 26 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. Many cultures believe in using things like hair or personal items to harm others through magic. This idea reflects a common practice of using what's connected to someone to affect them.
  2. Supernatural beliefs may persist because people start to feel sick or anxious after hearing they’ve been cursed, which makes them believe in the power of magic more strongly.
  3. There’s a connection between these beliefs and how humans think; people often mistake coincidence for causation, leading to a cycle of magic, fear, and belief.

Spencer Longo: TIME

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Folklore
  1. The 'TIME' body of work by Spencer Longo visualizes millenarian anxieties through unconventional juxtapositions of text and images on old Time magazine spreads, reflecting on modern conspiratorial mindsets.
  2. The Sovereign Citizen movement includes groups like Moorish Sovereign Citizens, who reject US citizenship for alternative beliefs and create customized legal documentation with a Middle Eastern aesthetic.
  3. Cult systems like the Heaven's Gate utilized control tactics such as strict diets to maintain power over followers, leading to drastic actions like mass suicide in pursuit of spiritual ascension.

The Stories of the Specter Moose

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore
  1. The Specter Moose is a legendary creature first seen in Maine in the late 19th century, known for its enormous size and ghostly appearance.
  2. Many hunters who encountered the moose believed it was invincible, with stories claiming only a silver bullet could bring it down.
  3. The moose was often associated with superstitions, where sightings were thought to predict significant events, both good and bad.

The Jester of Death

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💾 History Folklore
  1. Tom Skelton was a jester at Muncaster Castle, but he had a dark side. He sometimes directed travelers to their doom, showing his cruel nature.
  2. Tom was involved in a murder plot, killing a carpenter to please a nobleman. This act led to tragedy for many people, especially the nobleman's love interest.
  3. After his death, strange happenings at the castle continued, and his ghost is said to haunt the place, making it a site for eerie stories.