Why are black cats associated with witches, bad luck and Halloween? And how did these mysterious creatures go from being worshipped as sacred animals to becoming symbols of superstition and the supernatural?

In this Halloween Special of Folktales Then and Now, Vanessa explores the fascinating history of black cat folklore, uncovering the myths, legends and historical beliefs that shaped our perception of these enigmatic creatures.

Our journey begins in 1560 Lincolnshire, with a curious folktale about an injured black cat, a suspected witch and a strange coincidence that helped fuel beliefs about witches transforming into cats.

But the story doesn't end there.

We'll travel back to Ancient Egypt and the goddess Bastet, explore Greek mythology and witchcraft, and venture into Irish and Scottish folklore to discover the mysterious cat-sìth, a supernatural feline with a rather sinister reputation.

Along the way, we'll explore:

• The history of black cats and witchcraft.

• Why black cats became associated with witches' familiars and the devil.

• The origins of black cat superstitions and beliefs about good and bad luck.

• Celtic, Irish and Scottish folklore surrounding shape-shifting animals.

• Witch trials and the impact of superstition on ordinary people.

• Why black cats can still face challenges finding homes today.

Producer Mark joins Vanessa for a lighter look at black cat folklore around the world, including unusual good luck traditions, Japanese beliefs about romance and the extraordinary story of Blackie, the cat who inherited a £7 million fortune!

And finally, Vanessa shares a rather special childhood memory of a little book called Gobolino the Witch's Cat.

So, settle down, get cosy and join us for a little Halloween history, folklore and feline mystery.

Because perhaps the black cat hasn't changed at all. Perhaps it's the stories we've told about it that have.

Folktales Then and Now – discovering the myths, magic and folklore hidden within the landscapes and stories of Middle England.

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

Hi! Thanks for listening
As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

Folktales Then and Now is for you if you love history, folklore, and the feeling that the world used to be just a little more magical than it sometimes feels today.

But....life sometimes gets in the way - so this is a little apology for keeping you waiting inbetween stories and an update on upcoming episodes that will be out very SOON!

Hi! Thanks for listening
As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore.

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Nottinghamshire as civil war that rages across the kingdom and sees King Charles I seeks refuge in a breathtaking village dominated by a magnificent Gothic minster.

Battle-worn, proud, and trudging through the chaos with holes in his boots, the King makes an unexpected stop at a humble shoemaker's shop. But when the weary monarch steps through the door, why does the cobbler react with such shock …??

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes.

Do you have a folktale from your own corner of the world? We'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode

Hi! Thanks for listening

As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore. We retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering.

In this episode this haunting, yet slightly comical folk tale, transports us to the county of Derbyshire; specifically the rugged and beautiful Peak District.

This story gives a real insight into the traditions, lives, superstitions and beliefs of rural England in the 17th century and where we find out, on an eerie, dark Hallows Eve in the middle of a churchyard, if the Devil and the 'unquiet dead' lay in wait for the local clergymen…??
While our story-telling transports you back in time, our On Location exploration reveals real-life adventures and where you can join us on our hike along the Thieves Route itself!

Join us as we step into a world where old stories find new voices.

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

Hi! Thanks for listening

As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

Step into a world where old stories find new voices. Our Folktales Then and Now podcast explores the legends, landscapes, and hidden histories of Middle England, inspired by a much-loved 1954 edition of East Midlands folklore.

Join us as we retell forgotten tales, visit the real places behind the pages, and uncover the magic still lingering in quiet villages, ancient woods, and winding country lanes.

This first episode takes us to the county of Leicestershire and where the story tells of a majestic, mythical Griffin that cause chaos among the small village of Griffydam. While our story-telling transports you back in time, our On Location exploration reveals real-life adventures!

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

Hi! Thanks for listening
As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast

✨ Inspired by a 1954 book of East Midlands folk tales, and slightly disenchanted with real life, this host brings forgotten tales back to life. Each week, a story is retold, the place behind it visited and the myths and legends of counties explored including the stunning Derbyshire Peak District, historic Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire (who has probably the most famous folk hero of them all!). Escape into history, folklore, and the magic of the East Midlands ✨

Want to find out what we actually uncovered? See images, videos, location details and links to places and information sources on the blog: www.folktalespodcast.com

And if you have a folktale from your own corner of the world, we'd love to hear it — your story could inspire a future episode!

Hi! Thanks for listening
As a small team your reviews, likes and sharing the love mean the world to us and should you want to hear more and more any little support you also wish to bestow to us on the 'buymeacoffee' platform means we can continue to research, visit and plan more content and explore further afield.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Folktalespodcast