• Who Let the Banshee Out? Grief, Demons, and the Brain
    Jun 4 2026
    In this episode, we dive into the Charmed season 3 episode “Look Who’s Barking” and use its banshee big bad as a portal into real‑world folklore and grief science. Drawing on Irish legends of the banshee as a messenger of death, we compare the show’s demonized version to the older stories that inspired it, then turn to psychology and neuroscience research to explore what actually happens in your brain and body when you’re grieving. Along the way, we talk about how popular culture reshapes myth, why the “inner cry” of pain resonates so strongly, and what current research suggests about living with loss.TRIGGER WARNING: Themes of death, grief, and loss, including real-world experiences of bereavement.Learn More: American Brain Foundation. (n.d.). How tragedy affects the brain. American Brain Foundation. https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain/ American Heart Association News. (2021, March 9). How grief rewires the brain and can affect health—and what to do about it. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/03/10/how-grief-rewires-the-brain-and-can-affect-health-and-what-to-do-about-it American Psychological Association. (2022, March 29). How grieving changes the brain, with Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD [Audio podcast episode]. In Speaking of Psychology. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/grieving-changes-brain Atsma, A. (n.d.). Keres. Theoi Greek Mythology. https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Keres.htmlA-Z Animals. (n.d.). These animals are used to represent death. A-Z Animals. https://a-z-animals.com/slideshows/these-animals-are-used-to-represent-death/ Bird History. (2023, October 15). When birds mean death. Bird History. https://birdhistory.substack.com/p/when-birds-mean-death Chatterjee, R. (2021, December 20). How grief and loss affect the brain, and how we can heal. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/12/20/1056741090/grief-loss-holiday-brain-healing Discover Magazine. (n.d.). Why do these 6 animals represent death in cultures around the world? Discover Magazine. https://www.discovermagazine.com/why-do-these-6-animals-represent-death-in-cultures-around-the-world-45511 Discover Wildlife. (n.d.). Animals associated with death. Discover Wildlife. https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/animals-associated-with-deathGeggel, L. (2023, October 31). Creatures associated with death from around the world. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/animals/creatures-associated-with-death Greek Gods and Goddesses. (n.d.). Keres. Greek Gods and Goddesses. https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/keres/ Lewis, T. (2023, July 6). How the brain copes with grief. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-the-brain-copes-with-grief/ Mindful Synergi. (n.d.). The biochemistry of grief: How loss changes the body. Mindful Synergi. https://www.mindfulsynergi.com/the-biochemistry-of-grief-how-loss-changes-the-body/ Olympioi. (n.d.). Keres: Goddess of violent death. Olympioi. https://olympioi.com/demigods/keres Rolfes, S. J. (2024). Beware the banshees cry: The folklore and history of the messengers of death. Llewellyn.The Times of India. (2024, March 1). 7 birds that are considered bad omens in different cultures [Photo story]. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/7-birds-that-are-considered-bad-omens-in-different-cultures/photostory/120649246.cms Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Keres. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keres YouTube. (n.d.). [Video on Keres] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgH7Q3p3quM
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Gone With the Sin, Baby!
    May 21 2026

    In Charmed, Season 3, Episode 18, “Sin Francisco”, the Halliwell sisters are up against a series of attacks tied to the seven deadly sins—but the twist? Even they aren’t immune. Sloth, gluttony, lust, and pride creep into their own lives, amplified in ways that are equal parts dangerous and revealing. Today, Lex and T will dive into the fascinating history of these sins and explore how they’ve been reinvented in modern pop culture. We’ll also touch on the flip side: the Seven Virtues, the moral counterpoints that offer courage, wisdom, and hope.

    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of violence, murder, and graphic or disturbing content, including depictions of death, self-destruction, and a brief reference to suicide. It also explores heavy themes such as sin, moral corruption, and psychological distress that may be sensitive for some listeners.

    Learn More:

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Avarice. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Avarice

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Envy. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Envy

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Gluttony. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Gluttony

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Lust. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Lust

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Pride. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Pride

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Sloth. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Sloth

    • Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Wrath (Character). Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Wrath_(Character)

    • DC Extended Universe Wiki. (n.d.). Seven deadly sins. Fandom. https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins

    • Siddiqui, M. (2019, March 27). The factory of seven sweet sins. Medium. https://medium.com/@madinasid/seven-sweet-sins-61599c13c95e

    • ThoughtTheory. (2023, December 30). The 7 deadly sins; A modern perspective. Medium. https://medium.com/@ThoughtTheory_/the-7-deadly-sins-a-modern-perspective-3c5d9fffc735

    • UOSenki. (2025). Se7en: The series killer didn’t complete the 7 deadly sins. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/CharacterRant/comments/1gn02vr/se7en_the_series_killer_didnt_complete_the_7/

    • University of St. Thomas. (2026). The seven virtues. https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/minneapolis/frescoes/the-seven-virtues/

    • Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). The Seven Deadly Sins (manga). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Deadly_Sins_(manga)

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • “Do you guys ever think about dying?”: We’ve Got You Barbie!
    May 1 2026

    In this episode of Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter, Lex & T unpack Season 3, Episode 16 “Death Takes a Halliwell,” where Prue comes face-to-face with the Angel of Death while deadly seekers hunt Cole. As chaos unfolds, the real focus turns inward - exploring grief, control, and what it means to accept the inevitable. From the Grim Reaper to La Catrina and shinigami, we dive into how cultures across the world personify death, not as a villain, but as a guide and balance-keeper. Drawing on mythology, religion, and Tarot, we explore death as transformation rather than an end.


    TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of death, dying, grief, violence, and brief references to suicide, as well as religious and cultural perspectives on the afterlife. We also explore existential themes and symbolic imagery (including disease, decay, and mortality) that may be sensitive for some listeners.


    Learn More:

    • Cereal Ventures. (n.d.). Day of the Dead: Who is La Catrina? Day of the Dead. https://dayofthedead.holiday/traditions/who-is-la-catrina/

    • Dhwty. (Ancient Origins. (2019, March 14). Shinigami: The grim reaper and god of death in Japanese folklore. Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/shinigami-grim-reaper-japanese-folklore-006072

    • Sandoval, M. (2023, October 29). How “La Catrina” became the iconic symbol for the Day of the Dead. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/how-la-catrina-became-the-iconic-symbol-for-the-day-of-the-dead

    • Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 22). La Calavera Catrina. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Calavera_Catrina&oldid=1350524215

    • Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 17). Shinigami. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shinigami&oldid=1349425426

    • Yokai.com. (2026). Shinigami. https://yokai.com/shinigami/

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    59 mins
  • Songs That Bewitch: The Devil’s Chord, Sirens, and Magical Minstrels
    Apr 3 2026

    Get ready for a supernatural soundscape! We’re talking Charmed season 3, episode 10, “We All Scream for Ice Cream”—where the Halliwell sisters face off against a magical menace straight out of music theory: the Devil’s Chord. From creepy ice cream truck melodies that mesmerize demon kids, to real-world tales of the tritone in horror flicks and heavy metal, we riff on music’s role as spell, weapon, and healer. Plus: lore about sirens, Pied Pipers, and magical instruments, with a dip into how tunes manage emotions, scare us silly, or save the day.


    Learn More:

    • Fender. (n.d.). The Devil’s Chord: The eerie history of 'diabolus in musica'. Retrieved from https://www.fender.com/articles/chords/the-devils-chord-the-eerie-history-of-diabolus-in-musica

    • LibraryThing. (2021, November 4). Group discussion: Music in fantasy? In FantasyFans. Retrieved from https://www.librarything.com/topic/333697

    • Melanie, K. (2025). Tuning out the dark: Music as a defense and folk solution. All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present, 102. Utah State University. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=gradreports2023

    • Mental Floss. (2016, March 28). A brief history of the devil’s tritone. Retrieved from https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/77321/brief-history-devils-tritone

    • Music & Memory. (2012, April 13). (official) Alive Inside Film of Music and Memory Project - Henry's Story [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5FWn4JB2YLU

    • Music Mentor. (2025, April 3). The Devil’s Chord: Its haunting history and controversial uses in music. Retrieved from https://musicmentor.ai/the-devils-chord-its-haunting-history-and-controversial-uses-in-music/

    • Neely, A. [Adam Neely]. (2017, June 5). The Devil in music (an untold history of the Tritone) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/eR5yzCH5CsM?si=f_fkt0qi7Ry7pbPg

    • Pop Culture Madness. (2023, April 18). 100+ magical songs in popular music. Retrieved from https://popculturemadness.com/100-magical-songs-in-popular-music/

    • Reddit. (2024, January 23). Music based magic systems? : r/Fantasy. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/19e75zg/music_based_magic_systems/

    • Reflections of Pop Culture & Life's... (2009, July 29). Songs about magic & mystery. Retrieved from https://coolrain44.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/songs-about-magic-mystery/

    • Schulter, M. (n.d.). Tritones in early music: Were they always prohibited? Medieval Music & Arts Foundation. https://www.medieval.org/emfaq/harmony/tritone.html

    • Smith, K. (2022, February 1). Infradonic sound and horror movies. Donut tasting 101 reloaded: A community audio journal. North Carolina State University Department of Communication. https://classapps.chass.ncsu.edu/com304/?p=432

    • TV Tropes. (n.d.). Magic Music. Retrieved from https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicMusic

    • Vice. (2024, July 27). A brief timeline of magic in music. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/timeline-magic-music-bowie-hole-princess-nokia-iamddb/

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    50 mins
  • We Declare…ALCHEMY!!
    Mar 20 2026
    Piper gets possessed in Charmed Season 3, Episode 9, “Coyote Piper,” while Prue juggles reunion prep and rising chaos. Join us as we dive into alchemy, necromancy, and all things spooky—exploring the real history behind alchemists and wandering into the darker side of magic, yes, including talking to the dead.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of possession, necromancy, and resurrection of the dead. We also briefly references mental health conditions. There are mentions of ritual practices, blood use, and historical treatments related to possession, including some that may be distressing.Learn More: Astrosofa. (n.d.). The mysteries of necromancy. https://www.astrosofa.com/nz/esoterism/Occultism/The-Mysteries-of-Necromancy Bartlett, R. A. (2007). Real alchemy: A primer of practical alchemy. Ibis Press. Bone and Sickle. (2018, October 31). Ancient necromancy. https://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/10/31/ancient-necromancy/ Britannica Editors (2025, December 24). necromancy. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/necromancy Giralt, S. (2006). Medieval necromancy, the art of controlling demons. Sciencia.cat. https://www.sciencia.cat/temes/medieval-necromancy-art-controlling-demonsJack, A. (2024, July 19). Necromancy in medieval Christendom: A history. History’s Page. https://www.historyspage.com/post/history-necromancy-in-medieval-christendom Libertarianism.org. (n.d.). The last great magicians: Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon. https://www.libertarianism.org/publications/essays/last-great-magicians-albertus-magnus-roger-bacon-alchemy-cult Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Alchemist. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alchemist Ogden, D. (2024, May 28). Lay that ghost: Necromancy in ancient Greece and Rome. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/ancient-necromancy/ Pierre, J. (2023, December 5). A differential diagnosis of demonic possession. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202305/a-differential-diagnosis-of-demonic-possession RPG Storytellers. (2025, December 30). The dark arts unveiled: Necromancers through the ages and the tomes that summon them. https://rpgstorytellers.com/article/the-dark-arts-unveiled-necromancers-through-the-ages-and-the-tomes-that-summon-them Sedgwick, I. (2018, October 4). Speaking to the dead: Necromancy in magic and folklore. Folklore Thursday. https://folklorethursday.com/folklife/speaking-to-the-dead-necromancy-in-magic-and-folklore/ Shadowhawk, N. (2023, December 17). What is alchemy? Medium. https://medium.com/@nyxshadowhawk/what-is-alchemy-09384c8f2e03 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 8). Alchemy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alchemy&oldid=1342367133 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 18). Necromancy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Necromancy&oldid=1344163955 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 17). Spirit possession. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirit_possession&oldid=1344044725 Wikipedia contributors. (2025, September 22). Watseka Wonder. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Watseka_Wonder&oldid=1312691608
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    52 mins
  • I Feel That...No Seriously, I Feel It All
    Mar 6 2026

    We’re back! Thanks for being patient as we worked through an unexpected hiatus, but we’re back and ready to dive in again!! In today’s episode of Charmed Chatter, we’re discussing Charmed Season 3, Episode 6, “Primrose Empath.” When Prue tries to help a reclusive empath named Vince, she accidentally absorbs his power, suddenly feeling the pain and emotions of everyone around her and unknowingly unleashing a demon on San Francisco. Today we’ll explore different types of real-world empaths, share a quick quiz to help you see where you fall on the empath scale, and follow T down a rabbit hole as she examines how empathy might show up across the 16 MBTI personality types.

    Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, abusive family dynamics, mental health struggles, burnout, death, and paranormal themes including mediumship and spirits.

    Learn More:

    Hayes, C., & Wang, M. (2024). Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and burnout in psychologists. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 31, 100724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100724

    Heal Your Nervous System. (2023). Empath burnout: Harness the power of empathy without damaging your mental and physical health. Retrieved from https://healyournervoussystem.com/empath-burnout-harness-the-power-of-empathy-without-damaging-your-mental-and-physical-health/

    Storm, S. (2022, September 1). The unique empathy of each Myers-Briggs® personality type. Psychology Junkie. https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/the-unique-empathy-of-each-myers-briggs-personality-type/

    Sun, J., & Wang, P. (2022). Emotional labor, empathy, and teacher burnout: Evidence from a longitudinal study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 35(6), 703–715. https://ijomeh.eu/pdf-2164-2233

    Wei, W., Chen, Q., Gu, S., Li, J., & Zhang, W. (2025). Differential effects of deep acting and surface acting on exhaustion: The mediating role of negative mood and the moderating role of emotional regulation self-efficacy. Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 11304. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11304-3

    Wilkinson, H., Whittington, R., Perry, L., & Eames, C. (2017). Examining the relationship between burnout and empathy in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Burnout Research, 6, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2017.06.003


    Personality Test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • This is Halloween (err…Samhain)
    Feb 6 2026

    In Charmed Season 3, Episode 4, “All Halliwell’s Eve,” the Halliwells are thrown back in time to protect their ancestors and the future of witchcraft. We use their journey to unpack Samhain, an ancient night of thinning veils, restless spirits, and necessary endings, where death, rebirth, and magic walk hand in hand. From Halloween’s pagan roots to its modern myths, this episode explores why the dark has always been a place of power.

    Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of death, mortality, historical and mythological violence, supernatural and horror themes, religious and spiritual practices, and folklore

    Learn More:

    The Apple and The Pentagram. (2010, September). Amayodruid. https://amayodruid.blogspot.com/2010/09/apple-and-pentagram.html

    Anderson, L. The Witches’ Apothecary: How to Make Magical Potions for the Wheel of the Year

    Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.

    Cunningham, S. (1988). Wicca: A Guide for the solitary practitioner. Llewellyn Publications.

    Eason, C. (2017). A little bit of Wicca: An introduction to Witchcraft. Sterling Ethos.

    Farrars, J. & Farrars, S. (1987). A Witches’ bible: The Complete witches’ handbook. Phoenix Publishing.

    History.com Editors. (n.d.). Why do witches ride brooms? The history behind the legend. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/why-witches-fly-on-brooms

    Nettle. (2018, March 13). Totems, familiars, power animals and where to find them – animal magick and witchcraft. The Old Craft. https://www.theoldcraft.com/2018/03/13/totems-familiars-power-animals-find/

    Bitel, L. (2024, October 29). The ancient Irish get far too much credit for Halloween. USC Dornsife. https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/ancient-irish-get-too-much-credit-for-halloween/

    IrishMyths. (2022, October 12). Why do we bob for apples on Halloween? https://irishmyths.com/2022/10/12/bobbing-for-apples/

    McCann, S. (n.d.). Celebrating Halloween from an Irish perspective. Lesley Bannatyne, Cabinet of Curiosities. https://www.iskullhalloween.com/Irish_cabinet.html

    Warmund, M. (2022, October 5). Bobbing for apples: A tasty autumn tradition. University of Missouri: Integrated Pest Management. https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2022/10/applebobbing-MW/

    Gifford, D. (2015, October 27). The new woman meets the old witch. Smithsonian National Museum of American History. https://www.americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/new-woman-meets-old-witch

    Connor. (2019, December 10). The Dullahan of Celtic mythology. The Irish Place. https://www.theirishplace.com/heritage/the-dullahan/

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • I Do Believe in Fairies, I Do, I Do!
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode, we dive into Charmed Season 3, Episode 3, “Once Upon a Time,” where fairy dust, invisible trolls, and childhood innocence collide. Using the Halliwell sisters’ battle to protect a fairy princess as our guide, we unpack the darker folklore roots of fairies and trolls, creatures that have always thrived in liminal spaces like forests, crossroads, and dusk itself. From ancient Celtic legends to modern romantasy vibes, this episode asks what we lose when we stop believing and what kind of magic waits in the in-between.Trigger Warning: This episode includes references to child abandonment, child kidnapping, and harm against children. It also references threats of harm, murder, and death. Learn More:alyssanicolepallotta. (2023, May 8). Fairy folklore. Read It Or Weep. https://readitorweep.org/2023/05/08/fairy-folklore/ Barone, F. (2020, March 12). Luck of the Irish: Folklore and fairies in rural Ireland. Human Relations Area Files. https://hraf.yale.edu/luck-of-the-irish-folklore-and-fairies-in-rural-ireland/ Briggs, K. M. (1976). An encyclopedia of fairies: Hobgoblins, brownies, bogies, and other supernatural creatures. Pantheon Books.Chamberlain, S. (2017, December 4). Liminal thresholds: The spaces between. Stephen Chamberlain, Author. https://www.stephenchamberlain.net/storytelling/liminal-thresholds-the-spaces-between ceridwensilverhart. (2021, April 28). Quarterly bestiary: Trolls from hostile magic to lovable goofs. https://illuminatingthefoolsmirror.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/quarterly-bestiary-trolls-from-hostile-magic-to-lovable-goofs/ Dragons and Beasts Live. (n.d.). Where did the trolls myth come from? https://www.dragonsandbeastslive.com/blog/where-did-the-trolls-myth-come-from Dundes, A. (1980). Interpreting folklore. Indiana University Press.Faircloth, K. (2025, February 13). “Faerie smut” is having a moment — just like it did in 1500. Culture. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/romantasy-history-acotar-celtic-folklore Goikhberg, M. (2021, April 19). The in-between. Brizo: For the Artist and the Intellectual. https://brizomagazine.com/2021/04/19/the-in-between/ Halpin, D. (2024, May 17). Fairies in folklore versus popular culture. The Druids Cauldron. https://thedruidscauldron.net/2024/05/17/fairies-in-folklore-verses-popular-culture/ Heckel, J. (2018, July 13). Charmed, I’m sure: A closer look at everyone’s dream prince. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/prince-charming-everyones-dream-prince/ The Irish Pagan School. (2022, July 13). The Sídhe: Irish fairy folklore. https://irishpagan.school/sidhe-irish-fairy-folklore/ Jones, M. (2015). The role of trolls in Scandinavian folklore and their modern adaptations. Folklore Studies Quarterly, 42(3), 210–225. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/fsq.v42i3.1234Lee, S. (2025, May 28). Exploring liminal spaces in mythology. Number Analytics. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/liminal-spaces-in-mythology Lindow, J. (2001). Norse mythology: A guide to the gods, heroes, rituals, and beliefs. Oxford University Press.MacCulloch, J. A. (1911). The religion of the ancient Celts. T. & T. Clark.Muratore, G. (2022, November 1). Charmed: 10 demons who actually had roots in myth and literature. Collider. https://collider.com/charmed-demons-with-roots-classical-myth-literature/ Mythos Anthology. (n.d.). Trolls: The giants of myth, folklore, and fantasy. https://mythosanthology.com/385-2/ Rainbolt, D. (2022, January 20). Irish folklore, myth, and legend: The fairies. Wilderness Ireland. https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irish-folklore-fairies/ Smith, L. (2018). Fairies and the concept of childhood innocence in European folklore. Journal of Mythological Studies, 12(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jms.v12i1.5678Valentinelli, M. (2020, December 4). Five fascinating magical beings from the original Charmed. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/five-fascinating-magical-beings-from-the-original-charmed/
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    56 mins