Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees

By: Mark Rees
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  • Summary

  • Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Dive deep into ghost stories, ancient lore, myths, and legends from haunted Wales. Join author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – ”arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – for a journey through the weird and wonderful history of Cymru and beyond. From “most haunted” Welsh castles to fairy-filled forests, each episode explores spine-chilling topics like pesky poltergeists and uncanny apparitions; seasonal traditions such as the Mari Lwyd and Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf); real-life ghostbusters and paranormal investigators who venture into the unknown; and eerie customs like the Sin Eater and corpse candles. Listeners who enjoy uncovering unexplained mysteries, delving into the supernatural like The X-Files, or exploring haunted locations similar will love the tales lurking within. Discover the real-life hauntings behind legends, like the Skirrid Mountain Inn, or eerie events in the remote hills and forests of Wales, where legends like the mystical Ceffyl Dŵr or the dreaded Gwyllgi roam the night. If you’re a fan of horror classics, the ghostly atmospheres of Gothic stories, or the folklore and mythology found in The Mabinogion, this podcast is perfect for you. These gripping accounts will take you from ancient Druid rituals to modern-day Welsh witchcraft. Expect exciting ghost hunts, interviews with paranormal experts, and plenty of spine-tingling stories that will transport you to the haunted corners of Wales, where magic and the supernatural blend with history. Whether you’re fascinated by the macabre traditions of phantom funerals or intrigued by the legends of mythical creatures, the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast offers a captivating exploration of the unknown. Don’t miss an episode – subscribe now and unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales with Mark Rees, where history, myth, and magic still cast a spell over the land.
    Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • EP150 Wales' Eerie Christmas Death Omen: The Ghostly Tolling of the Tolaeth | Haunted Folklore | Supernatural Tales | Festive Spirits on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales Podcast with Mark Rees

    EP150 Wales' Eerie Christmas Death Omen: The Ghostly Tolling of the Tolaeth | Haunted Folklore | Supernatural Tales | Festive Spirits on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales Podcast with Mark Rees
    Dec 19 2024
    The Ghosts and Folklore Podcast is celebrating a monumental milestone – Episode 150 – with a festive, eerie twist. For this special Christmas edition, host Mark Rees blends the magic of the holiday season with haunting tales and mysterious folklore. Get ready for a journey into the strange and supernatural, featuring festive ghosts, ancient traditions, and a mystery that will (OK, might!) keep you on edge. So grab your favourite drink, cosy up by the fire, and let’s dive into a world where the spirits of Christmas past are very much alive! Christmas Ghosts: A Welsh Pub and the Tolaeth Mark kicks off this festive celebration by taking us to a Welsh pub during Christmas in the late Victorian era. American folklorist Wirt Sikes recounts a memorable visit to a Carmarthenshire inn, where the locals enjoyed good food, drink, music, and ghostly tales. But the pub wasn’t just a place for celebration – it was also a hotspot for strange happenings. In this episode, Mark explores a mysterious death omen from Welsh folklore – the Tolaeth. This eerie phenomenon, thought to be linked to the tolling of church bells, is a haunting reminder that not all is merry and bright during the holidays. But what exactly is the Tolaeth, and how does it relate to death and Christmas traditions? Could the clanging of church bells really be a warning of impending doom? Listen to the episode to uncover this chilling mystery! Festive Folklore: The Ghostly Tolling of the Bells Unlike the loud, screeching death omens like the cyhyraeth, the Tolaeth manifests as soft knocks, footsteps, or even the sound of a carriage – sometimes heard just before someone’s passing. One especially eerie story told in this episode revolves around a farmer who hears strange knockings at his door on Christmas Eve. These supernatural knocks were a sign of impending death, a harbinger of loss, yet a part of the Christmas folklore that has been passed down through generations. But how does the Tolaeth connect to the church bells that toll mysteriously at midnight? And could these sounds be warning of death within the family? Tune in to uncover the eerie details and chilling implications of this folklore. The Eerie Legend of the Blaenporth Church Bell A captivating tale featured in this episode is that of the Blaenporth Church Bell. This legend tells of a tolling bell that foretold death in certain families. But here’s the twist – the bell would toll unrung by human hands, and the sound could be heard at midnight, signalling an impending death. In the story, a farmer helps a spirit return a stolen silver communion cup to the church, earning the promise of being warned of his family’s death through the mysterious tolling of the bell. As Mark recounts, this death omen came with a unique twist: a forewarning that allowed the family to prepare for their loss. But could it also be a metaphor for the way we process death during the holiday season? Listen in to hear the full legend and decide for yourself. A Festive Death Omen or Santa’s Visit? Mark wraps up this episode on a lighter note, inviting listeners to consider the whimsical side of the Tolaeth. What if the strange knocks on Christmas Eve aren’t a forewarning of death, but a surprise visit from Santa Claus? Picture this: You’re lying in bed, the sounds of footsteps echoing through the house. Is it Santa delivering gifts, or is it the Tolaeth preparing you for a deathly encounter? Maybe, just maybe, it’s a little bit of both. The 150th Episode: A Journey Through Time and Tales Mark’s passion for folklore and ghostly tales shines through as he celebrates reaching the 150th episode of the Ghosts and Folklore Podcast. Reflecting on the journey so far, which started in early 2020 during the first Covid lockdown, we look forward to more eerie stories, chilling legends, and fascinating folk traditions. Join the Celebration If you love a good ghost story and want to learn more about Welsh folklore, haunted legends, and eerie traditions, this special Christmas 150th episode of the Ghosts and Folklore Podcast is a must-listen. The festive season is the perfect time to dive into these spine-tingling tales of the supernatural. From festive food and drink to holiday ghosts and mysterious omens, this episode has it all! What will you uncover? What is the Tolaeth, and how does it relate to death omens?Can the tolling of church bells really predict death in Welsh folklore?What strange sounds are heard before a death in Wales?Could the Tolaeth be the same sound that signals Santa’s arrival? ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS ...
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    30 mins
  • EP149 Wales’ Most Terrifying Death Omen: The Haunting Cry of the Cyhyraeth | Haunted History | Gothic Graveyards | Countdown to Christmas on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees

    EP149 Wales’ Most Terrifying Death Omen: The Haunting Cry of the Cyhyraeth | Haunted History | Gothic Graveyards | Countdown to Christmas on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees
    Nov 21 2024
    Have you ever heard a chilling, disembodied moan carried on the wind, growing louder and softer like waves crashing on the shore? What if that sound wasn’t just the wind but a sinister harbinger of death?

    This episode, Mark delves into the eerie Welsh death omen known as the Cyhyraeth - a ghostly sound that strikes terror into those who hear it. Could it be warning you of a tragedy in your home? Or perhaps signalling doom for someone far away?

    From haunting coastal cries accompanied by glowing corpse candles to windows rattling and doors creaking open in quiet city streets, the Cyhyraeth has left its spectral mark on Wales' folklore.

    But what makes this death omen so unsettling? How does it seem to predict not just who will die but where their final moments might unfold? And why is one part of Wales particularly plagued by this chilling portent?

    Prepare to uncover the folklore, mystery, and macabre history of the Cyhyraeth - but beware, because once you know its sound, you might just start to hear it.

    Explore the lore with Mark Rees on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!

    ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES:

    Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here.

    BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:

    If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!

    https://ko-fi.com/markrees

    WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?

    The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.

    Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.

    From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.

    Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.

    Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!

    Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.

    For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:

    • Mark Rees homepage
    • Mark Rees on social media
    • Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
    • Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

    Until next time, nos da!
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    24 mins
  • EP148 Halloween Hauntings: Mysteries of Margam Castle | Paranormal Activity & Haunted History of the Gothic Mansion | Nos Calan Gaeaf special of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees

    EP148 Halloween Hauntings: Mysteries of Margam Castle | Paranormal Activity & Haunted History of the Gothic Mansion | Nos Calan Gaeaf special of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees
    Oct 24 2024
    This Halloween, are you ready to uncover the chilling secrets of Margam Castle? Who - or what - haunts this iconic Welsh landmark? Could it be the ghostly monks seen gliding through the night, the playful spirits of Victorian children, or the vengeful presence of a tragic gamekeeper?

    In this spine-tingling Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) episode, we dive deep into the haunted history of Margam Park, exploring the eerie legends that have terrified visitors for generations. From ancient abbey grounds to Gothic staircases, the supernatural activity here has only intensified in recent years - but what could be stirring these restless spirits?

    Get ready for a journey into one of the most famous haunted places in Wales, just in time for Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) as they celebrate Fright Nights. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or a curious sceptic, this episode promises thrills, chills, and ghostly tales you won't soon forget.

    Explore the lore with Mark Rees on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!

    ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES:

    Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here.

    BUY MARK REES A COFFEE:

    If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!

    https://ko-fi.com/markrees

    WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES?

    The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends.

    Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.

    From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way.

    Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favorite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd.

    Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files... with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way!

    Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode.

    For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit https://markreesonline.com/:

    • Mark Rees homepage
    • Mark Rees on social media
    • Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.)
    • Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

    Until next time, nos da!
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins

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Profile Image for Keeley Turley

brilliant

I've just found this and already LOVE it! Easy listening, fun and engaging 😁 learning so much!

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