In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will discuss archetypes with renowned hypnotherapist Linda Bennett.  Together, we’ll identify common archetypes and discover how they can be identified in both life and stories. Cover Image:   Photo by Linda Bennett. To learn more about Linda Bennett, check out her website for services offered (https://www.lindahypnoqueen.com).  For more information on Kathy Shimpock's transpersonal work see (https://www.symbolsofsoul.com). The book...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will focus on the Shadow side of the Christmas holiday. Not all folklore surrounding this time is happy and gay; some of the characters are birthed from our deepest nightmares.  This time, we’ll look at Krampus and the goblins from Charles Dickens’s imagination. She'll read “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton.” It’s a shadowy precursor to the Dickens' story “A Christmas Carol.” Story: Dickens, Charles,  "Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" ...

 In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will continue our discussion of the Russian folktale "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." In doing so, we'll learn a bit more about Baba Yaga, the Slavic character who's part witch and part wise crone.  Who is she in this story?  Maybe it's a bit of both.   (Because this is a long story, our discussion is broken into two parts.  Last month the story was shared and this episode furthers the discussion.) Story: "Go I Know Not...

In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read the Russian tale, “Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What.”  It’s a story with two crones: one the wise crone and the other the infamous Baba Yaga.  Perhaps she’s a wise crone too.  Only time will tell.  (Because this is a long story, our discussion will be broken into two parts. This month is the story and next month will be the discussion.) Story: "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." Adapted from Bain, R....

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the story of “Old Rinkrank.”  It’s a Grimm Brother’s tale with a surprising ending.  We’ll discuss the innocent persecuted heroine and how her journey differs from the traditional hero’s journey tales. Where is the wise crone in this story?  I can’t wait to tell you! Story: "Old Rinkrank" in  Grimm's Household Tales, eds. Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. London: George Bell and Sons, 1884. Cover Image:   Illustrated by John Dickson...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the literary fairy tale, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds."  It's a story written by the Swedish author Harald Ostenson in the early 20th century.  We'll identify the differences between traditional folktales and literary tales.  Finally, we'll discuss how older characters are depicted in stories and discover how a hero's journey can become an example of positive aging. Story: Ostenson, Harald, "The Maiden in the Castle of...

In this episode, we’ll look at three stories in which an old woman meets and outwits the devil.  The first is “Devil’s Bridge,” a Welsh legend.  The second, “The Devil and His Grandmother,” is a German folktale recorded by the Brothers’ Grimm. The last story, “Kitta Grau” is from Sweden.  The old woman in these tales runs the course of characters from helper to hero and villain too. But no matter what her role, the wise crone knows exactly what to do to come out on top!  Story: Baring-Gould,...

In the last "Wise Crone Cottage Podcast,"  storyteller, Kathy Shimpock shared the Grimm fairy tale "The Girl Without Hands."  This is a continuation of that discussion. This time we'll focus on the earlier 1812 version of the story. We'll see how the Handless Maiden shifts from a persecuted figure into a heroine.  We'll also explore the ways this story has been used for both healing and empowering.  Finally, Kathy will share her version of this tale.  I wonder which you'll enjoy best.  I'm...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Grimm tale, "The Girl Who Lost Her Hands."  It's a story that packs a punch and leaves listeners quaking in the dust.  Well, maybe that's a bit extreme.   You can judge for yourself!  We'll look at several versions of the story, its derivation and multiple interpretations.  And finally, and perhaps most importantly, there will be an interview with the Handless Maiden herself.  Who will give the interview?  Why the wise crone,...

 In this episode, we’ll be exploring the folklore around the "nisse," a Norwegian house spirit, found throughout Scandinavia (by different names).  I’ll read the story  “Round the Yule Log,” by P. Chr. Asbjornsen which includes several folktales.  Further, we’ll reflect on the negative stereotype of the old maid.  What should we do with the stories from the past that no longer fit with our modern sensibilities? Story: from  P. Chr. Asbjornsen, “Round the Yule-Log"  In Christmas in Norway....

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the Cailleach, the Celtic goddess of winter. She’s found in both mythology and folktales in Ireland and Scotland. She sometimes appears as the sovereignty goddess.  I’ll read the Irish myth, “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon,” which addresses issues of gender, power, land, and kingship.  Further, we’ll reflect on our cultural taboos around aging women and how they continue to impact us today. Story: Adapted from “The Adventures of the Sons...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will tell you the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.  Her version is one you may not have heard before, for it tells this story from the eyes of Ariadne.  In doing so, we’ll discover how a single shift in perspective can make all the difference. Story: Derived from  "Ariadne's Lament" by Catullus. Cover illustration:   Statue of Sleeping Ariadne in the  Vatican Museums. Music:  The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).  Licensed...

In this episode we'll reflect on two stories that demand retelling. In each tale (from "Star Wars" to King Arthur), we'll see how the story is poised to continue through the intervention of a single storyteller.  In the sharing of the story, its meaning, values, and Truth continue to inspire and motivate those who stop to listen and tell again. Story:  White, T.H., The Once and Future King.  New York: G. P. Putnam's, 1939.  "Star Wars, the Rise of Skywalker," J.J. Abrams, director. San...

In this episode we’ll explore the Irish folktale “The Witches Excursion.” It was recorded by Patrick Kennedy in the book Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts published in 1866. Like the Grimm tale, “Frau Holle,” here is another story that began as a myth and became a folktale.  We’ll discuss how the character of Queen Medb is reflected in this tale and how the wise crone once again saves the day!  Story:  "The Witches' Excursion" collected and narrated by Patrick Kennedy in Legendary...

In these very dark days, when the world has gone awry, a story comes out of the darkness.  In this episode, we're entering a haunting tale with storyteller, Kathy Shimpock.  It is a dire tale rarely told to children.  Over time, the story grew even darker, more dire and its message corrupted.  It is the corruption of that message, that we'll explore. And so, before we can get to the hope, and before we can get to the light, we must first enter the secret chamber of Bluebeard! Sadly, it’s a...

In this episode, we're in the world of Irish fairies with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock.   Our story is called "The Brewery of Eggs."  It's a changeling legend in which the wise old woman saves the day by bringing the right baby home.  We're also going to explore how women stories may be coded, so they can share topics too difficult to address directly.  Stories:  Croker, T. Crofton, Fairy Legends & Traditions of the South of Ireland. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1844. Cover...

In this episode, we’ll meet Medusa with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock.  Some call Medusa a Gorgon, others a cursed beauty.  Maligned in popular media, controversy has followed Medusa wherever she goes. In her first recorded interview, Medusa will sit down with the Wise Crone for a tell-all exchange.  Her visit is courtesy of the Jungian technique “active imagination.”  Hold on to your seats, there is much more to come! Stories:  "Interview with Medusa" by Kathy Shimpock. Cover...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the stories that must be told and what happens when we try to forget them.  We'll look at three tales from India. Each one addresses stories that are untold, the need to find a willing audience, and the consequence when they are hidden.  Finally, we'll discuss how traditional stories from the oral tradition, hold the truth and history that needs to be remembered.  As the keepers of stories, we must learn from the tellers of long ago -...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, explores La Befana, a crone character from Italian folklore.  Befana appears on January 5th to give gifts to children.  I'll share with you my story that consolidates many of the tales surrounding her.  Finally, we'll look at how La Befana compares to some other legendary figures (who also appear during the season of Epiphany). Remember,  Befana shows us that it's never too late to go on a true adventure! Story:  Traditional interpretation...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores  the crone's role as the midwife in Irish and European folktales.  The story she will share with you is called "Midwife to the Fairies." In this story, we'll learn more about the crone and even more about those disagreeable fairies.  Finally, we'll ponder medieval midwifery, and in doing so perhaps uncover some healing wisdom for today. Story: Anna Eliza Bray, "Midwife to the Fairies," in Traditions, Legends, Superstitions, and...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores  Norwegian folktales surrounding the Black Death. She shares a story that incorporates many of the motifs and elements found in these tales.  It's the story of two very different old women.  One is the wise crone and the other is Pesta! Perhaps we'll uncover some plague wisdom we can use today! Story:  a creative compilation based on Andreas Faye’s Norske Folke-Sagn (Norwegian Folk Legends, 1844) . Cover illustration by  Theodor...

Greek mythology has a full pantheon of gods and goddesses.  Each deity has a story line with the past and present clearly defined.  There are stories of triumph and petty jealousies. There are stories of conflict.  Their relationships with humans and other gods are often tempestuous. Rarely do we see these gods and goddesses as exemplars.  More often than not, they teach the audience what not to do and who not to be. In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares stories of the...

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the power of story. What is it?  How can a simple tale impact our lives so deeply?   The story I will tell (as the wise crone) provides one answer. “The Story that Grew in My Heart” was crafted from a book written by Walter Hackett entitled The Swans of BalleyCastle. It contains clear references to Irish mythology and folklore. Finally, we’ll examine the role of the storyteller in sharing these stories. Stories: The Swans of...

In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read you the Grimm tale, "The Goose-Girl at the Well." It's a tale within a tale - a story of a young girl's initiation into womanhood and the guiding hand and protection of the wise crone.  First discussed in an earlier podcast (S1, #4), this story just won't go away!  It is categorized as Aarne-Thompson tale type 923 ('Love Like Salt'). But even more importantly, the old woman in this story is a study of delightful contrasts.  Both young...