Tales From Long Ago
63 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsWe believe there is nothing more important than family, and we know that shared experiences are one of the best ways for families to connect. So we invite you to listen to these stories, then come to our website at tutusandfairytales.com to try a craft together.
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Episodes
42 - Gift of the Magi
December 18, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 9.9 MBThe Gift of the Magi is one of those old but beautiful stories with emotional weight... Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/join (sign up) for our mailing list!
41 - The Gingerbread Man
December 11, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 6.35 MBHere we have another classic tale that has been told and re-told for longer than I can remember. I did my due diligence and found what looks like the original version of this story! I'm happy to say that very little has changed in this case. You can never be too sure with some tales, but this is one that my younger boys (those who love to run run run as fast as they can) really enjoy as told from any decade. I will say that the items used to decorate gingerbread cookies seem to have changed...
40 - Grimm's Brothers Elves
December 04, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.24 MBDecember is here and the hunt begins for stories from around the globe that match the season. I've found some great ones, but until I can win the copyright game (where the only winning move is not to play), I found these three stories from the Grimm brothers that are focused on elves. The Elves and the Shoemaker is one of the most popular and not quite what I remember from my childhood. Beware, by the way, the little men are NAKED, but it's mentioned only briefly. There may also be a lesso...
39b - Bird of Truth (part 2)
November 27, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.27 MBHere we have the conclusion to the Bird of Truth story, a folktale that hails from Spain. This half is much more interesting, in my opinion, and it's always fun to hear the silly things a witch tries to do to punish errant children. It's got a happy ending, a brief mentioning of beheadings, and then everything is sunshine and roses once more. And for those that wonder, there is a habit I picked up from the Hitchhiker's Guide series where anytime there is a king I give him the voice of Elvis....
39b - Bird of Truth
November 27, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.27 MBHere we have the conclusion to the Bird of Truth story, a folktale that hails from Spain. This half is much more interesting, in my opinion, and it's always fun to hear the silly things a witch tries to do to punish errant children. It's got a happy ending, a brief mentioning of beheadings, and then everything is sunshine and roses once more. And for those that wonder, there is a habit I picked up from the Hitchhiker's Guide series where anytime there is a king I give him the voice of Elvis....
39a - Bird of Truth
November 20, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.95 MBThis is a Spanish folk tale and, if I do say so myself, feels like a lot of filler cobbling many elements together into one, but it also has some interesting twists near the end too. Nothing outrageous, but certainly something I didn't see coming. If your child is into birds, then there is a lot to enjoy here. I apologize for my poor bird-voice repertoire! Part 2, the stunning conclusion is coming next week! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ ...
39a - Bird of Truth (part 1)
November 20, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.95 MBThis is a Spanish folk tale and, if I do say so myself, feels like a lot of filler cobbling many elements together into one, but it also has some interesting twists near the end too. Nothing outrageous, but certainly something I didn't see coming. If your child is into birds, then there is a lot to enjoy here. I apologize for my poor bird-voice repertoire! Part 2, the stunning conclusion is coming next week! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ ...
38 - Ark On Superstition Mountain
November 13, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBWhile hunting for some good stories for November, I came across a huge treasure trove of Native American folk tales! I read through a couple and it's obvious how many similarities there are that even seem to cross the oceans! I never cease to be amazed, either, by the casual approach to violence in old tales. People were made of tougher stuff way back then, I suppose! There is a brief mention of "beating brains out" in this story, but I try to move past it reasonably quickly. And there was...
37b - Hansel and Gretel (Part 2)
November 06, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutes - 7.32 MBWait a minute, did the original story have NO CANDY HOUSE? No gingerbread, no candy canes, just bread and cakes? What happened?! It's things like this that have always made me so interested in learning about the origin of stories. Things change and are updated in ways that deviate so drastically from the original that most of the time we just never know about the original at all! It helps you appreciate how things are to know their past, as well as keeping you from the assumptions that th...
37a - Hansel and Gretel (Part 1)
October 30, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutes - 7.42 MBHansel and Gretel?! The story about the two kids who get lost in the woods and find a candy house? What a great Halloween story! Well, welcome to part one of the story. Fair warning, this is not a happy part. All the happy stuff happens in part two, but Samwise Gamgee would remind us that it's events like part one that make part 2 that much better. The woman here is a real piece of work, too. She is called "woman" and "his wife" and she says "your children," so we're never given reason t...
36 - Stormalong
October 23, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MBWhen it comes to American Tall Tales, there are a handful that are rather well-known. Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and the like. While I was looking through old American stories I came across a series of tall tales I've never heard of, which effectively boil down to "Pirate Paul Bunyan." There is some mention of being very drunk, but other than that the story is fairly harmless. Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to ot...
35 - Prometheus
October 16, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MBWe recently celebrated a birthday and my oldest son was quite keen to light the candles for his brother. He was quite impatient and I told him to be patient. "You can bring fire in a minute, Prometheus." Then it struck me that we haven't done any Greek mythology yet! The stories of Prometheus are probably the first I can clearly remember hearings as a kid. They tend to vary in just how much Prometheus ought to be praised for his efforts and Zeus' response, but they're still pretty cool. Th...
34 - The Wonderful Plough
October 09, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.86 MBForeign tales are fascinating because they unintentionally reveal the perspectives and priorities of different cultures. I say that to preface a few key items: First of all, at first blush, this appears to be racially charged. But I assure you the secondary character is sooty and not indicative of any particular nationality. Still, I want to give fair warning to those who wish to steer well clear of such things. There are also heavy Christian influences in this tale, which I know may be of...
33 - The Lost Horse
October 02, 2021 08:00 - 2 minutes - 2.4 MBSomething happened this past week that reminded me of this story. I realized that this was one of those stories I've known most of my life but had no recollection of where it came from. It comes from China! It's an old story with a lesson that I remember completely missing as a child. When I was young I couldn't help but think the main character was a drag to be around, completely disregarding the congratulations and / or pity from his friends and family. Now I know the wisdom that comes f...
32b - Snow White and Rose Red (Part 2)
September 25, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 7.12 MBThis is part 2 of the Grimm Brothers tale that almost feels like another story entirely, but it does eventually get back to elements from part 1. I also loved doing the voice of the dwarf. I think I might go out of my way to find more opportunities to do that! Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up f...
32b - Snow White and Rose Red (part 2)
September 25, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 7.12 MBThis is part 2 of the Grimm Brothers tale that almost feels like another story entirely, but it does eventually get back to elements from part 1. I also loved doing the voice of the dwarf. I think I might go out of my way to find more opportunities to do that! Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up f...
32a - Snow White and Rose Red (Part 1)
September 18, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.46 MBThis is a Grimm Brothers tale that has some very delightful elements to it. I especially love the examples it gives for how good children should behave. It has nothing to do with the well-known Snow White of Disney fame, nor Rose Red from lesser fame. They just happen to be the names of the children. And the vocabulary is straightforward! Hurray! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/supp...
31 - Three Deaf Men
September 11, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.7 MBThe Three Deaf Men is an Indian Folktale and one thing I've noticed from reading these stories from around the world is how they focus on different aspects during storytelling. This one has a little at the beginning and end that adds a bit of domesticity, but it doesn't quite apply to the main story or lesson. Tamarind is a bean-type thing that isn't very common in the United States. I'm sure you can find it somewhere if you're curious to see if your cabbage needs that extra kick! Come to t...
30 - Wayambeh The Turtle
September 05, 2021 00:30 - 4 minutes - 4.61 MBI decided to try an Australian tale and it...took some time to find a good one. Their folk tales are...problematic by today's standards and very few of them have a good moral or happy ending. This one doesn't even say if the characters are humanoid or animals! There are words that are unique to their folk tales, so I'm afraid I don't have any good definitions for you this time around! Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (l...
29 - The Lazy Spinner
August 28, 2021 08:30 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBNow, this is one of the oddest stories of the Brothers Grimm because the "villain" wins and the story says "yeah, but she was quite a bad person." Many other stories encourage children to be good people, whereas this one says "just because you get away with doing something bad doesn't mean you're not still hateful" (or "odious," as the story puts it). Still a good lesson, just...unorthodox this time around. All words in this particular story are well-known, but there is the phrase "lump of t...
28 - Golden Goose
August 21, 2021 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MBAha, this is NOT the goose that laid the golden egg, as I had thought when I began. No, this is much more fun, there isn't really an obvious lesson to learn, and I admit I had to edit out a few times I started giggling while recording. The uncommon word in this particular story is "sexton," and they're someone who looks after a church and churchyard. It doesn't matter to the story in any meaningful way, but I've got you covered just in case your kids are feeling inquisitive! And hey, here's...
27 - Anansi Tries to Steal All the Wisdom In The World
August 14, 2021 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBSomeone shared their favorite Anansi story and we thought "hey, why not?" It's short and sweet, and is one of those that is great for boosting the egos of little children; they are surprisingly clever sometimes! Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up for the free gift of the month).
26 - The Magic Bed
August 08, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 11.3 MBHello everyone! This week we're reading an Indian story called "The Magic Bed" that features the familiar story of the father issuing challenges to would-be suitors. There are a few foreign words here, but a synonym has been helpfully provided in each case, so everyone gets to pick up some new words today. Hurrah! Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (suppor...
25 - Bearskin
July 31, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 9.78 MBThis is a Grimm Brothers story, so there is a bit of religiosity, a very brief mention of suicide (I try to blow past it as quickly as possible), and one of those rare deals with the devil that actually works out alright for the main character. To show off your intelligence, I provide the following three words that I had to look up how to properly pronounce so that if one of your kiddos asks, you'll have the answer readily available: ~paternoster - the "Lord's prayer" according to Catholic tr...
24 - Little Red Hen
July 24, 2021 08:00 - 2 minutes - 2.16 MBThis is a super-short story, but it required a bit of technical magic too, so *I* had fun all the same. And, being a very short story, was ideal for while we're on vacation. Thanks for listening! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up for the free gift of the month).
23b - The Fisherman And His Wife
July 17, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.9 MB23b! It's the second half of the Brother's Grimm fairy tale about a husband and wife that get everything coming to them! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up for the free gift of the month).
23a - The Fisherman And His Wife
July 11, 2021 08:00 - 8 minutes - 6.2 MB23a? What does that mean? It means that we're splitting up the story into two different weeks (next week will be 23b). If you like it, or if you don't, please do let us know! This is a Brother's Grimm fairy tale about a husband and wife that some may find familiar. I certainly hope it inspires some gratitude! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusan...
22 - Paul Bunyan
July 03, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.34 MBHello everyone, and happy 4th of July! In celebration of American Independence Day, we're going through an American tall tale - Paul Bunyan. Now the original tall tales aren't in print. The originals have been lost to time, but have survived by countless amounts of retelling. What that means is that, in order to share it here, I had to exercise a bit of creativity and pull some of my favorite bits and pieces together to make this. So it's not so much of a "story" as it is "a list of things...
21 - The Straw The Coal And The Bean
June 26, 2021 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.65 MBThis is a brief little tale from the Brother's Grimm that is more silly than anything else. I suppose the idea was to come up with a "why is this thing in nature the way that it is" type story. No real morals, just some fun ideas. Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up for the free gift of the month).
20 - Three Strange Nights with Hrani
June 19, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.05 MBFor Father's day, we wanted to share a good "father" oriented story, but you'd be amazed how few stories actually have a father figure in them who acts responsibly. After searching, I came down on the idea of telling one of the stories of Odin, the "all father." Odin's stories go beyond the Norse myths; he's appeared as a wise, one-eyed wanderer in countless other stories. In fact, Shakespeare created the term "Odinic wanderer" to describe the phenomenon. This story is one of those, where t...
19 - Aesop's Fables 2
June 12, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MBI really love the lessons we can learn from Aesop's fables. There are so many simple precepts that would improve lives if they were followed! Here are the list of fables from today's podcast: The Crow & the Pitcher The Wolf & the Crane The Plane Tree The Owl & the Grasshopper The Oak & the Reeds The Wild Boar & the Fox The Heron The Fox & the Stork The Stag & His Reflection The Cock & the Fox Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other...
18 - Anansi Steals Stories
June 05, 2021 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.63 MBThere are so many wonderful stories of Anansi the trickster, but we felt that the one about getting stories would be an appropriate way to begin the Anansi tales! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/four (sign up for the free gift of the month). We've also got a new podcast that focuses on the more crafty side of things. You can fin...
17 - Rapunzel (1812)
May 29, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.3 MBRapunzel is the story for this week and during my research, I discovered that the brothers Grimm released two different versions. I don't know if or when we'll do the second one, but this was the first of the two. When reading it, I was confused when it said the woman "saw rapunzel" in the garden and had to look it up. I learned that it's a vegetable, which is how the baby girl got that particular name! You may have already known that, but I certainly did not! Come to the website to https:...
16 - The Three Sillies
May 22, 2021 08:01 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBThis is another short and sweet story by Andrew Lang that younger kids seem to enjoy, especially when they feel proud they know better than those mentioned here! Come to the website to https://tutusandfairytales.com/tales-from-long-ago-podcast/ (listen to other stories), https://tutusandfairytales.com/support/ (support us), or https://tutusandfairytales.com/mothers-day-gift/ (sign up for the free gift of the month). We've also got a new podcast that focuses on the more crafty side of things. ...
15 - The Emperor's New Clothes
May 15, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 9.08 MBGreetings! We're sharing the original version of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Emperor's New Clothes." It's one that has been retold repeatedly over the years, but surprisingly little has changed. It takes a lot of bravery to be the lone voice of reason, especially when we're worried about how everyone else may think of us. Even so, I think we can count on our children to speak out, though maybe not always to speak the truth everyone needs to hear! Come to the website to https://tut...
14 - The Most Beautiful Woman in the World
May 08, 2021 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.58 MBThis is a translation of an old Russian folk tale that we thought would be just perfect for Mother's Day. Try as I might, I could not find the original story (translated or otherwise), and we always try to share the original (translated, of course!) when we can do so. Argh, the frustration! There is a new embroidery pattern offered to celebrate Mother's Day too! Get it https://tutusandfairytales.com/mother/ (here)!
14-The Most Beautiful Woman in the World
May 08, 2021 07:00 - 3 minutes - 3.58 MBThis is a translation of an old Russian folk tale that we thought would be just perfect for Mother's Day. Try as I might, I could not find the original story (translated or otherwise), and we always try to share the original (translated, of course!) when we can do so. Argh, the frustration! There is a new embroidery pattern offered to celebrate Mother's Day too! Get it https://tutusandfairytales.com/mother/ (here)!
13 - Moon Rabbit
May 02, 2021 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.98 MBWe're trying something a little different for this episode; in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we're sharing a Mexican folk tale called "Moon Rabbit." First, we'll tell the story in English and then, if you're interested, the story is recounted in the original Spanish as well. We hope you enjoy it! Free craft: https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/) Our website: https://tutusandfairytales.com/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/)
12 - The Little Mermaid
April 24, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 41.3 MBThis is the vivid story of The Little Mermaid, which was the inspiration for the Disney adaptation. You'll find quite a few similarities, but some rather noteworthy differences too. Our freebie this month (a Rumpelstiltskin sewing pattern) can be found at the link below: https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/)
The Little Mermaid
April 24, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes - 41.3 MBThis is the vivid story of The Little Mermaid, which was the inspiration for the Disney adaptation. You'll find quite a few similarities, but some rather noteworthy differences too. Our freebie this month (a Rumpelstiltskin sewing pattern) can be found at the link below: https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/)
11 - Mother Holle
April 17, 2021 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.83 MBToday we're doing another Grimm's fairy tale called "Mother Holle." This one was unique because it references another Grimm tale by name, and I had to double-check to make sure I was actually reading the original version (there are so many revisions out there!) Don't forget to check out the free gift this month, a sewing pattern based on Rumpelstiltskin. Get it here! https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/)
Mother Holle
April 17, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.83 MBToday we're doing another Grimm's fairy tale called "Mother Holle." This one was unique because it references another Grimm tale by name, and I had to double-check to make sure I was actually reading the original version (there are so many revisions out there!) Don't forget to check out the free gift this month, a sewing pattern based on Rumpelstiltskin. Get it here! https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/)
10 - Aesop's Fables 1
April 10, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.77 MBWelcome to the Tales From Long Ago podcast! Today we're doing ten of Aesop's Fables, and they're all listed below. We are starting a new thing on the site where you can download a free sewing pattern at https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/) We'll offer more stuff periodically, but this is our first offering and we hope you enjoy it! The Ant and the Grasshopper Belling the Cat The Bundle of Sticks The Fox and the Grapes The Lion and the Mouse The W...
Aesop's Fables 1
April 10, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutes - 7.77 MBWelcome to the Tales From Long Ago podcast! Today we're doing ten of Aesop's Fables, and they're all listed below. We are starting a new thing on the site where you can download a free sewing pattern at https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/) We'll offer more stuff periodically, but this is our first offering and we hope you enjoy it! The Ant and the Grasshopper Belling the Cat The Bundle of Sticks The Fox and the Grapes The Lion and the Mouse The W...
Intro to Tales From Long Ago
April 09, 2021 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.76 MBThis isn't like a normal story recording; we thought it was high time we introduced ourselves and explained what our business is and why we do it. We're also kicking off our "free gift" thing, which will rotate to something new every month. This month, it's a unique sewing pattern you can follow from the Rumpelstiltskin story. Check it out! Go to https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/ (https://tutusandfairytales.com/rumpgift/) to get the free gift!
9 - Mr. Easter Hare
March 30, 2021 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MBIn celebration of Easter, we share an old German folk tale that could conceivably be the origin of many Easter traditions enjoyed today. For craft ideas, stories, ways to support us and more, please go to http://tutusandfairytales.com/
Mr. Easter Hare
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MBIn celebration of Easter, we share an old German folk tale that could conceivably be the origin of many Easter traditions enjoyed today. For craft ideas, stories, ways to support us and more, please go to http://tutusandfairytales.com/
8 - Bremen Town Musicians
March 20, 2021 07:01 - 7 minutes - 6.45 MBToday we're sharing the cute little Grimm Brothers fairy tale called the Bremen Town Musicians. I don't think they ever make it to Bremen town, but that's not really the point! This is brought to you by https://tutusandfairytales.com/ (TutusAndFairyTales.com) which strives to help families find ways to connect through stories and crafts. There are all kinds of free things there, so take a look! I hope you enjoy the recording! It's an extra one this month because we're trying something a li...
Bremen Town Musicians
March 20, 2021 06:01 - 7 minutes - 6.45 MBToday we're sharing the cute little Grimm Brothers fairy tale called the Bremen Town Musicians. I don't think they ever make it to Bremen town, but that's not really the point! This is brought to you by https://tutusandfairytales.com/ (TutusAndFairyTales.com) which strives to help families find ways to connect through stories and crafts. There are all kinds of free things there, so take a look! I hope you enjoy the recording! It's an extra one this month because we're trying something a li...
7 - Field of Boliauns
March 17, 2021 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.49 MBToday we're doing the Celtic folk tale called "Field of Boliauns." This episode is being released early in time for St. Patrick's Day, so I hope nobody minds terribly! There are a handful of words that are a bit tricky to understand, as well as some phrasing that is different from what we use today (I assure you that I did check two different versions of the story to make sure it wasn't just a mistranslation or mistranscription of some kind!) so don't worry if you have to persevere a bit in o...