Wise Crone Cottage Podcast
51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsWelcome to the Wise Crone Cottage podcast with storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Here we'll meet the crone and uncover her wisdom as found, in fairy tales, folktales and myths. New episodes are released each month. All rights reserved.
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Episodes
"Tatterhood" - A Norwegian Folktale (S4, #9)
April 08, 2024 23:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore a little known Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood." It's a story in which an unexpected, young girl goes on a hero's journey. She has quite a surprising role to play in a very unusual story. Story: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Lurvehette [Tatterhood], Norske Folkeeventyr (Christiania [Oslo], 1842-1852), translated by George Webb Dasent (1859). Translation revised by D. L. Ashliman. © 2001. More on Tatterhood: "D...
Archetypes in Story & Life (S4, #8)
February 01, 2024 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBIn 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 referenc...
Krampus, Goblins & Switches, Oh, My! (S4, #7)
December 28, 2023 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn 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" ...
"Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What" - Part II (S4, #6)
December 13, 2023 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn 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 Whi...
"Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What" - A Russian Tale
November 05, 2023 03:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBIn 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. Nisbe...
"Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What" - A Russian Tale (S4, #5)
November 05, 2023 03:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBIn 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. Nisbe...
"Old Rinkrank": a Grimm Brothers Tale (S4, #4)
October 08, 2023 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn 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 ...
"Old Rinkrank": a Grimm Brothers Tale
October 08, 2023 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn 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 ...
"The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds" (S4, #3)
July 31, 2023 22:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIn 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 ...
The Wise Crone Meets the Devil Again and Again! (S4, #2)
June 20, 2023 03:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn 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...
More Hands Lost and Found (S4, #1)
May 06, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn 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 s...
"Hands Lost & Found" - Variations on a Grimm Theme (S3, #12)
April 08, 2023 20:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn 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,...
Nisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log"
February 25, 2023 03:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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. B...
Nisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log" (S3, #12)
February 25, 2023 03:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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. B...
Nisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log" (S3, #11)
February 25, 2023 03:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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. B...
The Cailleach in "The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" (S3, #10)
January 02, 2023 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn 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 ...
"Ariadne’s Thread" - A Twist on a Greek Myth (S3, #9)
November 04, 2022 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn 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 ...
Why We Still Remember "Star Wars" and King Arthur's Court (S3, #8)
September 22, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBIn 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 Fran...
"The Witches' Excursion" an Irish Folktale (S3, #7)
August 14, 2022 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn 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 Ficti...
"From Bluebeard to Mr. Fox - Corrupting the Legend"
June 07, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBIn 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 p...
"From Bluebeard to Mr. Fox - Corrupting the Legend" (S3, #6)
June 07, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBIn 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 p...
"The Brewery of Eggs" - An Irish Story (S3, #5)
April 28, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBIn 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 illustratio...
"Interview with Medusa" - The Wise Crone Speaks (S3, #4)
March 19, 2022 23:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBIn 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 illustratio...
"Interview with Medusa" - The Wise Crone Speaks
March 19, 2022 23:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBIn 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 illustratio...
"Stories that Must be Told" (S3, #3)
February 08, 2022 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn 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 -...
Italy's Holiday Witch -"La Befana" (S3, #2)
January 05, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIn 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 ...
"Midwife to the Fairies" (S3, #1)
November 03, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIn 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 Sketc...
"Pesta's Norwegian Plague Tales" (S2, #12)
September 29, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBIn 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 Kitt...
"Crones in Disguise: Stories of Greek Goddesses" (S2, #11)
August 04, 2021 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBGreek 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 Gre...
"The Story that Grew in My Heart" (S2, #10)
July 10, 2021 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBIn 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 Ba...
More on "The Goose-Girl at the Well" (S2, #9)
May 28, 2021 00:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn 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 youn...
Spring's Gift - the Flower-Elves! (S2, #8)
April 12, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this episode, we'll explore the magic of spring. I'll share two stories: one from Europe and one from China in which the beauty of the natural world is both honored and rewarded. It's a message we all need to be reminded of after a long cold winter and an even longer pandemic. In these stories we see the creation and protection of the flower-elves who bring forth pure pleasure and joy. Stories: "Goldenrod and Aster," in Phyllis' Field Friends: Flower stories, by Lenore Elizabeth Mule...
"Crone vs. Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest" (S2, #7)
March 04, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MBIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Crone vs. the Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest." It’s a fun story filled with motifs from both folklore and mythology that she wrote long ago. These elements fill fantasy literature today and can be an excellent way to get the imagination going. Finally, we’ll explore how these stories can be analyzed for psychological and cultural insights. In many ways, they become dreams made real with wisdom we can ...
'Truth, Lies and Story" (S2, #6)
February 02, 2021 02:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBIn the wake of insurgents overtaking the U.S. capital in pursuit of a “big lie,” this episode explores the truth that is found in stories. The storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will start by reading a Spanish tale entitled “Falsehood and Truth.” Next, we’ll look at those folktales that provide a context to current events. Finally, she will tell you a more positive counterpoint to the first tale. It’s the Yiddish folktale of “Truth and Story.” Stories: Édouard de Laboulaye , "Falsehood and ...
"The Little Match Girl" (S2, #5)
January 03, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen. It is a tragic, Danish, literary tale written in 1845. The subject has similarities to Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" written two years earlier in Victorian England. Both tales focus on the fate of the poor when the world is divided into "haves" and "have nots." We'll also explore the character of the grandmother as a figure of hope and rescue. Story: "The Little ...
Santa is Gender-Neutral (S2, #4)
December 15, 2020 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, it's all about Santa: the folklore, story, and the greater archetype. I posit the question of whether Santa can be gender-neutral. We'll explore an adapted version of the poem, "A Visit from Santa Claus" written by Clement Clarke Moore, Think on it, for just a moment. Santa as the wise crone? Why not? Story: "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1892). Cover illustration: Pixabay.com Music: Up on a Housetop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under ...
"The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces" (S2, #3)
November 03, 2020 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn the third episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces." This Grimm Brothers' tale has variants found throughout Germany and central Europe. We’ll also explore how the wise crone handles youthful indulgence. Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 133. Cover illustration: by R. Anning Bell in Gr...
Disappointing Grannies - Russia's "Hansel & Gretel" (S2, #2)
October 03, 2020 21:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Witch." It's a Russian variant of the Grimm's tale "Hansel & Gretel." In this story, we explore the character of the grandmother. These characters surprise us more in what they don't do than in what they actually do. They stand in stark contrast to the figure of the wise crone. Story: "The Witch" (a Russian folktale). Andrew Lang, The Yellow Fairy Book, new impression (London: Longmans, Green, and Company, 1906 [f...
"The Golden Key" (S2, #1)
September 01, 2020 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn the first episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Golden Key." This version of the Grimm Brothers' tale is created for the child in all of us. Once told, we'll see if we can uncover just what was inside that box! Finally, we'll discover what the wise crone found. Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 200. Cover illustrati...
Episode 12: "Three Spinning Women"
July 29, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores stories of spinning, as the wise crone spins the world - to help and guide 7 generations forward and 7 generations back. We'll focus on Native American mythology and compare those stories to the Grimm versions of the "Three Spinning Women." Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, Kinder- und Hausmarchen (Children's and Household Tales -- Grimms' Fairy Tales), 7th ed. (Berlin, 1857), no. 14. Cover illustration: Arthur ...
Episode 11: "Baba Yaga & The Kitchen Witch"
July 04, 2020 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the character of Baba Yaga as she confronts "Vasilissa the Beautiful." She will also discuss the way folktales and their characters can impact our lives today. These stories can serve the same function as Vasilissa's tiny wooden doll, providing needed guidance and insights for us all. Story: A.N. Afanasev, "Vasilisa Prekrasnaia," in Narodnye Russkie Skazki (Russian Fairy Tales), (Moscow: A. Semena, 1855-63). Cover illustration: "Vasi...
Episode 10: The Story of One World
May 31, 2020 23:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock shares an original creation myth written in 2014. We'll discuss creation mythology generally and look at what these stories and the wise crone might have to say about the troubled times we face. Story: "The Story of One World" (an imagined creation myth) written by Kathy Shimpock. Cover illustration: Photograph from Pixabay. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. ...
Episode 9: "Hecate at the Crossroads"
May 01, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIn this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the relationship of the crone within the maiden, mother, and crone trilogy. She tells the Greek myth of "Demeter and Persephone" and shares a lesser known variation in which Hecate plays a pivotal role. Story: "Demeter & Persephone" (a traditional Greek myth) as told by Kathy Shimpock. Cover illustration: "The Night of Enitharmon's Joy," by William Blake, 1795. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under C...
Episode 8: The Three Bears and the Little Old Woman
March 30, 2020 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock tells you a little known version of "The Three Bears." In this version, the character of Goldilocks is traded for that of an old woman. This 1837 literary tale was written by Robert Southey. The story reflects Victorian stereotypes and biases that viewed the old and the poor as criminals. We see similar beliefs expressed today. The crone in this story, however, gives us all a dire warning. Story: Southey, Robert, "The Three Bears," in The Doc...
Episode 7: ''Godmother Death and the Healer Urssenbeck"
March 02, 2020 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock tells you the Grimm Brothers' tale "Godfather Death." She then reads her new version of this story, one that is placed in a much earlier time. Her version is entitled, "Godmother Death and the Healer Urssenbeck," a story derived from several European variants. It is placed in the 1300s, at the time of the Black Death. In this version, the characters are female. In so doing, we'll learn something about gender, history and the wise crone. Sto...
Episode 6: Awaken to Wonder
February 01, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, storyteller Kathy Shimpock, shares her story "Awaken to Wonder." In this literary tale of the wise crone, we see many of the same elements and plot structures found in traditional folklore. Story: "Awaken to Wonder" by Kathy Shimpock, copyright 2015. Cover illustration: Pixabay. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyright 2020, Kathy Shimpock...
Episode 5: "The Very Black Witch" from "How Culwhch Won Olwen"
December 02, 2019 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBIn this episode storyteller Kathy Shimpock, shares two versions of "The Very Black Witch" found within the story of "When Culwhch Won Olwen." The first is the traditional story as found in The Mabinogion, the second, is a newly created variation. She also discusses the wisdom this witchy Crone can share with women today. Story: "How Culwhch Won Olwen," in The Mabinogion, as translated by Lady Charlotte Guest in 1894. Cover illustration: Fountains Abbey bestiary. England, probably North ...
Episode 4: The Goose-Girl at the Well
October 28, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode storyteller Kathy Shimpock, reads the Grimm brothers' story "The Goose-Girl at the Well." She also explores the character of the crone archetype. Is the crone simply a witch or is she something more? Story: "Goose-Girl at the Well" recorded by the Brothers Grimm. Cover illustration by Rie Cramer, found in the book Grimm Fairy Tales (1927). Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creati...
Episode 3 - Ceridwen's Quest
September 30, 2019 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode, Kathy Shimpock tells the Welsh tale of "Ceridwen's Quest" also known by the title "The Birth of Taliesin." We then explore the concept of archetypes and especially the archetype of the wise old woman. All rights reserved. Story: "The Birth of Taliesin" from Medieval Welsh poetry. Cover Image: Pixabay.com. Music: The Snow Queen Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Copyr...
Episode 2 - Frau Holle
September 01, 2019 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this episode, Kathy tells the story of “Frau Holle,” a German folktale, recorded by the Brothers Grimm. We explore the relationship between its young and old characters - especially the role the wise crone plays in the initiation of the young woman. We also look at the symbolism found within this story to see what it has to offer from a psychological perspective. Finally we discover what Frau Holle can teach us about living today as an elder. today. All rights reserved. Story: "Frau ...