EP94 Summer Solstice Folklore; or, A Midsummer Nightmare: Ancient Druids, strange apparitions and Wicker Man-like rituals on Canol Haf - Explore the lore on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

The history and folklore of Midsummer warns us to expect the unexpected during that the longest day of the year. Over the days that span Midsummer's Eve and Day, or the Summer Solstice, or St John's Eve and Day, or Calan Haf, Welsh folklore tells us that paranormal activity and strange apparitions might be encountered. This episode explores some real-life traditions that range from the heart-warming to the spine-chilling, from the fire festivals of the ancient druids of Britain to those which sound like they're straight out of a folk horror movie like the Wicker Man or Midsommar, including: Fire-jumping fertility rituals, a death omen that comes for supper, predicting the future with divination, haunted wells, and  even some fox men and women (yes, werewolf foxes!) To find out more, explore the lore of the Summer Solstice with author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he investigates the weird and wonderful on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!     What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects by combining decades of research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. Ranging from "real life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical tales from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded on Thursdays (weekly most of the time, biweekly when book and media deadlines are looming) and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons. Along with the regular stories you can also expect the odd special guest, an occasional "live" ghost hunt, and all sorts of crazy ideas. Seasonal specials include the dark and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions of old, to everyone's favourite skulled-skulled Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd herself. Dare you explore haunted Wales? Think of it as opening the Welsh The X-Files, along with some tenuous Ghostbusters links! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast It's spooky time!