Dark Origins of Christmas: The Folk Horror Wild Hunt

NOTE: This episode contains strong language and adult themes related to folklore and history.

Merry Christmas! This year, the Wyrdo's dive into the dark origins of Christmas, exploring the unsettling pagan roots and folk horror tales that lie beneath the modern festive cheer. We welcome messages from friends including Eric Nelson (Bigfoot Collection, Willow Creek), Eileen Budd, Paul MacDonald (Scottish Big Cat Research Team), Author Nick Jubber, and Pat Robinson. We open the show with a nod to the classic case of the Hammersmith Ghost.

In this episode, we discuss the darker side of the season:

Folk Horror Origins: Craig and Andy explore ancient British dread, including the tale of Herla and the Herla thing (the original terrifying Wild Hunt in Britain) and the famous medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

The Mythology of Santa: We track down Father Christmas himself for an exclusive interview, where we put aside the jollity to discuss serious subjects:

Tulpa vs. Cryptid: We debate whether he is a thought-form sustained by belief or simply the world's most successful cryptid.

The Miracles & Madness: We cover the historical miracles of St. Nicholas, including the unsettling tale of the children resurrected from a butcher’s brine barrel.

Pop Culture & Ethics: We cover the Die Hard Christmas film debate, the tipping point of the naughty/nice list, and the ethics of a global meritocracy of gifts.

Thank you to all our wonderful guests and friends...

Merry Christmas & Stay Wyrd!

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Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens

Edited by Craig Brooks

Intro music by Leonell Cassio - The Paranormal Is Real (ft. Carrie)

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