In this episode, Craig is joined by his Wyrd Wessex co host Andy and storyteller Eileen Budd to delve into the ancient art of oral tradition. They discuss Eileen's fascinating journey from museum worker to travelling folk storyteller, and they get a peek inside her unique "Travelling Folk Museum."

Highlights include:

• Village Stories: The importance of working-class folklore and how it differs from "top-down" historical narratives.
• The Power of Objects: Eileen shares how everyday items, like a simple oil lamp or native herbs, can hold incredible stories. She also recounts a poignant experience with a young school pupil and a "cruisie lamp."
• A Family Affair: Discover how Eileen's legally blind childhood fostered a unique ability to listen and remember, leading to a passion for the stories passed down by her family.
• At Home With The Picts: A deep dive into Eileen's podcast about the Picts, exploring her fascination with their mysterious history and her interdisciplinary approach to understanding their culture.
• Cryptid Creatures: A debate on favourite cryptids, from the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves to the elusive Beast of Gevaudan. Eileen shares a chilling story of her parents' encounter with Nessie.
• The Viking Age Diet: Andy and Eileen discuss the challenges of a Viking Age diet and what modern comforts they'd miss most
• A Muffinier?! Eileen reveals the weirdest item in her kitchen, a very specific utensil with a wonderfully decadent name.
• Worst Food Challenge: The worst food ever tasted is revealed as a salted dried plum from a '90s "Bushtucker Trial" gone wrong.
• Upcoming Projects: Eileen shares what's next for her, including a BBC project, a series of events on the folklore of seaweed, time, and food, and her work with the International Storytelling Festival.

This is a fantastic chat about the magic of storytelling and how our shared histories connect us.

Find more of Eileen's amazing work on her website at linktr.ee/eileenbudd, on Instagram at @EileenBudd, and be sure to check out her podcasts, Scottish Folk and At Home With The Picts.

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features a conversation with actor Leela Bunce, who combines her background in clowning and physical theatre with her love of history. We discuss her unique approach to performance, including her past show about women in WWII and her current project, Kith and Kin. This immersive show, set in 9th-century Wessex, tells the story of an everyday woman preparing for a feast. The hosts and Leela also chat about her involvement in a historical Anglo-Saxon escape room at Avalon Marshes, a site she volunteers at and which inspired her work.

• Kith and Kin: A historical comedy set in Wessex, performed in both modern English and Old English. The show aims to highlight the vibrant and humorous side of the Anglo-Saxon period, using research and historical texts to create an immersive, sensory experience for the audience.
• Multi-Rolling: Leela discusses her love of playing multiple characters in a single show, as she did in recent productions of Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
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• Website: leelabunce.com

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a deep and meaningful conversation with the incredibly talented musician, Faber Horbach. In this episode, we dive into the creative process behind his new album, 'Niht'. Faber shares the profound personal experiences—including the loss of his father and stepfather—that shaped the album's central themes of death, darkness, and the cyclical nature of existence. We explore the powerful stories behind key tracks, from the unique composition of 'Mōnaþblōd' to the metaphorical rebirth of his nickelharpa on 'Sōl ond Māni'. Faber also offers fascinating insights into his collaborations and the deeper philosophical meanings within his music. This is a powerful chat about finding light in the darkest of times and the alchemy of turning personal struggle into beautiful art.

Show Segments:

The Alchemy of 'Niht': Faber discusses how the album's concept was shaped by personal loss and how music serves as a spiritual and therapeutic path.

A Broken Nyckelharpa's Story: The incredible tale of a damaged instrument that led to one of the album's most powerful tracks, 'Sōl ond Māni', exploring themes of death and resurrection.

Behind the Music: We explore the meanings behind other standout songs, including the symbolism of 'Mōnaþblōd' and the introspective journey of 'Nihtēagan'.

Collaborations & Creations: Faber shares insights into working with fellow musician Mickey and the unique creative process with a new tagelharpa player.

The Philosophy of Darkness: A candid conversation about society's aversion to death and how the album encourages embracing the full spectrum of life.

Where to Find Faber's Music & Merch:

Album: 'Niht' is out on 29th August 2025. Pre-order and pre-save on Spotify, Bandcamp, and through Season of Mist.

Merch: Limited edition merchandise, a collaboration with artist Kai, is available on the Old Norse website.

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.