The Forgotten Origins Podcast

Episode 20: Dick Turpin

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 22:58:47 GMT

This week we're marking halloween, as I delve into the history of the worlds most notorious highwayman. I move past the romantic facade to uncover the truth behind this famous Victorian rogue.

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Episode 19: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:52:42 GMT

This week we're getting into the halloween spirit, with the history of the Headless Horseman. This American ghost story dates back thousands of years and has variations all over the world.

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Episode 18: The Elves and the Shoemaker

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:02:39 GMT

Elves have been part of storytelling for centuries, from the Vikings to Father Christmas, from Shakespeare to Disney. But why? What makes these mischievous beings so appealing? Join me as I delve into this weeks adorable fairytale and the origins of our favourite mythical creatures.

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Episode 17: The Frog Prince

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 19:34:24 GMT

In this week's episode I look into the intriguing history of 'The Frog Prince', a fairytale that dates back to the 13th century. Not only does the original fairytale have a rich back story, but Disney's re-invention of the tale was based on a real woman from New Orleans.

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Episode 16: Beauty and the Beast

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:41:35 GMT

We all know this Disney classic: beautiful, intelligent girl is trapped in a castle by a huge beast who turns out to be a handsome prince (yawn).......But what if I told you it was based on real people? I know, I was shocked too! Join me as I go back in time to discover the truth behind Beauty and the Beast.

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Episode 15: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:39:30 GMT

How did a graphic novel intended for adults inspire one of Disney's most successful films? And how did Victor Hugo's masterpiece save a famous monument from being modernised in the 19th century? I discuss all this and more in this weeks podcast all about The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

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Episode 14: Tom Thumb

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 21:45:49 GMT

This week I delve into the origins of England's oldest fairytale, and the story that inspired the stage name of the first global celebrity.

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Episode 13: Jack and The Beanstalk

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 09:30:34 GMT

So this fairytale even pre-dates the Bible! Join me as I explore how this story changes with the times, as it moves around the world orally and is then published for the first time in 1734.

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Episode 12: The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:59:31 GMT

It's a double whammy this week, as I explore the world of famous fables. Both these tales centre around the rule of three and have an unusual original version.

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Episode 11: The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:33:29 GMT

There are few fairytales that don't have a happy ending, but we've managed to find one! One of the most sinister stories we tell our children at bedtime, The Pied Piper has a long and intriguing backstory. Join me as I explore the theories behind this mysterious tragedy.

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Episode 10: Rumplestiltskin

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:59:23 GMT

One of the most bizarre tales I’ve covered so far, Rumplestiltskin seems to be an international phenomenon, dating back over 4000 years! Join me as I travel back in time to try and figure out why it has such a rich history.

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Episode 9: Rapunzel

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:45:29 GMT

This week we're back in the realm of Princesses with another fairytale classic, Rapunzel.

Like Snow White, Rapunzel is based off real person, with a pretty horrid upbringing! So join me as I uncover the truth behind the girl with the long golden hair.

Check out another ThatsNotCanon podcast "Book Boys" for some great literature recommendations and surprise drop ins from authors: https://thatsnotcanon.com/books-boys

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Episode 8: Pinocchio

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:46:00 GMT

If you thought Disney’s Pinocchio was scary, think again. Join me as I take a closer look at the origins of this moral children’s tale.

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Episode 7: Peter Pan

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 09:46:00 GMT

Ever wondered why Peter Pan never grew up? Or where J.M Barrie got his inspiration for this magical story? Well look no further, as this week I discover the tragic truth behind one of my favourite magical tales.

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Episode 6: The Little Matchstick Girl

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 08:05:00 GMT

This week we’re back with Hans Christian Anderson, looking at one of the stories that helped shape child exploitation laws in the 19th century, “The Little Matchstick Girl”.

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Episode 5: Hansel and Gretel

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:30:00 GMT

I’d advise putting down the food for this one, it gets pretty stomach churning. This week we’re in the 14th century, looking at the gruesome origins and inspiration behind the bedtime favourite Hansel and Gretel.

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Episode 4: Little Red Riding hood

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:45:00 GMT

Did you know that Little Red Riding Hood comes from Ancient Greece and was once about a Panther? Nope, neither did I! In this podcast I look into the intriguing truth behind this much loved bedtime classic.

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Episode 3: The Little Mermaid

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 08:00:00 GMT

This week we're diving beneath the waves, uncovering the truth behind one of Disney's best loved children's films.

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Episode 2: Snow White

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:45:00 GMT

This week I explore the truth behind Disney's first feature length film, Snow White. Based on the lives of two young women and with inspiration from folktales around the globe, this fairytale has a compelling backstory.

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Episode 1: Cinderella

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the Forgotten Origins of Fairy tales, where I discover the truth behind some of our best loved children's stories.

This week we look at the history of Cinderella, a tale that has more than 500 versions from around the world, and was first recorded in 400 BC.

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