The Scottish Folklore Podcast

61. Harvest: Maidens, Black Magic and More

The Scottish Folklore Podcast

Show Notes

The Autumn Equinox has just passed and harvest in Scotland is well underway. This was an incredibly important time of year, where no risk was taken that might compromise the harvest, and every tradition and superstition was followed to the T!

In this episode Jenny explores some of these traditions and superstitions, namely the Harvest Maiden and the Harvest Cailleach, before telling some tales of supernatural harvest helpers… and hinderers: fairies, the Devil, and a wizard called Auld Scary.

Listen to Bryce Whyte tell the tale of Auld Scary

Follow The Scottish Folklore Podcast on Instagram

Visit the website and view this episode’s interactive map

Explore all the folklore covered in the podcast so far on the Folklore Map

Support Jenny as she makes the show by joining the Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from The Scottish Folklore Podcast

Oct 11, 2026

Scottish folklore can be very dark and in this episode Jenny uncovers some of the bloodier folktales that lurk in the lore. From grim tales for children, to cold blooded murder and ghostly guilt, these tales remind us that sometimes, rather than some supernatural beast, it is us humans who are the real monsters.

Sep 13, 2026

Brownies are odd little folkloric spirits who help out around the house purely because they like to. But be warned, they are as easy to please as they are to lose, and tales of their touchiness can be found in every nook and cranny of Scotland!

Aug 9, 2026

Rannoch is a thin place, an area where the veil between our world and the Other World is said to be rather raggedy, and all sorts of strange things can pass between.

Jul 19, 2026

The poetry-slinging, storm-bringing Blue Men of The Minch are only found in one place in Scotland, the strait of water between the Outer Hebrides in the west and the mainland & Skye in the east. The turbulent and ever changing waters here have wrecked countless ships over the centuries, and while some may blame poor weather, or even poor captains, those in the know, understand the real culprits to be The Blue Men of The Minch.

Jul 5, 2026

The blasted, buzzing, biting midge is the most vicious predator in all of Scotland. One alone is not much to worry about, but they rarely come alone! In this episode Jenny looks at some of the lore around the minuscule midge, including some truly awful punishments, so listeners beware!

See all episodes →