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[Exploring the Dark Folklore of Fairies: Banshees, Upbirds, and More]-[Episode 35: Faeries Part 2]

Morbid · B2 · 2019-01-03

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📋 Summary

The Twisted World of Fairies: A Mini-Episode Breakdown

In this episode of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena dive into the darker, more unsettling side of folklore, specifically focusing on various types of "fairies" that are far from the whimsical creatures of modern pop culture. The hosts navigate through chilling myths, blending humor with horror as they examine the origins and terrifying behaviors of these legendary beings.

The Banshee: Harbingers of Death

According to Irish legend, the Banshee is a terrifying fairy known for her "really fucking loudly" screaming. The hosts note that encountering one is a dire omen, as hearing their scream often means "you, sir, are about to die." Descriptions of Banshees vary wildly, ranging from a beautiful woman in a "long silver dress" to a "headless woman holding a blood-filled bowl." The origin story is equally grim; they are said to be the spirits of "Keeners"—women who sang sad songs for the dead in exchange for alcohol, a practice deemed sinful, leading to their eternal damnation as Banshees.

The Upbird (Miring): Vengeful Spirits of the Abandoned

Originating from Scandinavian folklore, the Upbird (or miring) is the spirit of a child abandoned by its parents. The hosts emphasize the tragic nature of these entities, noting that they were "left to die" without a proper burial. These ghosts are described as "hateful fairies" who jump onto the backs of unsuspecting hikers in remote woods, demanding, "take me to a fucking proper grave." As the victim carries them, the Upbird becomes "heavier and heavier," and some legends suggest they slowly "suck the life out" of the victim to create their own resting place.

Berberocas: The Water-Dwelling Ogres

From the Philippines, the Berberoca is described as a fairy or ogre that lays in bodies of water, sucking up all the liquid to leave fish stranded. When villagers rush to collect the fish, the Berberoca releases the water, causing them to drown before being "swallowed whole." Interestingly, the hosts mention that these creatures have a peculiar weakness: "they don't fucks with crabs," which serves as the only known method to ward them off.

The Calacantazario: The Chicken-Riding Soul Thieves

These Greek and Italian creatures, also known as "Chicken Riders," are described as "tiny little naked fairies riding on chickens." Active during the "12 days of Christmas," they are said to be "wicked tiny" and "mostly human looking" but are also characterized by their "long black tails," blindness, and a penchant for stealing the souls of newborns. Parents historically used garlic as a protective measure, a detail the hosts joke explains their love for the ingredient.

The Bannock: The Uptight Bathhouse Dweller

Finally, the hosts discuss the Bannock from Slavic mythology, a solitary male entity that haunts steam rooms and bathhouses. Described as an "old man with long white hair" but possessing "claws" for nails, he is incredibly particular about bathhouse etiquette. He despises "sexy time" and religious symbols, and if violated, he is known to "douse you in boiling hot water" or even "peel your skin off," making for a particularly gruesome folklore figure.

Through these stories, the hosts remind listeners that folklore is often a reflection of human fears—abandonment, death, and the unknown—wrapped in the guise of supernatural entities.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's like having a skeleton key
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That's kind of our thing.
3
I think I did, totally.
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That's what I was doing, but I made it up.
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we are one
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📝Key Phrases

1
we've got you covered
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get to work
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mash two things together
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witty banter
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reaping the benefits
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, it's Ash. Before we dive into today's twisted tale, let me tell you about the spooky perks of Wondery+.
It's like having a skeleton key that unlocks ad-free listening and early access to new episodes.
So don't wait. Try Wondery Plus today. You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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