We have a legendary Welsh water monster to kick off this month’s theme of watery stories. The Afanc is described as a cross between a crocodile and a giant beaver. This enormous creature is causing floods and eating anyone who comes near. Many brave souls have tried to kill it, but its hide is so tough that no spear, or arrow can pierce it. How can…

According to this Cherokee legend, Unetlanvhi, The Great One, created little corn people to help the first woman on earth, with the chores. The corn people were very beautiful, but spent more time admiring their reflection, than helping out. The Creator was not happy, and did something dramatic to teach them an important lesson about beauty. Listen…

Thor, the Norse god of thunder goes on a quest to ask a favour from Hymir the stone giant. The two of them embark on a fishing competition. Thor comes close to disaster when he hooks out of the ocean a ……. Listen to Jason Buck tell this entertaining Norse tale to find out what he pulls out of the sea. Will he survive to complete his quest? Learn mo…

An old Japanese folktale about an inch high boy who becomes the guardian of a princess and bravely takes on a dreaded giant red ogre. Will his cunning and courage be enough to see the beast off and save the Princess? Listen to storyteller Masako Carey and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Long ago, the people in Kemmy’s village regularly fed the beautiful Rain Bird who would reward their kindness by making sure the rains always came and the food always grew. But gradually, people forgot about the beautiful bird, and then came the drought and the hunger. What could they do? Listen to Maia Ganatra tell this moving story from Southern …

Our second story this week is from Paraguay and is told by travelling storyteller Juliana Marin - which is about a brave little humming bird whose courage inspires all the animals in the rainforest to work together to prevent a big disaster from ruining their home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

This week we have two two Wise bird tales. First up is the talented Tuup telling a tale about an eagle who was quite unaware of his amazing talents. He was convinced he was a humble chicken until one day, someone told him something different! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Listen to genius storyteller Jason Buck tell this funny tale of the Gingerbread Man complete with great animal sound effects. This story, about a plucky little Gingerbread man who leapt out of the oven and ran away - was published in the US in 1875 and its European counterpart: The Runaway Pancake was published in the late 1800's and they're still …

What would you ask for if you had a secret wishing ring? Jack uses it when he’s in danger, and it brings help from the most unexpected creatures in the most surprising ways. This Welsh Romani tale is beautifully told by writer and storyteller Daniel Morden who gave us the story ‘Hey Ho!’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad…

This is a story from Spain about a little chick who only has one eye, one wing and one leg. But he’s a determined little chick and rather proud. He decides to take himself off on an adventure to the Royal Palace in Madrid to see the King. As with many journeys, it doesn’t quite turn out how he expected. Listen to storyteller Rebecca Lemaire and fin…

In this story from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a small bird who mysteriously loses her song, she wanders through the forest asking for help from her feathery friends. Will she get her song back? Listen to this beautifully told rhyming tale from Maori storyteller Eliza Bidois to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic…

What would you ask for if you were granted one wish? In this Native American tale told by Cherokee storyteller Lisa LaRue Baker, the animals are each rewarded with a wish for good behaviour. All is going well, until Owl is overcome with curiosity and breaks the rules by taking a peek as The Great One – Unetlanvhi works to make the wishes come true.…

Greedy Anansi is at his tricks once again. Can he trick his friends so he can share everyone’s dinner without having to help them? Or will it backfire? Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey tell this fun ‘How and Why’ story and find out. A good story to learn to tell yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

The national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. It has brown hairy feathers, a very long beak and no wings. Listen to Maori storyteller Emmy Bidois tell this moving legend which explains how the brave little bird gave up its wings and became a national hero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Long time ago, in the African Bush, things were not as they are today. Elephant had a small nose, and Giraffe a short neck - so what happened? It all began with the little animals disobeying their parents. Listen to this lively, story told by Wangari from Kenya to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Anansi is keen to join the birds at their feast on a mountain ledge. But can Anansi fly? With a little help from his feathered friends – he can! But once he’s abandoned by the birds, how can he save himself? Listen to this fun ‘How and Why’ story from Ghana, shared by storyteller Tuup, and find out how Anansi learns a very useful skill. Learn more …

Maui the trickster is fed up with Ra the Sun. Ra is so lazy, that he’s always rushing across the sky to get back to his bed again. This leaves the days so short that Maui doesn’t have enough time to do all his chores. Maui and his brothers set out on a quest to capture the sun, and teach him a lesson. But is it possible to stop something so hot and…

A lively re-telling of a traditional African tale, Anansi might be cunning, but he’s also just a small, spider, so can he really beat Elephant in a tug of war? Listen to gifted storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out if brains are more important than size. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Can a cheeky, talking pot save the day for a poor farmer and his wife who are down on their luck? Listen to this lively, interactive tale from Denmark told by master storyteller Daniel Morden and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Wardour Studios

Anansi is always boasting about how clever he is. The king is not happy. He decides to set Anansi an impossible challenge - one which will he thinks will get rid of that trickster once and for all. Anansi is confident he can trick anyone out of anything….but can he trick Death - the master trickster? Listen to Wendy Shearer telling this captivating…

Do you ever feel that everything is against you and unhappiness is following you around like a smelly dog? Well, you’re not alone. In this trickster tale from Poland, nothing seems to go right for a young couple. Until one day, they decide to try a bit of trickery. Can they succeed in banishing misery from their lives? Listen to this tale brilliant…

To mark St Patrick’s Day, Kate Corkery is back with a hair-raising tale about Finn McCool. It’s a quest story stuffed with giants, witches and princes in peril. Can Finn rescue the kidnapped princes from a wicked witch? With a little help from his friends, anything is possible. Warning this story is a teeny bit scary. Learn more about your ad choic…

Brer Rabbit is up to his tricks again – trying to steal water from Brer Wolf’s well. But after he’s caught once, will he be sensible and leave the well alone? You’d think so wouldn’t you, but this is Brer Rabbit we’re talking about. Listen to Baden Prince Junior’s delightful telling of this old tale and see how Brer Rabbit uses his wit to escape fr…

A forest elf or ‘sylph’ is made homeless by a careless woodcutter. Luckily, he’s adopted by a kind couple. But what happens to the dreamy woodcutter who cut down his tree? Will he be punished, or will he marry the princess of his dreams? Listen to Belgian storyteller Rebecca Lemaire tell this delightful tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad …

In this Brothers’ Grimm fairytale, beautifully told by Simone Schümmelfeder – a poor cobbler discovers elves in his house, and finds they’re remarkably good at lending a hand and helping him out of poverty. But what happens when he wants to help them back? Have a listen to Simone tell this magical tale which comes from the forest near her childhood…

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Kim retells the story of Nián, the terrifying monster who emerged from the sea every New Year’s Eve - to eat cattle, and people, and crops. Until one year, a brave old man, came up with a plan. This old tale explains some of the traditions and celebrations which still take place today at this popular Festival to mark …

In this moving Cinderella-style story, beautifully told by storyteller Nick Hennessey, a young girl is sent away from home by her Dad who misunderstands her declaration of love. But she doesn’t despair, she dusts herself down, and sets off disguised in a cap made of rushes to prove him wrong. Nick accompanies this old English fairytale with beautif…

A enchanting quest, tale from Norway about a bewitched prince and a determined girl. This story includes a troll princess, a magic potion, a snow bear, some witchy women, ooh, and even a song! Listen to this story retold by Kim and be transported to a far-away land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Two Fairy stories set in Northern Ireland - told by veteran storyteller Liz Weir. One is about a boy named Jim who has a scarily close encounter with fairies who drag him beneath the fairy hill, the second story is about two boys in need, who find a fairy fisherman willing to help them – since this is a fairy story – each of them gets what they des…

One snowy day, a young boy drops his mitten - a mole finds it and uses it to shelter away from the cold wind. One by one, various woodland animals come along and ask for shelter in the mitten. Eventually a bear decides to join them in the warmth. Is that a good idea? Listen to Masako Carey retell this kindly old tale from Ukraine and enjoy the unex…

An old German fairytale about a boy who is born lucky. A fortune teller predicts that the boy will marry a princess and one day become King. Will the boy's luck last long enough for him to outwit the jealous King? Listen to Jason Buck bring this story to life with his funny voices and genius sound effects - and lose yourself in another world. Buy a…

An old English fairy tale about an impish creature who helps a young girl with an almost impossible task. But can she answer his question or will she have to pay the terrible price in return for his help? Listen to Rachel Murray’s version of this familiar tale and be enthralled. This story is a little bit scary, but the way Rachel tells it – it’s m…

A poor man tries selling his wife's kimonos to get money for rice cakes to celebrate new year. As he returns home without having sold a thing, the man helps some Child God Statues who are freezing in the snow. Will his kindness be rewarded? Listen to this upliftig new year's tale told by storyteller Masako Carey and find out. Buy a colouring book H…

"The Tinder Box" is an old fairytale from Denmark written by Hans Christian Andersen, and retold with great wit by Paul Alborough. When an old soldier acquires a magic tinder box he finds he can summon three enormous magical dogs. In order to help a princess in distress, he needs the loyalty of these hounds and a lot of derring do. This story is sc…

It’s Christmas day, the days are short and the nights are long and bitterly cold, the dog is out looking for food…..but he and his friends work together to help an old lady who is all alone. This delightful tale of transformation and friendship comes from Scotland and was shared by the late traveller and storyteller Duncan Williamson. Amy Douglas s…

This magical, slightly scary Inuit tale tells a story of kindness and betrayal. Three Hunters and their dogs pursue Nanuq, The Great White Bear across the snowy land. Listen to Nick Hennessey tell this beautifully crafted ‘How and Why’ sound story to see where the bear and hunters end up in this great chase across land and space. Buy a colouring bo…

Storyteller Liz Weir tells two beautiful wintery tales. 'Wee Hugh and the Silver Angel' is a moving Scottish story from late traveller Duncan Williamson. This story is a little sad but has an upbeat ending. And 'How the Snow got its Colour' is a delightful gem of a 'How and Why' story from Norway. Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn m…

In this tale from Japan an old woodcutter donates his logs to the Dragon God. In return he's given a young boy with a runny nose to look after. Fed up of caring for the child, the old man decides to give him back. Is that a good idea? Listen to Japanese storyteller Masako Carey and find out. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn …

Frau Holle can bring sunshine, and she can bring snow. She can also make it rain - toads. Nice touch. So when she’s visited by two sisters – one kind, the other mean and bad tempered – she rewards each girl very differently. Listen to storyteller Paul Alborough telling his version of this old German tale and be prepared to laugh! ------ Buy a colou…

A piper knows a magical tune, but rather wisely, he never plays it. Until one day, down by the sea shore, he gets a bit carried away and tada! he finds himself playing it - with fairly dramatic results. Listen to Kate Corkery telling this strange tale from Ireland to find out what happens. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn mo…

There’s a drought, and all the animals are hungry. The old tortoise is on his last legs, searching for something to eat in the bush, when he comes across a magic drum which provides all the food you can eat. Surely that's a good thing? Or is it? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this magical song story from Kenya and see what you think? Buy a colo…

A man frees a tiger from a pit, and very nearly gets gobbled up as a result of his kindness. Happily, a clever rabbit hops along to save the day and teaches that tiger an important lesson. Listen to Sef Townsend telling this Korean version of a wise old tale, and learn how to greet people in Korean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…

Once upon a time there was a greedy Raven and a sly Fox. The Raven had a thing for sheep cheese and kept rather a lot of it in his stinky nest. The other animals were rather fed up with Raven, so asked Fox to use his quick wits to help them. Listen to this hilarious modern take on an ancient Greek Fable told by talented storyteller Paul Alborough/a…

Anansi’s up to his tricks again. As usual, he’s trying to con his animal friends out of their food. He’s doing rather well – until he meets Guinea Fowl who knows exactly the same tricks. Who will be the greatest trickster in this story? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this fun West African tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…

This is a story from our super great scary stories podcast usually for subscribers only - but a gift for you for Halloween. Once there was a woman who went out to look for fruit and roots, instead she found a great big hairy toe. She took the toe home with her, was that a good idea? Listen to talented storyteller Maia Ganatra from Tanzania in East …

Poor José, he loves to sing – but he’s got a terrible voice. When he gets invited to a wedding, he’s very keen to go and sing for everybody and sets off on a tricky journey in order to get there. But will they all be thrilled to greet him? Listen to Baden Prince telling this entertaining chain story told in America and Mexico. Learn more about your…

Three sisters have to rescue their little brother from the fearsome witch who eats children. Can they escape her as she chases them across the sky in her flying mortar? Listen to Kim telling this lively story from Russia and Eastern Europe to hear how the girls use their wits against the witch of all witches. It’s a scary story for haloween, so if …

The animals are hungry and food is scarce, Tiger has plenty to eat, but he’s no good at sharing. Worse than that, he roars at any animals who comes near his food. Who can help? Brer Rabbit that’s who. Storyteller Baden Prince Junior delights in revealing rabbit’s cunning plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

In this old African 'How and Why' tale, – tortoise dreams about a magic tree which grows all kinds of delicious fruit, but which only appears if its name is called. All the animals want to find that tree – but all of them keep forgetting the name – all that is, except for one. Can you help Kenyan storyteller Wangari to remember the name of the tree…

A young King has to face a fearsome Giant who is scaring everyone away from the kingdom. The King is frightened, and doesn't know what to do. Luckily, there's a wise old woman on a hill who has the answer - if only the King can figure out what it means. Listen to Sef Townsend tell this intriguing story from Wales and see what the young King learns.…