EP80 Mysteries of the Mari Lwyd: The Welsh ”Christmas Horse” goes from folk favourite to folk horror in Victorian Wales. Explore the lore and history on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Explore Wales’s weird and wonderful Christmastime tradition, the
festive "bone horse" that is the Mari Lwyd!

The Mari Lwyd is a curious custom which sees a hobby horse-like
like creature challenge people to a battle in verse - what some
call a "rap battle" - and, if victorious, enters their home to
eat their cakes and ale.


But what began as a good-natured folk tradition soon descended
into one of chaotic folk horror, and as we discover on this
episode, it got so out of hand that the Mari Lwyd was outlawed.


Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the
mysteries of the Mari Lwyd on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales
podcast... if you dare!


 


 
What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
podcast?

In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast
dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.


By combining his unique research and insights from many books and
articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird
and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's
countless curious subjects.


New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything
from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical
beasts from the Mabinogi, to dark and Gothic Halloween/ Nos Calan
Gaeaf traditions to the skulled-headed Christmas favourite
herself, the Mari Lwyd.


Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch
with Mark Rees, please visit:


Mark Rees homepage

Mark Rees on social media

Books by Mark Rees

Ghosts of Wales podcast