EP71 The First Welsh Jack-o'-Lantern: Devils, Demons, and a Lost Spirit in Welsh Folklore (Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees)

Halloween wouldn't be Halloween with a grinning jack-o'-lantern,
but did you know that it was once far more sinister than a finely
carved pumpkin?

Nothing encapsulates Nos Calan Gaeaf - as we call Halloween in
Wales - like the flickering face of a finely-carved lantern. But
unlike the modern-day pumpkin which can be seen carried by trick
or treaters, it was considered to be an all-too-real "dreaded
ghost" which led people to their doom in the dark forests at
harvest time.


Its origins can be traced back to an old Welsh folk tale in which
the Devil is outwitted by a particularly crafty Welshman, but who
pays a heavy price for his dealings with Satan.


On this Halloween special, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales)
explores the true horror behind the Welsh "Jack y Lantern" on the
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.


 


 
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 and 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