In which we discover that trees have a dark side, that they occasionally attack livestock and that they sometimes assist river spirits in sacrifice. We also learn that there can be hope in little things, that Grannies really do know everything and that divining the name of a future spouse can be trickier than you'd think.
In which we discover tricking the devil doesn't always work out well, that sometimes in tales there are more turnips than women and that frankly you can pretty much pickle anything.
In which we discover that last names are underrated, there are always worse mothers-in-law, and that horseradish can be a gateway to a better life. We also find that kindness, goodness and a close relationship with the King of Birds are an advantage in life.
n which we discover that its amazing what you can fit under a rosemary bush, that you should never forbid people opening chests without explaining why and that fathers can be very unreasonable.
In which we discover the fascinating truth of how 1001 Nights, brave yet mischievous Sicilian maidens, the patriachy, apple dumpling and Lucrezia Borgia are all connected. This episode also contains revelations about the startling effects of pear varyenky and the surprising divination abilities of pel'meni.
In these fractured times l wanted to look at how stories from different voices can overcome the the distance between people and highlight our shared experiences. I interviewed five amazing storytellers and asked them all about breaking down barriers through stories and food and these are the results:
In which we discover that golden apples are never in convenient places, that it takes persistence to overcome the odds and that turning up with a large army is a very effective rescue strategy. We also find yet again that brothers can be jealous, that kindness & courtesy never go amiss and chopping things with swords can have surprising results.
In which we discover that some millers are extremely unobservant, nixies are both powerful and patient, love can overcome many obstacles and it takes a supernatural incident to keep a hunter away from his Jägerschitzel.
In which we discover that a Tartalo can actually be grateful, that every time you save a princess you need a new horse, a new outfit and a new sword and that you should always dispose of any dragon's heads responsibly. Additionally, we learn that you can know nothing about gardening and still grow beautiful vegetables and that it can take up to three days to kill a dragon.
In which we discover that a cautionary tale can be sometimes ineffective, that lots of cheese actually can be too much of a good thing and that you should never follow fairies anywhere.
