Sun, Moon, and Talia: Dark Origins of Sleeping Beauty
What if the fairy tales you grew up with had a much darker origin? Join us in this episode of Tales of Bedlam as we unravel the chilling 1636 version of Sleeping Beauty, known as "Sun, Moon, and Talia," by Giambattista Basile.
Sleeping Beauty: A 5-Minute History with Micah
Discover the haunting origins and transformations of the Sleeping Beauty tale over centuries! From unsettling themes of non-consensual acts and cannibalism in Troylus and Zellandine to the sanitized and romanticized versions by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, we promise you'll never see this fairy tale the same way again.
A New Season is Coming: Trailer
I'm thrilled to bring you a new season of fairy tale fun. It's been a while since we've shared our blend of humor and knowledge with you, exploring tales from around the globe.
The Lambikin: Clever Escapes and Predatory Perils
You’ll encounter the naive yet resourceful Lambikin, who outwits a series of determined predators including a jackal, vulture, tiger, wolf, dog, and eagle.
The Dead Mother: Zombie Baby Mysteries
We recount the story of a grief-stricken father and his newborn visited by an unknown entity, we infuse the narrative with modern-day skepticism and humor. We ponder the old woman's peculiar decisions and the grieving father's actions, adding an unexpected twist to this haunting folklore.
The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy Part Three: A Timeless Tale of Identity and Courage
Join us on Tales of Bedlam as we unravel the final chapter of "The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy," where Ilion faces emotional turmoil and a humorous mix of characters, including the return of Dr. Knowall and Death.
The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy Part Two: A Timeless Tale of Identity and Courage
Discover the puzzling mysteries and laugh-out-loud moments when the princess and her lively horse, Sunlight, stumble upon a golden curl. This leads them to the court of the Overlord, where unexpected skills in the kitchen and humorous discussions of gender roles keep everyone entertained.
The Girl Who Pretended to Be a Boy Part One: A Timeless Tale of Identity and Courage
The story of a young princess who takes on the identity of a young man to save her father's kingdom. Despite the necessity of the task and the expectations placed upon her, she dreams of the adventures and freedoms that come with being a prince.
Bremen Town Musicians: Comedic Harmony Part 2
What happens when four aging animals ditch their musical dreams for a life of crime-fighting? Join us on Tales of Bedlam as we unravel the uproarious conclusion to Grimm's "Bremen Town Musicians."
Bremen Town Musicians: Comedic Harmony Part 1
Knob Twister and Sofa Sitter bring to you the enchanting yet hilarious "Bremen Town Musicians," where a donkey dreams of becoming a musician and, along the way, teams up with a similarly aspiring dog, cat, and rooster.
Witch Wife's Fate: Bewitching Secrets and Nighttime Trickery
Our adventure begins with the curious case of White Corn, whose nighttime shenanigans and owl-eyed escapades are discovered by her husband, Red Flower.
Bad Little Girl of Acoma: Rebellion and Enchanted Consequences
Our discussion takes a whimsical turn as we delve into stories of magic lakes, transforming clothing, and the strange humor that comes with them. From kerchiefs turning into slime to the consequences of throwing moccasins into enchanted waters, we ponder the dark and often humorous morals of these age-old tales.
Struwwelpeter: Grim Punishments in Children's Lore
This 1845 children's book doesn't sugarcoat its lessons, depicting gruesome consequences for misbehavior. From "Cruel Frederick," whose violent ways lead to a brutal dog attack, to "Little Suck-a-Thumb," where a tailor's scissors deliver a chilling punishment, we explore these dark tales that embody the horrors of old-fashioned parenting.
The Dead Mother: Zombie Motherhood
We serve up a hearty helping of laughs and chills as we tackle the sorrowful story of a father grappling with his wife's death right after childbirth and questioning an old woman’s passive observations and the eerie nightly feedings that leave listeners wondering who's tending to the baby.
The Young Slave: Cursed Encounters and Haunting Revenge
What if swallowing a rose leaf could change your life forever? Join us for a spine-chilling special on Tales of Bedlam, where your hosts, Knob Twister and Sofa Sitter, unravel the bizarre and eerie story of "The Young Slave" by Gian Battista Basile.
How Some Children Played at Slaughtering: Morbid Mischief and Chilling Consequences
This spine-tingling story, so grotesque it was deleted from the Grimm collection, reveals how innocent fun can take a dark turn. We'll unravel the morbid events where a child's game ends in actual murder and dive into the bizarre judicial decisions that followed.
The Flayed Old Woman: Grotesque Beauty and Dark Enchantment
Follow the eerie tale of two elderly sisters and the grotesque yet strangely captivating events that unfold when the eldest sister's enchanting voice lures the King of Rockfort into a bizarre encounter through a keyhole.
Rusalka's Lure: Slavic Seduction in a Terrifying Poem
Can a mystical creature's song lead you to your doom? In this episode, Andrea joins Knob Twister as a special guest to explore the shadowy depths of Slavic folklore. We unravel the spine-tingling poem "Rusalka" by Alexander Pushkin, where a hapless friar falls prey to the enchanting but deadly Rusalka.
Carried Away By the Wind: Aerial Misadventures and Magical Mischief
What happens when a vengeful magician, a ritual knife, and an unfortunate peasant collide in a tale of whimsy and darkness? Tune in to hear the harrowing yet captivating story of a young peasant cursed to be swept away by the wind for seven long years.
The Demon's Dance: Slavic Shenanigans and Unlikely Antics
What would you do if a whirlwind demon wreaked havoc on your barn? Join us as we laugh our way through the wild and whimsical Slavic tale of a brave peasant armed with nothing but a consecrated knife and a list of outrageous demands.