Episode 184 - THIRST: RIVERS AND FOLKLORE

About this episode

Mark Norman explores the folklore of rivers and discusses themes of sacrifice with guest Darren Simpson.

In this episode of the podcast, host Mark Norman discusses some points relating to the folklore of rivers, with a particular focus on their perceived need for sacrifice and to 'claim a heart' each year. This is followed by a discussion with writer Darren Simpson, the author of a new folk horror book for young adults, 'Thirst', which uses similar themes in its plot. And finally, the show is closed with a new single from folk duo Lunatraktors, 'Yarrow', based on a Child Ballad. You can find Darren Simpson online at https://darrensimpsonwrites.co.uk/ Lunatraktors have a website at https://www.lunatraktors.space/ To support The Folklore Podcast, please visit https://wwwpatreon.com/thefolklorepodcast

People in this episode

Host: Mark Norman

Guest: Darren Simpson

Topics covered

• folklore
• rivers
• sacrifice
• folk horror
• young adults
• music

Keywords

• folklore
• rivers
• sacrifice
• Darren Simpson
• Thirst
• Lunatraktors
• Yarrow
• Child Ballad
• folk horror

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lunatraktors, The Folklore Podcast, Child Ballad

Books & works: Thirst, Yarrow

Places: UK

More episodes of The Folklore Podcast

• Episode 194 - BLODEUWEDD MEETS FRANKENSTEIN · June 9, 2026 · 39 min
• Episode 193 - TALKING GHOSTS PART 2 · May 19, 2026 · 27 min
• Episode 192 - FAIRY IMAGERY · May 10, 2026 · 1h 10m
• Episode 191 - TALKING GHOSTS PART 1 · April 19, 2026 · 55 min
• Episode 190 - AND 'OTHER' STORIES · March 19, 2026 · 48 min
• Episode 189 - OPENING THE BOX OF DELIGHTS · March 6, 2026 · 1h 26m