In this special episode, I talk with British historian Ronald Hutton and British storyteller Hugh Lupton. We discuss the Mari Lwyd and other horses of British folklore, as well as mumming plays, the Welsh language, the festival calendar, and other topics. Also included is Hugh’s wonderful song “The Mari Lwyd” (Hugh wrote the words; the music was written and performed by Chris Wood). The episode is punctuated here and there with footage of the Mari Lwyd from my recent visit to Wales.
-Ronald Hutton describes the Mari Lwyd. (3:10)
-Hutton explains why the Mari Lwyd’s appearances in Casnewydd (Newport) are politically charged. (5:48)
-Hutton offers some possible explanations as to why the Welsh language has fared better than other Celtic tongues. (6:45)
-Hutton describes the horn dance at Abbots Bromley and tells about its provenance and history. (8:06)
-“The Mari Lwyd,” a beautiful song by Hugh Lupton and Chris Wood (11:42)
-my conversation with Hugh Lupton (17:00)
-Lupton tells how he got into storytelling. (17:42)
-Lupton and I discuss his Mari Lwyd song (26:30)
-We discuss the Mari Lwyd, Halloween, and Christmas. (31:12)
-I tell the story of how a blues singer called Peetie Wheatstraw was belatedly allowed to enter a church house in his hometown of Cotton Plant, Arkansas. (34:52)
-We talk about the magic and meaning of mumming plays. (37:52)
-Lupton talks about the rhythm and mystery of the ritual year. (51:04)
-We talk about how Lupton crafts a story and then brings it to life in the telling. (56:00)
-Lupton’s advice for aspiring storytellers. (1:02:44)
Special thanks to Ronald Hutton, Hugh Lupton, Richard Atkin, Gwen Evans, and Amelia Genao.
27 сен 2024
