About this episode
On her website, Execution Ballads, Dr Una McIlvenna writes:
"Across Europe, from the sixteenth century until the early twentieth century, the news of the deeds of criminals and their subsequent executions was delivered via song, often printed on cheap, single-sheet broadsides or small, book-like pamphlets, as well as passed on orally or via manuscript. Songs were usually set to a familiar tune (often indicated at the top of the pamphlet), which allowed anyone to easily sing along. They were sold in busy streets and marketplaces by street singers, who usually sang the contents of the pamphlet in order to promote their wares."
In the episode of the podcast, Una discusses, and sometimes sings extracts of, execution ballads spanning four centuries of our history.
Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of historic execution and torture. Listener discretion is advised.
To support our work with folklore and to help us to keep producing content, please visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/thefolklorepodcast
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Folklore Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
