Bone and Sickle

BONE AND SICKLE explores historical topics related to folklore and horror. With acerbic wit and a scholarly penchant for the grotesque, rogue folklorist Al Ridenour delves into a wide but carefully curated range of topics illustrated by stories from histo

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Recent Episodes

A House Struck by Lightning and Other Curiosities

Posted August 18, 2023 • 00:24:24

Marvel and cringe at this collection of curious cases presented from a favorite Victorian volume. Tonight’s episode includes a bit of proto-Forteana,...

A Viking Funeral

Posted August 1, 2023 • 00:18:33

Scenes of fiery Viking funerals have been woven into any number of literary and cinematic tales, but sources on the topic are limited. In this episode,...

“Ancient Lights” by Algernon Blackwood

Posted July 13, 2023 • 00:22:04

Why not enjoy a reading of Algernon Blackwood’s “Ancient Lights” before wandering off into those summery woods — a classic work of Weird Fiction...

Russian Vampire Tales

Posted July 1, 2023 • 00:24:02

The folklore of Russian vampires describes a creature slightly different than what we’re accustomed. In tonight’s show we share a number of traditional...

Swan-Upping and Other Curious British Customs

Posted June 18, 2023 • 00:26:54

Explore some curious British Customs with us, including those of Midsummer, swan-upping, egg-hopping, St. Bartholomew’s knives, and the violent tradition...