Episode 139: Donkey-Xote

Ghoul on Ghoul

Sarah and Amanda get lyrical with magical Nords and spooky hits. Sarah looks at the Kalevala, Finland's national epic composed of traditional folk songs, including one about the "hero" Lemminkäinen. Amanda lists off pop songs with low-key creepy lyrics and/or origins. Other subjects covered include poorly costumed porn, belated anniversary wishes, and horse dreams.

Recommendations:

Amanda recommends the Netlfix true crime series The Sons of Sam: A Descent into Darkness. Sarah recommends the 1991 fantasy noir Cast a Deadly Spell.

Sources:

• “Lönnrot's Brainchildren: The Representation of Women in Finland's ‘Kalevala’,” by Patricia E. Sawin. Journal of Folklore Research Vol. 25, No. 3, Special Issue: Feminist Revisions in Folklore Studies, Sep. - Dec., 1988
• “Kalevala. The National Epic of Finland” by Wilfrid Bonser. Folklore, Winter, 1965, Vol. 76, No. 4, Winter, 1965
• Wikipedia/Kalevala
• Wikipedia/Cantos of the Kalevala
• Finnish Music Quarterly (Rune-singing, the musical vernacular)
• Ancient Origins (Lemminkäinen: Resurrection of the Handsome, Yet Frivolous Finnish Epic Hero)
• Sacred Texts (RUNE XV. LEMMINKAINEN'S RESTORATION.)
• AV Club (“Timothy” was delicious: 60 minutes of death-fueled ’70s story songs)
• Tennessean (Story Behind the Song: 'Wildfire' by Michael Martin Murphey)
• Culture Sonar (“Timothy” At 50: He’s What’s for Dinner) For updates on future episodes and other fun stuff, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check out our Patreon.