EP88 The Changelings; or, the Baby-stealing Fairies: Devious fairy folk swap their uncanny offspring for mortal children - discover the lore on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

When a malicious fairy swaps your baby for a changeling, how do you break the curse?  Across Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland, people have reported finding their children stolen and replaced with strange babies that were different in many ways - some were sickly, some failed to grow, others were intelligent far beyond their years. But after the tylwyth teg have made the switch, is there any way of reclaiming your offspring? Or what happens when unscrupulous parents actually try to swap their unwanted children for a fairy? Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he goes in search of the changelings on Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!     What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects by combining decades of research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. Ranging from "real life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical tales from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded on Thursdays (weekly most of the time, biweekly when book and media deadlines are looming) and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons. Along with the regular stories you can also expect the odd special guest, an occasional "live" ghost hunt, and all sorts of crazy ideas. Seasonal specials include the dark and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions of old, to everyone's favourite skulled-skulled Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd herself. Dare you explore haunted Wales? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast