The tentacle-faced creature Cthulhu is H.P. Lovecraft’s most enduring eldritch creation. But while Lovecraft may be Cthulhu’s inventor, this monster has outgrown its creator, impacting both horror fiction and the real world in...

Deep within the Amazon rainforest lurks a mysterious creature called the Mapinguari. Notoriously elusive, this cave-dwelling giant leaves a trail of broken trees and trampled ferns in its wake. Massive, hairy, and pungent, this beast...

The Griffin is a half-lion, half-eagle creature that is commonly seen adorning royal crests and perched menacingly atop buildings. Why is this ancient creature that many of us see every day largely forgotten?

The Chinese dragon is one of the world’s most globally recognized monsters. Playing a major role throughout Chinese history, they were both creators and destroyers and controlled the elements. They've influenced everything from politics...

The fairies of Celtic traditions trace their origin back to an ancient race of otherworldly royalty - the Tuatha Dé Danann. As fairy nobility, the Tuatha Dé Danann were alternatively seen as gods, monsters, demons, and even the real...

The Australian wilderness is a dangerous place—in part because it’s the rumored hunting ground of a vampiric creature who uses its fingers and toes to suck your blood. Fall prey to the Yara-ma-yha-who and you risk not only being...

These elusive blue flames have been reported globally and inspired a wealth of folklore. But what exactly is a Will-o’-the-Wisp? Also commonly called “ignis fatuus” or “corpse-candle” the glowing atmospheric phenomenon has a reputation...

A sky deity falling from the sky sounds bad, right? Not if it’s the Kasogonagá! From the mythology of the Toba peoples of South America, this god of lightning, thunder, and rain appears as a small, hairy anteater-like creature and needs...

19th century London and the hunting ground of Spring-Heeled Jack. The fire-breathing, wall-leaping, claw-wielding devil attacked women in their homes and in the streets, terrorizing England for more than 50 years. Learn how Spring-Heeled...

Originating in the stories and beliefs of the southeastern Indigenous peoples of Australia, accounts of the bunyip are widely varied. This episode uses Aboriginal stories, historical records, and fossils to explore the bunyip legend, and...

Jinn is a popular character in fiction and their origins continue to influence Islamic cultures today. From the Qur’an to The Thousand and One Nights, the story of Aladdin to I Dream of Jeannie and everything in between—the jinn are more...

He can grow higher than the trees, or smaller than a blade of grass. Both demon and deity, guardian and antagonist, the Leshy is rooted deep in the cultural and religious history of the Slavic people.

Dr. Zarka shows how this wailing female ghost connects to the very real Irish tradition of keening— a rhythmic wailing and mourning performed by women as part of the death ritual. Tune in to see how fact and fiction combine to create a...

The legend of La Llorona, the “weeping woman,” has terrified generations. This female ghost wanders in the darkness, crying as she searches for her children--the children she murdered. Some even say that she will capture other kids in...

A journalist shares her journey of embracing authenticity and breaking the mold in the news industry.

Explore how Street Symphony brings live music and storytelling to those impacted by homelessness and incarceration in Los Angeles, bridging divides through the power of music.

Mr. Griot reviews adjectives and explains the rules when using comparative adjectives.

Mr. Griot shares a brief biography of William Shakespeare and discusses his contributions to the genre of drama.

Dive into the serene world of Slow TV, a unique Norwegian broadcast style capturing everyday life events in real time.

Dive into the inspiring narratives of influential black storytellers who shape our understanding of culture, identity, and history. From literature to music, film to photography, these creators share the importance of representation and...

After two years, four months, and 15 days, Great Big Story reopens its doors to continue the journey of storytelling. In a world filled with tales of adventure, human resilience, cultural richness, and culinary delights, Great Big Story...

Dr. Forrester talks about the influence that diseases, horses, and livestock had on the development of the west. She discusses the Californios, and ends with the topic of Indian reservations.

Mr. Griot shares a brief biography of William Shakespeare and discusses his contributions to the genre of drama.

Modern fairy tales draw from a rich tradition of fairy folklore known even in Shakespeare's time. Fairies were believed to possess supernatural abilities, like flying swiftly around the world and shape-shifting, often engaging in...