"Randalls Round" by Eleanor Scott | Folk horror stories | Audiobook

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hello! Hope you enjoy this slice of early folk horror! Hope you like the video image too - courtesy of Picture House Photography (the handiwork of EnCrypted subscriber Miji Yoon - thanks Miji!!). If you enjoy my content please LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and read the description for information about how you can SUPPORT the show with a one-time donatation or joining me on Patreon. Thank you!

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍😁🎬

[@mansing]

How multitalented can you be! The way you brought so much color to this story not only by your usual superb sound fx but also by the folk-inspired music!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. I remember starting this and realising I needed a song of some kind. I broke a wooden spoon during the recording of it 😄

[@mansing]

@@EnCryptedHorror 😂🤣

[@jessisage4708]

Mirrors freak me out. I keep them all covered! Great story! Thanks Jasper ❤❤❤

[@aarondutil3077]

I love these English folk horror tales, they all boil down to: "Think I will pop down to the country, interact with the locals and see what's up...Holy HELL!" Miji did a great job with the video image for this episode.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I'll be honest, Aaron, going to some parts of the UK is still like that now 😁.

[@carolrios9216]

@@EnCryptedHorror We've got some pretty terrifying places here in the US, too.

[@susanhepburn6040]

Good one! Not just Cheese Rolling in the Cotswolds, eh?! AND you did the song, too! Many thanks.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 👍

[@mijiyoon5575]

Re~listen ... *widdershins* one of my favorite words & favorite stories ... 👍👍👍👍👍

[@stephensinclair3771]

Will listen to this wee gem properly this evening. We were never allowed to stir things in the kitchen "widdershins" lol. Truly. Near where I live there's an old stone circle called temple wood. On certain nights of the year (the solstice etc Halloween 🎃 - the old Celtic new year of course) there are still said to be "goings on". Never seen them myself - would give me indigestion. People have also told me nasty things happen to horses 🐎...blood let, something called hipomeean (??) taken from mares. All very wicker man.

[@Jynxxxycat]

You must be referring to the ancient inauguration rituals, for the Celtic kings. It is believed that there was a ritual mating with a mare, to symbolise the king's connection to the land, and contributing to its fertility...after which, the blood was let, and the meat and bones were cooked into a sacred meal, for the king. Rather strange and ghastly, to us...but to our ancient Ancestors, it was de rigueur.

[@stephensinclair3771]

@@Jynxxxycat that's probably definitely correct. Also near temple wood is the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dalriada called Dunadd Hill. There at the summit of what was once an island carved into the rock is the shape of a foot. The kings would place their foot there and "marry" the land. We do tend through the medium of new age stuff etc etc have a rather sanitised view of certain things.

[@wmnoffaith1]

@@Jynxxxycat are you seriously saying that the king engaged in sex with the horse, at a festival, in front of others? And then, cooked and ate the horse? Wow. How very praying mantis of him; this is an English custom I've never heard of.

[@waningmooncancer9628]

May I say that I love your turn of phrase. I have a feeling you are a gem yourself. I have a soft heart for salt-of-the-earth people.🕊️🕊️🕊️😁

[@NigelJackson]

@@Jynxxxycat Yes the ancient Celtic equivalent of the Vedic Ashvamedha horse-sacrifice. The gentleman above makes reference, I assume, to the 'hippomanes'.

[@davidbailey4404]

This was my pleasant surprise for the day -- a classic bit of folk horror, previously unheard but striking a note of uncomfortable...familiarity. Old Halloween rituals have always intrigued me. Or as the Celts called it, Samhain, the very end of Summer, when the barrier between our world and the Otherworld is at its thinnest. I'm impressed that you not only credibly narrated this tale but provided us with authentic sounding musical accompaniment for it. After hearing a lot of slapdash, half-hearted readings, it was really a pleasure to hear someone so involved in their presentation. Thanks so much for providing the very sort of thing I couldn't seem to find on Halloween. Now I need to go back and listen to any of your narrations I might have missed. Cheers!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you for those kind comments, David, and welcome to the channel. 👋 Winter stories all December but I have some more folk horror lined up for the new year. Cheers 🍻

[@chrish9852]

Jasper is one of the best narrators around---a true artiste! Bravo Jasper-you ROCK!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Chris! 🤘

[@violetfemme411]

We really need to spread the word. I can't conceive of any reason this channel doesn't have WAYYYY more subscribers 🤔 Jasper rocks indeed! 🎶

[@Tipi_Dan]

Long Barrows? I'm SO all over this.

[@johncochrane2707]

Love this Wicker Man type folk horror, and this was an excellent and gripping rendition.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, John 😊

[@seamusheinousproductions]

The music really adds something: well done!

[@ancientelectrons]

Exceptional production quality! My gosh, Jasper absolutely nails it every time. I love the background sounds and his voice was made for reading horror. Even though poor, we're going to try donating/doing Patreon just because excellence at this level needs to be recognized and rewarded.

[@thewildbirds6070]

One of my absolute favourite stories. A hidden gem worthy of M R James.

[@gosianutjob9578]

Jasper, you have as always presented a gem! I love to hear your voice each night, sitting under the stars. Best Wishes and Gratitude 🙏

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

Loved (?) the sound of that beast gorging. Excellent as ever, Jasper. I'm quite a fan of folk myths and legends - so much writing material in there. Japanese and Scandinavian legends are truly the most horrifying I've come across, especially the Scandinavian tales that are told to children. Enjoyed this, thank you 💕

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

Jasper may have crushed some bell peppers to produce those sounds 🙃 Apparently, that's how the sound of zombies munching on bones is produced.

[@mariameere5807]

You just get better and better and better Jasper! You are an inspiration! I know how much effort you put into this and I would like to thank you sincerely! I get really excited when I see a new story from you! Many thanks and many blessings! Wishing you all the success and happiness in the world! ♥️🌟🌹🧚‍♀️✨👑✨🧚‍♀️🌹🌟♥️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Maria! Very kind 😊

[@SandyBrrr]

You did too good of a job on this one, J 😳. It makes my heart race and stomach flip-flop every time. I have to keep hearing it, though, because you have done such a monstrously great job, from the music to sound effects and holy poop that beast rumble raises every hair on my body. 👏 👏👏

[@mijiyoon5575]

I'll share this as soon as I'm on my other computer👍👍👍👍👍

[@violetfemme411]

I listen to all your stories on the regular, but the bonus in this one, the awesome song at the end, makes me think I need to somehow add it to my song playlist. SO good Jasper 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Bit of a rush job too (involving a ukulele and a couple of wooden spoons, one of which broke on the last "thwack") 😁

[@violetfemme411]

Oh Jeez...if you knew how I envy your musical talent. I played violin when I was a child. And guitar (sorta) years back. But I've never mastered any instrument. I do like to sing, and act but so do millions of others far more talented. 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@violetfemme411 Haha! I haven't mastered any instruments either. I try and get a tune out of something by hook or by crook. Perhaps I'm like my grandad who had missing fingers on one hand (the stories vary...) and used to beat the wooden door with his stumps (?) to get a tune. I'm told he used to play the piano badly in pubs too 😂

[@violetfemme411]

@@EnCryptedHorror That's awesome! My great grandfather was a clown in vaudeville.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Have you seen bill posters and the like? What was his clown name?

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Good story and narration! Thanks! The sing they sing is quite catchy. What a dance....

[@Jynxxxycat]

Thanks for making my day. You're the best.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Jnyxxxycat! 👍

[@stephensinclair3771]

That was brilliant. The folk horror stuff is having a revival at the moment.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It really is! I love all that stuff.

[@Annapurna818]

Very Arie Aster-like. Midsommar and Hereditary.

[@carolmikolj5134]

There are many stories about outsiders breaking in upon ancient local rites. Though less well known than others, this story is one of the best; and your reading of it was masterly. Many thanks for a very enjoyable reading.

[@mtmuller]

Amazing as ever! The song was perfect too!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Melanie! 😊

[@violetfemme411]

The song was beyond amazing! Omg..I keep coming back just to hear it again 💜

[@DancingQueenie]

Thanks!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks for the SuperThanks 🙏

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

This is wonderful! I was completely hanging on every word. Great atmosphere, well done accents, just perfect reading. Thanks! Could listen to this kind of English story forever...

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Rosie 😊 Glad you enjoyed.

[@pickford3152]

👍🤘 another solid entry my friend! Plz keep em coming Jesper👊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Cheers Pickford31 🍻

[@brandonletzko4239]

Now that song is stuck in my head. Oh well, at least the harvest will be good next year.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha!

[@libertycowboy2495]

Gave me a strong Wicker Man vibe. LOVED IT!❤

[@blixten2928]

Wonderful how you manage to find little-known gems, such wonderful change from the standards. And, you are a true actor - and producers - and sound technicians. Very impressive indeed!!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. I'm always on the look out for good "lost" stories. Another one coming soon.

[@jeffreese1828]

Wow , loved the song ! Thought that might be you and checked the credits .... sure enough ! You do not disappoint , my friend . 💀🎱💀

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Any excuse to get the one-man-band back together 😉😂🪕

[@jeffreese1828]

@Encryted Horror Classics 🎶 The Minstrel in the Gallery ! 🎶 I initially thought it was the sound waves from the bump on the skull's head ! Lol I imagine your one man band as the traditional type . Y'know , with all the instruments attached to the body ! Lol. Once again , well done ! 👍🎱👌

[@oddconcoction5162]

Awesome story and awesome reading. I love the song at the end, is that your own original ? It's fantastic.

[@kesselparsecs7841]

Great job of narration!

[@666dianimal]

Great Story, thanks for sharing :)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Diana 😊

[@colemarie9262]

Always liked the folk horror ones!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Me too!

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you 🤗

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome, Jacky!

[@WowUsernameAvailable]

What a tame story! I expected the character to be lured into a trap by the innkeeper and sacrificed🙃

[@nancynickerson4341]

Excellent, thank you!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Nancy! Glad you liked it.

[@violetfemme411]

Many and/or all of my comments seem to be disappearing from all my subscribed channels. Going back and playing with settings (which I haven't touched) and hopefully fixing the problem. Maybe I shouldn't have that jack o' lantern as my icon!! Btw...that song at the end. Is that you?? I freaking LOVE it 💜

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yes, I did the song. Any excuse 😄

[@violetfemme411]

@@EnCryptedHorror 🤩 I have no words...👏

[@CarlotaZimmerman]

Fantastically atmospheric, wow! Loved every second of this, thank you. Excited to see what goodies you’ll have for us on Halloween! 🎃🐈‍⬛

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Carlota! I've got something BIG planned...🎃👻🦇

[@juliadia007]

Liked the story but am super impressed you did the music as well! PS I have a become a patreon patron.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! Couldn't resist this story when I saw an opportunity to inflict my ukulele playing on everyone! 😂 Great to have you as a patron 👍 Thanks for supporting and for the kind things you've said about the show.

[@jaynecooney9549]

The man speaks my absolute language handsome voice dashing good looks no doubt and spiffing good laugh I bet new subscriber for you my love I’m from uk 🇬🇧

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Glad to have you on board, ITEFT! You are right on at least two counts 😆

[@Mi-yc3oy]

Love the folk horror. 😍 reminds me of Robert holdstock (though not horror) and Midsommer

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Me too! I wasn't familiar with Holdstock, so I've just looked him up. Sounds interesting.

[@Mi-yc3oy]

@@EnCryptedHorror folklore archetypes live in his forest series-Mythago wood, bone forest, lavondyss, the hollowing. I think that’s it for that series. It’s been a while 😅

[@mijiyoon5575]

*Spoiler Alert* Creepy, scary, beautiful old ways celebrated...perfect soundtrack & time of year for it! Reminds me a bit of: *A Warning to the Curious by MR James* ... *no diggin' here* scares the hair off me😲😬👍👍👍👍👍

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Miji. Your picture looks great as the video thumb/image too 📸

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@EnCryptedHorror I'd agree but that makes me sound narcissistic; although, I luv that *font* you used. I've been dreaming of seeing some of my photographs used in just this way. The thanks go to You *Jasper L'Strange w/Encrypted Classic Horror*

[@AbstruseRecluse]

Fun Fact: This was the book that introduced Hugh Lamb, as a boy, to classic horror fiction.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hello Richard 👋 Then this little story and its accompanying volume has inadvertantly inspired many! Hugh's anthologies were a staple of my childhood and one of the reasons I wanted to curate a collection of my own on this channel!

[@falgalhutkinsmarzcal3962]

Reminds me of Arthur Machen's occult stories, albeit much more straightforward than Machen's tales.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Indeed. There was clearly something in the ether at that time. I like Scott's tale because it's simplicity actually sets, or at least, anticipates a template for folk horror that's still being used today (I'm thinking of the film Midsommar). I know she was influenced by de la Mare and by M.R. James. I'd be surprised if she hadn't read Machen.

[@falgalhutkinsmarzcal3962]

@@EnCryptedHorror I can definitely see the influence of de la Mare and James. She was an excellent writer, if this story is any indication. Love your channel, btw.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@falgalhutkinsmarzcal3962 She wrote an interesting story I'm considering covering called The Old Lady which appears to be modelled on Seaton's Aunt. It's been great finding all these writers (who were unknown to me, and largely unsung) since starting the channel. Glad you're enjoying them too.

[@thurayya8905]

Sounds very much as though the sacrifice was a remnant of the worship of Mithras, which would have been brought by the Romans.

[@waningmooncancer9628]

I always take things too seriously, so here I go again. Why don't people listen? Why must they have their own way - often to their peril? If I'm traveling anywhere I have never been, and I am warned not to go to a certain place, I'm not going. People who live in the place have been there longer than me, so they know more about it. Never get so worldly and mature that you fail to heed sound advice.