EP49 For Whom the Bell Tolls: Can the haunting chime of funeral bells protect against evil spirits, plague, and even the Devil? Dive into the rich Gothic traditions of church bell folklore on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees.
Church bell folklore: A Gothic tradition that resonates through time
Why do we ring bells at funerals? Their mournful chimes carry deeper meaning than you might think. Beyond the sombre melody, ancient beliefs and traditions surround their use.
Funeral bells do more than break the silence. Superstition claims they ward off malevolent forces. Evil spirits? Gone. Fairies and trolls? Banished. Even plague and the Devil himself are said to retreat when a bell tolls.
For folklore fans, these tales offer spine-chilling insights. For producers and creators, they inspire authentic Gothic storytelling in audio projects, films, and books.
Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales) reveals the lore behind these traditions. Learn why the “passing bell” led a funeral procession, and how a mischievous demon created the infamous “devil stone” by attempting to steal a church bell.
There’s even more to uncover. Folklore about stones sneaks into the episode, showing that even inanimate objects hold dark secrets.
Whether you’re drawn to Welsh superstition or need ideas for your next Gothic masterpiece, dive into episode 49:
Missed last week’s episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast?
If you missed EP48, don’t worry – you can still catch up! Last week, Mark explored Soul Lights, Astral Bodies and Strange Omens – delving into the uncanny world of corpse candles and whether the soul can leave the body at will.
For the full back catalogue, from eerie Mari Lwyd tales to the fantastical legends of the Mabinogion, visit the Ghosts of Wales podcast page to listen and subscribe.
Enjoy the podcast? Discover more in Mark Rees’ books!
If the folklore on the podcast gives you goosebumps, check out Mark Rees’s books! Packed with everything from chilling traditions to curious Welsh customs, they’re the perfect way to immerse yourself in tales that blend history, superstition and the macabre.
Explore the bestsellers, including Ghosts of Wales, and discover stories of cursed walls, ancient druids and even eccentric inventors with grand plans to defeat Hitler using ray guns.
Visit the books page for Mark’s complete catalogue, available in all good bookshops and online.