The Jolly Reiver

One interesting creature from Estonian folklore I’ve learned about while here is the Kratt.

A Kratt is made from household items, odds and ends. A farmer will build a Kratt and then use magic or an incantation to bring it to life so that this creature can do the farm work for him, alongside anything else he wants done.

The similarity of Kratts to artificial intelligence has led to this character being used as a metaphor for AI in Estonia. The Algorithmic-Liability law is also called the ‘Kratt law’.

Interestingly, Kratts inevitably turn on their masters and try to kill them. Unless, the farmer can destroy it first.

Perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned from the old stories here… 🤔

Pikk Hermann Tower. Small piece of folklore behind this is that whoever flies their flag atop this tower is the ruler of all Estonia. The blue, black and white has flown since 1989 after the hammer and sickle was torn down 🇪🇪

An Ancient King’s Curse

In the heart of Tallinn you’ll find Toompea Hill, historically the seat of power in Estonia. It’s also thought to be the burial place of Kalev, the heroic giant that lies sleeping beneath the hill (much like our own Arthur). He features on the main Estonian chocolate brand packaging as pictured.

In the late 19th century, the Russians began to build the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Toompea as part of their policy of Russification. A symbolic power-flex over the Estonians.

It was said that during construction, Russian builders came across an iron door while digging the foundations for the cathedral. The door was inscribed:
“Damned be everyone who dares disturb my peace”

The superstitious Russians were worried, but were forced to complete the project. Yet the church became plagued with structural problems and total collapse has often been a worry. Even to this day, scaffolding is a very common sight.

So what’s to blame? Shoddy Russian workmanship or an ancient Hero’s curse?

🧐🇪🇪🇷🇺

The Jolly Reiver pinned «This year’s Halloween video is now live! 🎃 https://youtu.be/0Qkc96rZfAs?si=utF-cnILt_dlDbZC»

This year’s Halloween video is now live! 🎃

https://youtu.be/0Qkc96rZfAs?si=utF-cnILt_dlDbZC

Currently in Estonia. I decided to take a long walk to the outskirts of Tallinn where I found an old military graveyard. Here you’ll see in the far corner the graves of 15 British sailors that died in the Baltic in 1919. But why?

I’ll make a video on the topic and tell their story. The names are faded from most graves now so it’s important these lads aren’t forgotten.

🇬🇧🇪🇪

Hedgehog I rescued was released again last night. Run to freedom little one! 🦔

Today I hit 40,000 subscribers on YouTube. And I’m fast approaching 2,000,000 views. These days I’m feeling more empowered and motivated than ever as more and more people take an interest in the preservation and celebration of our history and folklore. Thank you to everyone that watches and shares. And of course to my patrons that make it all possible.

This has come at a good time, as I’m just about to leave for Estonia, where I’ll be exploring some of the lore and legends of this fascinating but hugely underrated country.

Onwards to 50K now!

My Halloween Special is now available to Patreon supporters, and will go up on YouTube on Saturday October 26th at 6pm!

Aerial shot I took of Buckholm Tower and the moors outside of Galashiels. The setting of this year’s Halloween video!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎃

Ava’s first competition in Alwinton yesterday, the last Shepherd Show of the year in the borders.

Traditionally, the show marks the end of summer and the time for hill farmers to begin preparations for winter.

🍂❄️

I’m out filming my Halloween video for this year at the moment. Last year’s Halloween video filmed in Northern Ireland did very well, and this year it’ll be in Scotland.

While filming on location, I made a discovery that provides strong evidence that the tale in question is not just a story to frighten people, but actually has truth to it. What might this be? You’ll have to wait until the 31st!

This is why it’s vital to film on location though, and investigate the area instead of just relying on websites and even books.