331: The Death of Folklorist Robert Kirk. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
331: The Death of Folklorist Robert Kirk. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.  
Podcast: National Park After Dark
Published On: Mon Oct 27 2025
Description: Do you believe in goblins and fairies? Do you believe in their the magic? Well, the Fairy Minister Reverend Robert Kirk did. In 1691, he published The Secret Commonwealth of Elves and Fairies, a book that described in detail their habits, appearance, and secrets. The following year, Reverend Kirk was found dead on Doon Hill, the alleged entrance to the realm of the fairies. Coincidence? You decide. Sources: Aberfoyle - Here. Now. All of us. - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Kirk's Book in a PDF Captive in Fairyland–the Strange Case of Robert Kirk of Aberfoyle | Feathers of the Firebird The Haunted Fairytale of Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe - Moon Mausoleum Kirk, Robert, 1644-1692 (Folklorist and Church minister)University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collectionshttps://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk › agents › people The Remarkable Robert Kirk Symbols on Reverend Kirk's Gravestone in Aberfoyle Cemetery: Thistle, Shepherd's crook and Dagger The (super)natural worlds of Robert Kirk: Fairies, Beasts, Landscapes and Lychnobious Liminalities - The Bottle Imp Samhain: The Roots of Halloween - Braided Way Magazine https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/#:~:text=Yet%2C the Halloween holiday has,costumes to ward off ghosts. Kirk, The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies The Secret Commonwealth - First Things(which%20the%20always Rob Roy MacGregor For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week’s partners! Uncommon Goods: Use our link to get 15% off your next gift, Rocket Money: Use our link to get started saving. Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you use promo code NPAD. Smalls: For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/NPAD.