Nana Tomova Storyteller

02/08/2026

Deep in the forests of the Balkans live the Samodivi — wild women born of wind and moonlight, who dance barefoot on mountain meadows from twilight to dawn.

The Samodiva is neither kind nor cruel, she is a complex being just like us. She harms and curses, she heals and cures. She guards the deer and the wild waters, she knows the herbs and the trees, and she doesn’t look after a home or raise children.

Those who glimpse her dancing are changed forever, for then their hearts are no longer theirs.

Come and hear her interwoven stories — Saturday 15th August, Forres; 19:30.
And ONLINE on the 16th August.
Tickets through my website.



📷 Witold Pruszkowski, Rusałki (1877)

24/07/2026

Samodiva: The Dance of the Wild Woman | Sat 15 Aug | Forres Tolbooth | (followed by online telling the day after)

Deep in the forests of the Balkans, where oak and beech cast their long shadows, dwell the Samodivi: wild women born of wind and moonlight who dance till dawnbreak and break the hearts of lusting men.

In this storytelling concert, traditional storyteller Nana Tomova draws on the folk traditions of her native Bulgaria to conjure the Samodiva in all her contradictions: huntress and healer, seductress and sister, a spirit as old as the forests she haunts.

Samodivi are of this world, and not of this world, they are bringers of health and illness, and they both build and destroy. They are however neither ‘bad’ nor ‘good’, as the divine cannot be categorised as such.

In this telling, you will meet the Samodiva in her many forms from wild woman to mother; she who seeks freedom to she who takes freedom; she who heals to she who harms. For the Samodivi, just like us, are complex beings with many multitudes.

Suitable for ages 12+

Tickets: nanatomova.com/events

19/07/2026

I'm devastated by the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park, that's been burning for four days now. It is one of my favourite places. I'm grateful that so many individuals and agencies are tirelessly firefighting.
I'd like to do what I can, and so I will to hold a ceremony with stories, poetry and ritual for the land, so that all who love it can grieve and offer hope. The event is donation based, and all donations will go to RSPB Scotland who help with land restoration in the area. Booking essential. See link for further details. Questions are welcome.
The photo below is the land that is burning (photo by Visit cairngorms)

This event is a ritual to bless and to grieve for the beloved Cairngorms land that burned for 4 days and 4 nights. It is a landscape with ancient trees loved by many. It is a chance to tend to the land and offer hope.

12/07/2026

My guest today is Daniel Allison, a Scottish oral storyteller, USA Today best selling author and host of the House of Legends podcast, who has focused on making Celtic mythology accessible and alive for modern audiences.

In this podcast we talk about being a storyteller; Celtic mythology; Muay Thai and its parallels to the Fianna - Ireland’s legendary band of warriors, balanced masculinity, the strong female figures of Celtic mythology and more.

Daniel shares the story of the Auld Cruivie, also known as Jack and the Dancing Trees. It is a Scottish tale about Jack who works for a greedy laird. One Midsummer’s Night, the ancient trees of the forest pull their roots from the soil to dance by the river.

Story Prescription: an animistic story about the magic nature, against greed, and about the beauty of the landscape.

04/07/2026

It was wonderful to have another opportunity to tell stories in Bulgarian, in my birth town of Pomorie, by the sea. Thank you to the wonderful soul Anelia Grigorova for organising this story telling at the Historical Museum. There are no storytellers in Bulgaria (as far as I know, I hope I’m wrong). I hope that with time the tradition will be restored.

27/06/2026

[EN] I’ve always thought myself as a storyteller primarily for adults, but the children of Vratsa stole my heart! 60 children between the ages of 5 to 14. We had such fun! I’m still feeling high on emotion from yesterday’s formidable morning. Thank you to everyone who made the magic happen, especially Vladislava from the community and educational centre Народни Читалище “Развитие”; as well as everyone who listened and appreciated the stories. From my heart to yours 🤍
Thanks to Vladi for the gorgeous photos too ❤️

[BG] Винаги съм се смятала за разказвач предимно за възрастни, но децата от Враца откраднаха сърцето ми! 60 деца на възраст между 5 и 14 години. Толкова много се забавлявахме! Все още съм емоционална от вчерашната чудесна сутрин. Благодаря на всички, които направиха магията да се случи, особено на Владислава от Народно читалище „Развитие“; както и на всички които слушаха и се радваха на приказките. От моето сърце до вашето!🤍
❤️Благодаря на Влади за страхотните снимки!

26/06/2026

I was delighted to be invited to tell stories in Vratsa, to celebrate the release of my book Bulgarian Folk Tales.

Thank you to Народно Читалише Развитие, Етнографският и Историческият Музей, Враца, and all the people who helped to organise it. Special thanks to Владислава Иванчева, a new found friend and kindred spirit, who coordinated everything. I’m so touched by the generosity of everyone I met.

Here I tell the stories of the Golden Maiden and the Sun’s Wedding and a full hour flew by!

26/06/2026

Telling stories in Vratsa in Bulgarian 🌿

25/06/2026

Milking goats and other village life endeavours.