Trows, Changelings and Wise Women in Early Nineteenth Century Kirkwall
A nineteenth century autobiography written by the minister William Leask offers a fascinating insight into supernatural belief in contemporary Orkney.
Dumplings and Dragonboats: The Chinese Duan Wu Festival
When I was a little girl, I used to watch with open-mouthed admiration and puzzlement as my mother prepared the ingredients for the making of zong zi (rice wrapped in leaf). She would make a variety of fillings: sweet chestnuts, dried shrimp, pork meat, and mushrooms. There would be a lot of soaking, stewing and […]
Tower of London Legends: Ravens, Ghosts and Cursed Jewellery
In 1078, William the Conqueror built a white tower on the north bank of the River Thames that would become the most prominent part of the Tower of London. But there is more to the tower than just a tourist attraction. From the ghosts that are said to haunt its walls, to the ravens protecting both the castle and the city itself, there are many stories and superstitions surrounding the Tower of London.
Shropshire Folklore: Whittington Castle
Shropshire is a county abound with folklore intermingled with history in its beautiful landscape rich in heritage from the hills and river valleys to deep wooded areas.
Slavic Mythology of Zmaj and Vila: Dragons, Nymphs and Legendary Monsters
Serbian storytelling tradition is among the oldest and richest in Europe.