Death Omens: How Well Do You Know Them?
We might all lay claim to some superstitions to guard against bad luck, but an ingrained belief in death omens is another matter.
Rag Trees, Blessed Fish and Blind Horses: Some Traditions around Holy Wells in Ireland
Ireland has at least 3,000 wells that are, or were at least up until recently, looked upon as holy or blessed.
British Legends: The Outlaws of Inglewood and the Feminine Influence
The story of William of Cloudesly is found in a 16th century ballad, Adam Bell, Clym of the Cloughe and Wyllyam of Cloudeslee, but may be older. It was included in the influential 19th century collection, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, as ballad 116, by Francis James Child. Although it is a male dominated, rip-roaring, all action story, three women play a significant part, emerging at points to influence events. Presented here is a short retelling followed by a brief discussion on the influence of the three females on the story.
The Magic of the Fairy Glen: Merlin’s Hiding Place
Merlin, the Mage, slept in the land on two portentous occasions: once leading up to the birth of Arthur; the second just before, and well beyond, the death of the Once and Future King… Each time there was a mighty mythical beast involved – the Afanc and the Red Dragon.
Living at the Edge of the World: Austronesian, German and East Asian Roots of Taiwanese Folklore
closer look at Taiwanese lore reveals the true international, eclectic and intercultural roots of Taiwanese folk culture.