How a “Cursed” Victorian Devil Statue Destroyed a Welsh Church
The Swansea Devil is a three-foot tall “cursed” sculpture which is said to have been responsible for destroying a church.
Margaret Helen James: a forgotten feminist folklorist in Victorian East Anglia
British regional folklorists of the 19th century remain, in many cases, rather obscure figures. Margaret Helen James (1859–1938) deserves particular attention for using her writing about folklore to give a voice to ordinary women and critique a patriarchal society, but until 2017 James was completely forgotten.
Smuggler Legends: Owlers, Woolers & Restless Ghosts
Smuggling. The word has been entwined with romantic delusions and depictions for many years. However, in reality this could not be further from the truth. From concepts of men in fancy clothes to moonlit coves and caverns; the idea of the smuggler has been mixed with an almost heroic taste. Yet, the graphic novella ‘The […]
Italy’s Pagan Santa Claus: The Story of La Befana, the Christmas Witch
Who is la Befana, the Italian Christmas witch?
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.