British Legends: The Origin of Albion and the Bloodlust of Albina and Her Sisters

According to British medieval legend and myth, the island now known as Britain was once named Albion after an exiled queen named Albina.

Dog Folklore: Companion Dogs as Seers, Healers, and Fairy Steeds

Companion dogs were often believed to have mystical abilities. Dog Illustration from Johnson’s Book of Household Nature, 1880.

When considering dog folklore, we generally think of those stories which feature the Grimm, the Gytrash, or other sinister black dogs roaming the moors in the North of England. But there is more to canine folklore than the ominous black dogs of legend. Companion dogs, such as Pugs and Corgis, have their place in dog folklore as well.

British Legends: The Outlaws of Inglewood and the Feminine Influence

Picture from Livre de la Chasse showing relays of running hounds set on the path of the hart

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 Devil in the Room: Researching the History of Witchcraft in Ireland

A witch at her cauldron surrounded by beasts. Etching by J. van de Velde II, 1626. Wellcome Collection. CC 4.00 https://wellcomecollection.org/works/zn34a767?query=witch

The narrative of witchcraft in Ireland is a subject often left out of major surveys of the wider history of witchcraft. Dr. Andrew Sneddon’s research explores the presence and complexities of witchcraft beliefs and traditions in an Irish context.

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