Who were the first folklorists? The Brothers Grimm perhaps? Or perhaps some of the antiquarians of the early modern age? Such individuals can certainly claim to be amongst the first to systematically collect and study… Read More »Medieval Folklore
Medieval society had its own myths, folktales and folkloric practices. Some had their roots in older times, whereas others emerged during the Middle Ages. However, whatever their origins, they were all, inevitably, re-interpreted and adapted… Read More »Myth and Folklore in Medieval Society
If you take a good look around a medieval church today, you’ll see a variety of different images. You might see carvings of saints and other obviously Christian symbols. However, you might also see images which, if… Read More »The Green Man – History and Origins
In this last article in my series on the legend of Robin Hood, I’ll try to answer the question I set out to investigate – was Robin an historic figure, or just a myth? In… Read More »Robin Hood Part 4 – The Real Robin Hood
Who was Robin Hood? Was he a real person, or just a myth? Medieval accounts are surprisingly consistent in what they say about when Robin Hood lived. They all agree that Robin Hood was an… Read More »Robin Hood Part 3 – Rebel Turned Robber
Who was Robin Hood? In the first article of this series, I looked at one the more popular narratives about the historic Robin Hood. In it I explored the possibility that Robin lived at time… Read More »Robin Hood Part 2 – Robin Hood of Wakefield
Have you ever wondered about the Robin Hood legend? What’s the real story? Join me as we take a close look at the history behind the myth. With coat of Lincoln-green, and mantle too, And… Read More »Robin Hood Part 1 – King John’s Nemesis