81- 10
The Question of European Shamanism
There is scholarly debate on whether or not European shamanism was present throughout world history. Prehistoric shamanism lingered on in the European folk tradition but is often overlooked.
- 9
European Household Magic
This article discusses beliefs and customs related to traditional European folk magic in the household.
- 7
The Cailleach: Gaelic Goddess of Winter
Explores the Gaelic goddess of winter and her associations in Celtic lore and culture. Also discusses similar figures in Germanic and Slavic tradition.
- 13
The Divine Feminine in Fairy Tales
Some modern critics disparage fairy tales for their depiction of women. But the truth is, fairy tales are complex—and they have much to offer women of all ages.
- 9
The Fiendish Black Dog of British Folklore
Interested in British folklore? You need to know this story. The Black Dog is a frightful spectre creature found in folklore across Great Britain. Read on for everything you need to know about this creature.
- 6
When Brownies Turn Bad
Brownies and house elves in the folklore of Northern Europe weren't always cuddly; poltergeist activity was often attributed to an angry brownie!
- 14
The Familiar Spirit: Companion to Witches
The “familiar spirit” is a common motif found in both folklore and witch trial records of the witch hunt era. What is a familiar spirit, and what role did they supposedly serve to accused witches?
- 31
Scottish Witchcraft: Background and Practices
Most of the people tried for witchcraft were accused without reason. But many made their living as a midwife or healer. What were some of the medicinal methods of these witches?
- 13
Magic in Anglo-Saxon England
Just as with other Germanic people, magic was an important element in Anglo-Saxon life, with broader connections to the paradigm of Germanic mythology.
- 27
The Evolution of King Arthur
King Arthur is perhaps the most well-known subject in Anglophone literature. The Arthurian legend not only endures but also evolves and expands over time.
- 24
Ten Reasons Fairies Are Scary!
The fairies of Celtic folklore were not the whimsical darlings we think of today. Explore examples of the dark side of the world of Faerie.
- 28
The Fairy Faith: An Ancient Indigenous Religion
There are two different meanings of “Fairy Faith.” First, it simply refers to the old folkloric belief in fairies, and the practices found therein. The second meaning is found in modern paganism.
- 19
Witchcraft on the High Seas: King James and the North Berwick Witch Trials
The reign of King James VI resulted in Scotland becoming one of the worst perpetrators of witch trials in Europe. Why was James so obsessed with witchcraft?
- 12
What Happened to the Irish Railroad Workers at Duffy's Cut?
Irish immigrants were recruited to work on a stretch of railroad called Duffy's Cut, near Philadelphia, in 1831. The railroad reported 9 deaths due to cholera, but the true number was much higher.
- 6
American Thanksgiving and the Wampanoag Tribes
Exploring the local Native American people who participated in the Thanksgiving story.
- 8
Hop-tu-Naa: Halloween on the Isle of Man
The Manx holiday Hop-tu-Naa is an October 31st holiday that pre-dates modern Halloween. It has connections to the old Celtic pagan holiday Samhain, the New Year in the Celtic calendar.
- 11
The Lost History of the Jack-o'-Lantern
This is a history of the jack-o'-lantern that explains the connection to old Samhain, the spirit realm, folklore, and religious attempts to stifle the old ways.
- 14
Newgrange: A Neolithic Passage Tomb in Ireland
Ireland is a land littered with sacred sites. From stone circles to dolmens and cairns, there are megalithic wonders everywhere you look. This article features Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb.
- 34
Five Stone Circles That Aren't Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the world's most famous neolithic stone circle, but there are many more! This article introduces you to five circles and henges in Ireland and Britain you might not have heard of.
- 26
Witch Hunts in Scotland
Isobel Gowdie was a Scottish woman accused of witchcraft during the witch hunts of the 17th century. This article discusses her story, witchcraft in Scotland, and King James' role in witch hunts.
- 16
Enchanted Entryways - Elf Houses and Fairy Doors
Are fairies and elves real? When you discover how many fairy doors and elf houses spring up around the world, you may begin to wonder!
- 21
4 Lesser-Known Forest Spirits: The Huldra, Leshy, and More
Meet the nature spirits of the forests—the wild ones who dwell in the woods. In this article, meet the Huldra, Leshy, Moss Folk, and Wood Wives.
- 15
The Jogah: Little People of the Iroquois
Stories of fairy-like creatures are told all around the world, including Native cultures throughout North America. This article explores the Little People known to the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) - The Jogah
- 23
European Mother Goddesses
Although many spiritual people today consider God to be firmly male, the concept of female divinity is an ancient one. Mother-figure deities are still found in many contemporary religions.
- 15
Sea Creatures from Folklore and Legend
There are many famous sea monsters of legend and lore... But, there are many more unknown critters lurking in deep dark watery depths. Here are some critters from Northern European lore.
- 13
Mad King Ludwig, the Fairy Tale King
King Ludwig II of Bavaria spent a fortune building his famous castles. The stunning Neuschwanstein was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella's Castle. But, was Ludwig insane?
- 20
The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part II
Continuing to explore the female figures associated with Yule. Many of these figures were suppressed or distorted during the changeover to Christmas.
- 42
The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part I
The holiday at the Winter Solstice existed long before Christmas came to Europe. The Old Religion placed equal emphasis on the sexes, and female figures from Old Yule lingered on for ages.
- 17
The Saami: Reindeer People of the North
The Saami (also Sami) people live in the far north of Scandinavia and Russia. Reindeer herding has historically been a strong tradition in their culture.
- 13
The Fairies are Afoot! - Modern Fairy Beliefs
From Leprechaun occupied forests to Fairy trees and rings, belief in the little people is alive and well.
- 29
Huldufólk: Iceland's Belief in Elves
Iceland possesses a mystical landscape that many of the locals believe is home to supernatural beings from Norse mythology such as elves and trolls.
- 9
The Finfolk of Orkney Folklore
Finfolk are a breed of mythological creatures unique to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. They're similar to mermaids and other mythic sea creatures and have connections to Norse mythology.
- 15
Externsteine: Germany's Sacred Stone Formation
Germany's answer to Stonehenge, Externsteine is a natural rock formation that has been altered by human hands. What was it used for? Does it hold special meaning?
- 16
Orkney Islands' Neolithic and Viking Heritage
A brief overview of the history of Orkney, from early Pictish origins to Viking settlement, and a tour of Orkney's neolithic sites and standing stones such as Stenness, a site similar to Stonehenge
- 3
Albanian Blood Feud: Kadare's "Broken April" and Albania Today
Explores Ismail Kadare's novel juxtaposed with true life accounts of modern Albanian families entangled in Blood Feud. Discusses the Kanun, a medieval holy book and code of ethics.
- 14
Ēostre - Real Goddess or Bede's Invention?
Some doubt the existence of a cult of worship for the Germanic goddess Eostre and the origins of Easter. This article analyzes the available evidence - including some that others ignore.