Robin Hood is perhaps the most recognisable figure in English folklore, darting through legend in Sherwood Forest.  Yet discussions in the past tried to claim Robin as an ancient god, recast as a literary outlaw, or as one of the Good Folk, whether a local sprite or Robin Goodfellow himself. How did these writers draw…

The Queen of the Fairies is sometimes named Queen Mab, depending on the source material. She’s also known as the Queen of Elfland, the Queen of Elphame, and Titania.  So who is Mab? Does she come from English folklore, or is Mab the name given by playwrights and poets to the Queen in folklore?  Let’s…

For this month’s episode of Fabulous Folklore Presents, I’m thrilled to bring you a chat with Rose Aurora! Rose is a fairy seer & sorceress, specializing in Faery, Elf, and Troll-related issues & spiritual needs. She is honoured to be part of a spiritual lineage of Celtic origin, but she is also trained in other…

To some, Herne the Hunter is a ghost associated with Windsor Great Park. He haunts the tree where he died, rattling his chains and raging against…well…something. Elsewhere, Herne is portrayed as a demonic force tearing through the forest at speed, scooping up souls in the Wild Hunt. Some tales see him riding a coal-black horse…

Few figures loom as large in British legend as King Arthur. Noble king, fair-minded monarch, mighty warrior – Arthur ends up taking on all of these roles at various points, and often a few more besides. How did ordinary people relate to him? How does he appear in folklore and the popular imagination outside of…