Treasury of Folklore
An entertaining and enchanting collection of myths, tales and traditions surrounding the seas, skies and woodlands that make up our natural world.
Enter an enchanting world where the mysteries of the seas, skies and woodlands come alive through shared myths, legends and folk tales. From the majestic creatures that dance beneath the waves to the celestial beings that populate the heavens and the spirits that reside within the forests, The Treasury of Folklore offers a portal into the lore of the natural world that has been whispered through the generations.
In this mesmerising compendium you'll embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and tales that have been woven into the very fabric of our natural world. You'll tread mysterious waters and be beguiled by the sirens and sea monsters, soar to new heights with winged Pegasus and uncover stories of celestial beings, from thunder gods to constellations that have guided traveller's across the heavens. And as you wander through the ancient woods, you'll encounter spirits between the branches, insatiable cannibalistic children hewn from logs and the promise of the big, bad wolf.
The stories included here traverse countries and continents and have been carefully selected to highlight how humans are linked through time and place, with shared dreams, fears and ways of rationalising the unknown. Immerse yourself in the tapestry of tales collected in these pages, each story a testament to the enduring enchantment of the seas, skies, and woodlands.
Dee Dee Chainey is an archaeologist by training, and author of A Treasury of British Folklore: Maypoles, Mandrakes and Mistletoe from National Trust Books. She is co-founder of #FolkloreThursday, a popular website and Twitter account that brings fascinating tales and traditions from all corners of the globe to its followers every Thursday.
Willow Winsham is a historian of witchcraft, specialising in English witchcraft cases. She is author of Accused: British Witches Throughout History and England’s Witchcraft Trials. She is co-founder of #FolkloreThursday.
Joe McLaren graduated from the University of Brighton in 2003, and now lives and works in Rochester, Kent. He previously taught Foundation Illustration at Central Saint Martins. A superbly talented illustrator, Joe's clients include Penguin Random House, Faber, Orion, Folio, John Murray, Oxford, The Times, The Guardian and The Financial Times.