Get Folked

A wee experiment now. A potential new irregular feature of folktales and breaking folklore news from the world Outside Inverclyde.

The big ridiculous news this week (timed to coincide with the new TV series Grimm) was that apparently parents are reluctant to read their children fairytales as child abandonment, dead grandmothers and delicious gingerbread men are too frightening for todays children..or perhaps more accurately...todays parents. I've read and been read all the stories on the scary list...and yes, fairytales really only came to prominence in the Victorian era as something to share with children...but you really have to wonder about how ridiculous our "waiting to be offended" society has become when the Victorians start to look progressive. Here's the wonderful Maria Tatar talking about her book "Enchanted Hunters", which explores what inspires children to listen to and enjoy stories...even the scary ones.



Happy Saint Gobnaits Day! Who? A new study by prominent Irish folklorist Celeste finds that Irelands (many) Holy Wells are frequently associated with miraculous dragon slaying Holy Women rather than men.

Want to drink as the ancients drank? Why not try this handy recipe for delicious metheglin, a flavoured mead which predates even wine. Mmm. Fennel.

Tired of boring old Arthurian legends? Want to see them reborn in an alternative universe? Then you should help fund 13 Legends on kickstarter. Read more about this series of graphic novels here.

Where myth and archaeology collide...have British archaeologists discovered the secret of the Queen of Sheba's legendary wealth?

How has storytelling and folktale tradition changed in Iran? Explore one perspective on the history of Persian folktales.

And, on Valentines week, remember that Russian folklore tells us that a couple will only ever be truly happy if they are able to cook porridge together. (note - not a folklore euphimism, this actually means cook porridge) I hope you and your true love enjoyed yours.

Here's Lotte Reiniger's version of  Hansel and Gretel...if you can handle it...