The Legend of The Witch of Woolpit


Book Description

Synopsis for "The Legend of The Witch of Woolpit" The Legend of The Witch of Woolpit transports readers to the quaint village of Woolpit, steeped in history and folklore. Set against the backdrop of rural England, the story unfolds with the arrival of a mysterious woman whose presence disrupts the everyday life of the villagers. In Episode 1: The Origins of Woolpit, we are introduced to the enigmatic village, its rich customs, and the close-knit community. The tranquility is shattered with the arrival of a stranger, prompting a mix of curiosity and suspicion among the villagers. As the story progresses into Episode 2: The Woman Accused, whispers of witchcraft begin to circulate. Growing unrest leads to the formal accusation of the woman, culminating in a dramatic trial filled with fear, prejudice, and societal tensions. The villagers grapple with their beliefs, and the verdict unleashes dire consequences. Episode 3: The Curse Unleashed delves into the aftermath of the trial. In her final moments, the woman utters a curse that reverberates through the village, manifesting in crop failures and livestock deaths. The once-thriving community is plunged into misfortune, and the villagers face the harrowing realization that their actions may have consequences beyond their understanding. In Episode 4: The Haunting, Woolpit becomes a shadow of its former self as haunting occurrences plague the villagers. Struggling to cope with the supernatural manifestations, they seek redemption and attempt to lift the curse, inviting experts in folklore to help them navigate the mysteries of the unknown. The legend evolves in Episode 5: The Legacy, as the story of the witch transforms into a local myth, preserved and retold through generations. The impact of the legend on modern-day Woolpit invites reflections on the lessons learned from the past and the enduring influence of the woman’s story. The narrative concludes in Episode 6: Epilogue, exploring the lingering presence of the witch’s spirit and the ongoing mystery surrounding her tale. Through investigations into historical accuracy and folklore, readers are invited to ponder the intersection of myth and reality, and the legacy left behind by the witch of Woolpit. This poignant tale captures the complexities of human nature, the consequences of fear and prejudice, and the lasting power of storytelling in shaping culture and community.




Ocean Heart


Book Description

Being a mermaid brings a new depth to ‘it’s complicated.’ High school teen Mariah's life is anything but simple. Between a crush on her best friend and a rivalry brewing with the swim team star, her powers awaken early. When Mariah’s guardian meddles in her life with magic, she causes more harm than good. The soul reapers are coming and there’s a werewolf hungry for merblood. All secrets wash ashore sooner or later, and Mariah’s about to discover hers. Mixing a messy love life with deadly powers will whip up a storm of trouble. Can Mariah contain it or will she be swept up in its wake? A gripping story about a mermaid, self acceptance, and romance that literally sparks.




Lore of the Ghost


Book Description

Lore of the Ghost is an original and thought-provoking exploration of the numerous categories of ghosts and hauntings throughout the world. It discusses the possible motives for each type of haunting? from phantom white ladies and spectral black dogs to haunted highways and ghostly vehicles—what they represent, why they occur, and their possible functions.




The Enigmas of History


Book Description

History is replete with unanswered questions regarding our own past and that of the world in which we live. Some of these questions are mere curiosities; others are of the profoundest importance to our cultural identity and have a serious bearing on our future. Each self-contained chapter in The Enigmas of History covers a particular mystery, ranging across the globe and throughout history: from Atlantis to the Amazons; from the Ark of the Covenant to the enigma of the Black Madonnas; and from the weird mystery of Spring-heeled Jack to visions of the Virgin Mary. Among the topics explored are: • The strange history of the Dogon tribe of Mali in West Africa, who believe that they were visited in the distant past by amphibious beings from another star • The legend of the lost Himalayan kingdom of Shambhala • The mystery of the crystal skulls • The enigma of the indecipherable Voynich manuscript The Enigmas of History is an entertaining, informative compendium of strange events and weird encounters with the unexplained. It is packed with information on historical mysteries, puzzles and bewildering discoveries, and will intrigue the historian and general reader alike.




These Our Monsters


Book Description

'Marvellous and menacing.' Daily Mail 'The shadow from which I thought I had unshackled myself has returned. Whether this Horror is real or merely the handiwork of my imagination I cannot say. Nor can I say which of these possibilities disturbs me more.' from 'The Dark Thread' by Graeme Macrae Burne From the legends of King Arthur embedded in the rocky splendour of Tintagel to the folklore and mysticism of Stonehenge, English Heritage sites are often closely linked to native English myths. Following on from the bestselling ghost story anthology Eight Ghosts, this is a new collection of stories inspired by the legends and tales that swirl through the history of eight ancient historical sites. Including an essay by James Kidd on the importance of myth to our landscape and our fiction, and an English Heritage survey of sites and associated legends, These Our Monsters is an evocative collection that brings new voices and fresh creative alchemy to our storytelling heritage. 'Nobody believes you when you talk about the whispering. Oh, Monny, you are funny, they say, you've such an imagination. There's a lot they don't believe.' from 'The Hand Under the Stone' by Sarah Hall 'This varied collection scratches the soil of the country to dig up some of the fairy tales and fantasies that have helped form the English identity.' Financial Times The atmospheric locations: Edward Carey - Bury St Edmunds Abbey Sarah Hall - Castlerigg and other stone circles Paul Kingsnorth - Stonehenge Alison MacLeod - Down House Graeme Macrae Burnet - Whitby Abbey Sarah Moss - Berwick Castle Fiona Mozley - Carlisle Castle Adam Thorpe - Tintagel Castle With original black-and-white illustrations by Clive Hicks-Jenkins.




Mystical Britain


Book Description

Step into the mystical world of "Mystical Britain" where ancient folklore comes to life. This captivating reference weaves together tales of magic, bravery, and enchantment, drawing readers into a realm where knights, dragons, and mystical creatures roam the land. As centuries-old stories unfold, a blend of history and fantasy creates a rich tapestry that will transport you to a time of chivalry and myth. Prepare to embark on a journey through the lush landscapes of British lore, where legends are born, and destinies intertwine.




Elf Queens and Holy Friars


Book Description

Starting from the assumption of a far greater cultural gulf between the learned and the lay in the medieval world than between rich and poor, Elf Queens explores the church's systematic campaign to demonize fairies and infernalize fairyland and the responses this provoked in vernacular romance.




A Dictionary of English Folklore


Book Description

This dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format. An engrossing guide to English folklore and traditions, with over 1,250 entries. Folklore is connected to virtually every aspect of life, part of the country, age group, and occupation. From the bizarre to the seemingly mundane, it is as much a feature of the modern technological age as of the ancient world. BL Oral and Performance genres-Cheese rolling, Morris dancing, Well-dressingEL BL Superstitions-Charms, Rainbows, WishbonesEL BL Characters-Cinderella, Father Christmas, Robin Hood, Dick WhittingtonEL BL Supernatural Beliefs-Devil's hoofprints, Fairy rings, Frog showersEL BL Calendar Customs-April Fool's Day, Helston Furry Day, Valentine's DayEL




The Babes in the Wood


Book Description




Hag


Book Description

'Engaging, modern fables with a feminist tang' Sunday Times DARK, POTENT AND UNCANNY, HAG BURSTS WITH THE UNTOLD STORIES OF OUR ISLES, CAPTURED IN VOICES AS VARIED AS THEY ARE VIVID. Here are sisters fighting for the love of the same woman, a pregnant archaeologist unearthing impossible bones and lost children following you home. A panther runs through the forests of England and pixies prey upon violent men. From the islands of Scotland to the coast of Cornwall, the mountains of Galway to the depths of the Fens, these forgotten folktales howl, cackle and sing their way into the 21st century, wildly reimagined by some of the most exciting women writing in Britain and Ireland today. 'A thoroughly original package that has a hint of Angela Carter' The Times 'Sharp writing and cleverly done' Spectator