Tag: folklore
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Identifying the Last Witch to be Burned in Ireland: Was it Bridget Cleary?
The story of Bridget Cleary illustrates the violent consequences of folklore beliefs, merging themes of guilt, punishment, and societal perceptions surrounding women in Ireland. Kate Phillips explores Cleary’s legacy and whether she ought to be considered the last witch to be burned in Ireland.
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The Cottingley Fairies and the Spiritualist Movement
The hoax of the Cottingley Fairies continues to hold a grip on many today. Fleur O’Reilly takes a look at their impact in the direct aftermath of the First World War.
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Rebekah Harkness, “The maddest woman this town has ever seen.”
Taylor Swift’s ‘The Last Great American Dynasty’ chronicles the life of heiress and socialite Rebekah Harkness. Coco Barrett explores the real woman behind the song and the aspects of her life that inspired Swift’s lyrics.
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The Mercy of Forests
Written by Megan Crutchley. What has the role of forest been in folklore? Megan Crutchley examines it as a place of mercy and magic in relation to Greek and German myths and folktales.
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The Last Wolf in the UK
Written by Megan Crutchley. The lore of the wolf has always had an integral connection to British folklore and mythology, but where did these ideas and connections arise?
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Groundhog Day: The Pride of Punxsutawney
Written by Sam Marks. What is Groundhog Day? Sam Marks discusses the customs and origins of the folklore of the peculiar North American holiday
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A Need for Belief: The Victorians and Fairies.
Written by Megan Crutchely. British folklore has always contained detailed tales of fairies and the otherworld. But how have these beliefs developed and changed, particularly in the Victorian period?
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‘Are you a witch or are you a fairy? Or are you the wife of Michael Cleary?’ The Consequences of Belief and Superstition
Written by Melissa Kane. The story of the Tipperary Witchcraft case has caused alarm and intrigue for centuries, but why do we find this horrific tale so interesting? And why has it become synonymous with Irish folklore?
Retrospect Journal 