The chapter delves into the rich world of British folklore, tracing back to pre-Christian Celtic origins and political myth-making. It discusses the cultural appropriation of British and Welsh tales in English narratives, reflecting on the need for identity exploration and heritage recognition. The conversation also touches on the enduring presence of fairy tales and the blending of reality and fiction in storytelling.
How can we return to a richer, more complex understanding of national identity and personal ethics - one that can only come from folklore?
Amy Jeffs is the perfect person to ask. An art historian and printmaker, she creates immersive retellings of ancient stories, beautifully illustrated with her own woodcuts and etchings. In this week’s episode of How We Live Now, we discuss the function and appeal of folklore, and roam around the wind-blasted landscapes of Medieval Britain. We get a glimpse of the British Isles through ancient eyes - a haunted place stranded on the far edge of Europe, isolated and vulnerable, but full of courageous, hardy folk. What can these tales tell us about who we are now? And how can we restore this agile way of understanding the world?
Katherine's new book, Enchantment, is available now: US/CAN and UK
Links from the episode:
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