Amy Jeffs on ancient stories and new understandings
Jul 6, 2023
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Amy Jeffs discusses the allure of folklore and retelling ancient stories. They explore the haunting landscapes of Medieval Britain and its impact on national identity. Delve into the rich world of British folklore, blending reality with fiction. Explore the challenges of writing and illustrating ancient tales. Understand the interplay of text and image in ancient manuscripts, reflecting on the significance of visual storytelling in the Middle Ages.
Folklore provides insights into cultural identities and historical events, fostering communal understanding.
Illustrated manuscripts in the Middle Ages combined visual storytelling with textual accounts for shared reading experiences.
Mythological narratives offer diverse perspectives and enrich experiences by connecting individuals with cultural roots.
Deep dives
Mythology and Stories Define Our Understanding of the World
Exploring the rich tapestry of storytelling, the podcast delves into how mythology and folklore shape our perception of the world. By recounting medieval Welsh myths and the intricate tales from British folklore, the narrative highlights how stories can provide insights into cultural identities and historical events. The discussion resonates with the idea that storytelling was a communal experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared understanding in contrast to our modern solitary consumption of literature.
The Evolution of Illustrated Manuscripts and Storytelling
The podcast reflects on the evolution of illustrated manuscripts and how they served as mnemonic aids for storytelling in the Middle Ages. These manuscripts, such as the illustrated history of Edward the Confessor, featured detailed illustrations in pen and wash that visually portrayed narrative events. By incorporating visual storytelling elements alongside textual accounts, these manuscripts offered multi-layered narratives suitable for shared reading experiences in domestic settings, bridging literacy levels and engaging audiences of varying ages.
The Power of Mythological Thinking in Today's Age
Delving into the relevance of mythological thinking in contemporary times, the episode explores how ancient stories and myths still hold value in shaping our perspectives and understanding of the world. Emphasizing the significance of incorporating mythological insights into our daily lives, the discussion highlights the ability of myths to offer alternate interpretations of reality, instill cultural richness, and enable a deeper connection with our surroundings. It encourages listeners to embrace mythological narratives to unlock diverse perspectives and enrich their experiences.
The Role of Myth in Illuminating Cultural Histories
Unraveling the role of myth in unveiling cultural histories, the podcast underscores how mythology can act as a lens to navigate the complexities of our heritage and traditions. By revisiting age-old tales and legends embedded in societal narratives, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation of their cultural roots and forge meaningful connections with the historical fabric of their communities. The episode advocates for embracing myth as a tool for cultural exploration and understanding of the diverse stories that shape our identities.
Embracing Mythological Goggles for Different Perspectives
Encouraging the adoption of mythological goggles, the episode urges listeners to view their surroundings through a lens of imaginative storytelling and local folklore. By embracing mythical narratives and the quirks of local legends, individuals can infuse vibrancy and humor into their everyday lives, enriching their experiences with colorful anecdotes and fictional tales. The conversation highlights the value of mythological thinking in sparking creativity, offering new perspectives, and fostering a sense of wonder in our contemporary existence.
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