History Extra podcast English folklore: everything you wanted to know
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Jun 7, 2025 Francis Young, a folklorist and historian of religion, dives into the captivating world of English folklore. He discusses the eerie beliefs surrounding fairy rings and legends like the enigmatic Black Shuck, a menacing creature of East Anglia. The conversation explores iconic figures like Robin Hood and the Green Man, uncovering their historical roots and cultural significance. Young highlights how these tales reflect societal values and the ongoing revival of folklore in modern culture, connecting people to their heritage.
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Defining Folklore
- Folklore is vernacular culture transmitted orally rather than written down. - It reflects ordinary people's traditions and has only been defined since 1846.
English Folklore Is Localized
- English folklore is highly localized and rooted in place rather than distinctively national. - Unlike Celtic nations, England lacks uniquely cohesive folklore cycles like the Mabinogion.
Lack of English Folklore Revival
- English folklore is less known internationally due to lack of major 19th-20th century collection projects. - Other European countries conducted folklore collections during the folklore golden age, but England did not.