Folklore, Fae, Myth and Magic!

It was with sadness that I received notification that the magazine I have been writing for has ceased trading. The last published issue has become the final one. You can still access all the articles online but there will be no further issues. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to carry on writing, and getting published in the future.

I wrote and submitted my next article, but it will not be published as intended. So, for my lovely readers, below is the article for you to enjoy.

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Wow, what a title—Folklore, Fae, Myth and Magic! It stirs so much in the imagination, especially as we approach the festive season.  While we won’t be diving into religion, folklore has always fascinated me, and over time, realised how it intersects with myth and magic. These elements share space and sometimes argue with one another, creating an intricate tapestry of stories and art that we still hold dear today.

Growing up, characters like “Victoria Plum” and “Holly Hobby” were staples of my childhood. I know, I might be dating myself a bit here! But I loved the vibrant colours and magical worlds these stories painted, never realising at the time that Victoria Plum was penned by Angela Rippon or that Holly Hobbie is a character born from an American artist’s illustrations. Sadly, I couldn’t find any books about them in the library, but that’s a conversation for another time! Today, many wonderful new writers are creating characters that will stay with children as they grow, shaping their memories and stories to share with the next generation—like Isadora Moon by Harriet Muncaster, for example. These childhood memories, and the stories that shaped them, seamlessly link with my adult exploration of folklore and mythology. As I grew older, I became fascinated by the strong, independent women of folklore—those who take control, challenge the status quo, and reshape their worlds with the strength of their convictions. Which brings me to one of the most iconic figures of all— the Wicked Witch of the East in The Wizard of Oz. Her story continues to inspire and provoke, much like the folklore figures we see today.

This month, a book came across my desk that immediately sparked my inspiration: Rebel Folklore. Its bold, colourful cover caught my eye, promising the same vibrancy and magic that folklore itself carries. The book delves into spirits, witches, and “other misfits,” with illustrations that are both detailed and accessible, offering a modern spin on ancient tales.

The book is divided into regions—Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa—each chapter highlighting rebels from their respective cultures. It’s a beautifully illustrated collection, with each piece of art vividly telling the story of the characters within.

Folklore is at its core, stories that are shared through families, communities and traditions and passed down through the generations.   We all remember stories of mermaids, unicorns, ogres, gremlins, fairies, after all where do the TV and Movie writers come up with their ideas? From these childhood stories of course!

Take Baba Yaga, for example. In Rebel Folklore, she is portrayed as a fierce, wand-wielding witch who challenges those who seek her aid with high-stakes tests. Fail, and you may become food for her servants, embodiments of time itself. In contrast, in the junior fiction Sophie Anderson’s The House with Chicken Legs reimagines her as a nurturing grandmother figure who helps guide souls from the living to the dead. Both interpretations show the powerful versatility of folklore characters, whether as a fierce protector or a kindly guide. It’s fascinating how these stories evolve yet remain rooted in core themes of life, death, and transformation.   These stories have influenced me in my writing and artistic creations.

Closer to home, Rebel Folklore explores some iconic figures from the British Isles, such as Robin Hood—an environmental protector and challenger of masculinity—and Jenny Greenteeth, a sinister witch who drags victims into the water. The Cailleach, an ancient goddess who brings winter’s icy grip, and the Banshee, whose wail foretells death, also appear. Each character commands respect and tells a unique story of power and control, with imagery that is just as striking as the tales themselves.

The word ‘rebel’ comes from the Latin ‘bellum,’ meaning war. This makes us ask: Are we rebelling against traditional folklore, or simply accepting it as it is? These figures, waiting to challenge us, offer us a choice: to engage with their stories, question them, and move onwards, or to stay stagnant, untouched by their lessons. In Rebel Folklore, these characters invite us to create our own narratives around them—stories of empowerment, mystery, and transformation.

This is a lovely book, perfect for dipping in and out of whether you are looking to learn, gain knowledge or simply enjoy the artistry created both the author Icy Sedgwick and illustrator Melissa Jarram.

My next book, keeping within the realm of lore in UK, “Faeries & Folklore of the British Isles” allows me to explore closer to home and has some lovely artwork by the author Elizabeth Andrews.  This book was published in 2006 and has been in our library system since that time, gives the book the aged feel that I suspect the author was going for.  I hadn’t realised until writing this review that it an 18-year-old book!  At the first look at the contents, I am sad that whilst there are many of England’s counties it doesn’t mention my home of Norfolk – Now that makes me want to go and research why Norfolk is excluded. Thats a job for another day however! I do know Norfolk has something called the Black Shuck, a ghost dog that roams the coastline – But this book is specifically FAE and not ghosts!

Back to the book – it is pretty, around A5 in size and is full of drawings and watercolour images of faeries, goblins and plants.  Page after page gives details of counties and their fae it has quotes and poems throughout the book.

Faerie Fair and
Faerie Bright
Come and be
My chosen
Sprite

It tells of Faerie Rings (mushrooms), changelings (babies snatched and replaced with old, wrinkled elf’s), plants (clover, cowslip, daisies, blackberries, blueberries, foxglove), trees (oak, yew) and gnomes (earth spirits that care for the trees and animals).  The book, is I believe, written for those that believe and follow and need guidance.  Much as an artist needs to know what tools and paint to use to get the best image, this book gives guidance to the believer of fae on how to exist, see, meet and protect the fae.  

Typing this, I am reminded of a book I read with my son a few years ago, One Wish by Michelle Harrison, is a lovely book of a young girl (Tanya) who lives with mischievous fairies, she can see them, and they keep her in line.  Once, in exchange for a tooth, she received a chewed toffee. She meets a new friend, Ratty who lives with a rude and spiteful Fairy called Turpin and so the journey begins.

Back to today and as I continue to explore these archetypes through the lens of folklore, I can’t help but reflect on my own personal journey. Over the years, I’ve embraced elements of the wise woman archetype, and, like many figures in the stories I love, I feel as though I am heading toward my own embodiment of the crone. This shift is not one of age but of wisdom—gained through life’s experiences, introspection, and artistic expression. As I embrace these archetypes in my art, I find myself painting images of the wise woman, the crone, and nature’s eternal strength—figures who represent the themes of transformation, power, and resilience so deeply embedded in folklore

In this exploration, characters like Sylthira—Goddess of the Verdant Flame—have emerged, representing the deep connection to nature and the strength of the wise woman. Sylthira’s story, much like my own journey, is one of transformation, protection, and guidance. Through Sylthira, I connect with the same ancient energies and timeless themes of transformation, power, and resilience that are so deeply embedded in the folklore I love.

Sylthira, Goddess of the Verdant Flame

A radiant, young goddess dwelling deep within the ancient woods, Sylthira is draped in a flowing emerald gown, her long silver hair cascading like moonlight. A crown of twisted branches rests upon her head, woven from the trees she calls kin. In one hand, she wields a short sword, ready to defend against the unknown; in the other, she holds a torch, its flickering flame lighting the way for those lost in the forest’s shadows.

Sylthira sits within a great cauldron, both inviting and foreboding. For the pure of heart, she offers safe passage and illumination; for the unworthy, her cauldron becomes a chalice of poison, guarding the forest against those who seek her protection in vain.

Folklore is ever-evolving, just as we are. I invite you to explore these magical stories and let them shape your own journey. Perhaps even inspiring you to create your characters and tales, just as Sylthira has inspired mine. Keep the magic alive, not just in your art, but in your life and your story.

Enjoy my pretties

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Books referenced:

• Rebel Folklore, By Icy Sedwick, ISBN 978-0241623008
• Faeries & Folklore of the British Isles, by Elizabeth Andrews ISBN 1-84437-065-8
• The House with Chicken Legs, Sophie Anderson, ISBN 978-1474940665
• One Wish, Michelle Harrison, ISBN 978-1471121654