October 3rd, 1911 in what is now Strumica, North Macedonia, a baby was born prematurely. As is customary, she was not given a name until she was deemed likely to survive. It is said that when she first cried out, the midwife rushed into the street to ask a stranger for a name for the…
Tag: european folklore
A Brief History of Fairies
Present in one form or another across the spectrum of global folklore, you’d be forgiven for thinking these butterfly winged blighters belong solely to children’s literature and kitschy garden ornaments. Don’t be fooled by the charming exterior made popular in victorian illustrations, the Fay Folk are not to be trifled with. Let’s find out why….
Elizabeth Báthory, The Blood Countess: Crimes or Conspiracy?
Elizabeth Báthory. Her name alone conjures images of great stone castles and fangs pressed against the necks of virgins – whose emotions are expressed solely with the rise and fall of their bosom, of course. The countess is considered the female counterpart of Dracula himself, but just how much of her gruesome legend is true?…
Holly And Horns: The Origin Of Krampus, The Christmas Boogyman
Happy December, dear readers! As Yuletide fast approaches and the nights settle in, I hope you’re ready to spread some Christmas fear as we take a peek into the darker side of winter celebrations. So what better way to begin than with the man who puts the “creep” in Christmas, The Christmas Devil himself: dear,…
The Hawthorn Files 