Women of the Fairy Tale Resistance (2025)

Hedge Witch

Skye McKenna

2 reviews

Others: Positive

The mabinogion

Charlotte Guest

1997 · 166 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

The Mabinogion (Welsh pronunciation: mabɪˈnɔɡjɔn) is a collection of 11 prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs and early medieval historical traditions. While some details may hark back to older Iron Age traditions, each of the tales is the product of a developed medieval Welsh narrative tradition, both oral and written. Lady Charlotte Guest in the mid 19th century was the first to publish English translations of the collection, popularising the name "Mabinogion". The stories appear in either or both of two medieval Welsh manuscripts, the White Book of Rhydderch or Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch, written c.1350, and the Red Book of Hergest or Llyfr Coch Hergest, written c.1382 – 1410, though texts or fragments of some of the tales have been preserved in earlier 13th century and later mss. Scholars agree that the tales are older than the existing mss, but disagree over just how much older. The different texts originated at different times. Debate has focused on the dating of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi. Sir Ifor Williams offered a date prior to 1100, based on linguistic and historical arguments, while later Saunders Lewis set forth a number of arguments for a date between 1170 and 1190; Thomas M. Charles-Edwards, in a paper published in 1970, discussed both viewpoints, and while critical of the arguments of both scholars, noted that the language of the stories fits the 11th century. More recently, Patrick Sims-Williams argued for a plausible range of about 1060 to 1200, the current scholarly consensus.

Heroines of Olympus

Ellie Mackin Roberts

2020 · 208 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

Goddesses, monsters, humans and the semi-divine – whether courageous or meek, gruesome or irresistible, female characters are ever present on the peripheries of the great Greek myths, but rarely do they take centre stage. Their time has finally come to act as protagonists in their own stories. Heroines of Olympus retells the tales of 50 classic characters, plucking the threads of their lives from the myriad narratives in which they have appeared and weaving them together to create the full stories of these legendary women. Each story is accompanied by a captivating illustration and followed by a critical analysis of their role in the tradition of Greek storytelling, and in ancient society. Renowned ancient historian Ellie Mackin Roberts offers a contemporary perspective on loved, reviled and feared figures who are finally placed at the centre of their own story.

Magic of Mushrooms

Sandra Lawrence

2022 · 1 review

Others: Positive

Explore the wonderful world of some of the most incredible natural forms on our planet — fungi. At the centre of countless superstitions, folkloric tales and magical beliefs, as well as appearing in recipes and medicines both traditional and modern, mushrooms have incredible powers. Featuring images of over 100 fascinating species, sourced from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Magic of Mushrooms shows that from saving lives to expanding the mind, the potential of these fascinating organisms should not be underestimated.

Secrets of the Witch

Elsa Whyte

2020 · 80 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

Explore the mystical history of witches throughout time and all over the world. Discover the symbols of witchcraft, reveal the magic of crystals and become familiar with the spellbinding lore of the witch. Since ancient times, magic and witchcraft have inspired both fear and fascination. More recently, witchcraft has become a popular symbol for feminist empowerment . Everything a young witch needs to know is contained in Secrets of the Witch . Uncover the meaning and history behind magical tools and symbols such as cauldrons and pentagrams, find out the truths of the Salem Witch Trials and learn about witches in popular culture , from the ancient figure of Circe to Hermione Granger. With the supernatural wisdom of modern-day witches Elsa Whyte and Julie Légère and Laura Pérez ’s rich artwork, step into your dark sisterhood and discover the Secrets of the Witch .

Myths of China

Xiaobing Wang

2024 · 1 review

Others: Positive

Delve into a world of magical creatures, powerful gods and brave warriors in this thrilling compendium of ancient Chinese myths. With 20 exciting tales alongside fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers intrigued by the ancient civilization of China. From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this book charts the full sweep of ancient Chinese mythology, revealing fascinating elements of culture and religion along the way. The enthralling stories introduce mighty gods and mischievous creatures, while a handy reference section is packed with information about the ancient Chinese people themselves. Learn why the Chinese New Year is celebrated with lots of noise, how Yi the Archer shot down nine suns shining in the sky, and how the Chinese zodiac began. It's time to ride on the back of a Chinese dragon, cross the Milky Way on the bridge of magpies, and join the Jade Rabbit on the Moon. This book brings the world of ancient China to life and is the perfect gift for children who love history and mythology.