The Mabinogion is a magical and mythical Celtic classic from the thirteenth century or earlier. It’s thoroughly Welsh and is considered a masterpiece of medieval literature. The Mabinogion has given rise to all of the stories by Tolkien, Le Guin, Martin and countless more. The stories are the very genesis of the Arthurian tales ofContinue reading “Beautiful maps & beautiful Welsh tales: The Mabinogion”
Tag Archives: medieval
Ancient Fable: St. Francis of Assisi and the injured wolf
13th century Italian saint, St Francis of Assisi never understood earth as being a garden of resources over which we have dominion. Instead, he saw the earth as a mother or a sister who governs us.
Omnia tempus habent: a delightful medieval rhyming calendar
Omnia tempus habent – All things have their season. Ecclesiastes Here is a medieval rhyming calendar outlining the labours of the months in the fields, dating from 14th century England. The mis-spelling of the words reflects their Old English origins. Discovered via the fun and enjoyable book Weatherland: Writers and artists under English skies byContinue reading “Omnia tempus habent: a delightful medieval rhyming calendar”
Travel: A weekend trip to the medieval town of Linlithgow: History through the mists of time to today
The beautiful burgh of Linlithgow charmed the pants off me when I went there in 2012. The town sits astride the Forth and Clyde Canal (which I’ve written on extensively) which is around half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow. There’s a train link on Scotrail which goes between cities that takes you there, and there’s aContinue reading “Travel: A weekend trip to the medieval town of Linlithgow: History through the mists of time to today”
The medieval artisans of Poland
On a visit to the Muzeum Narodowe we Wrocławiu in the Polish city of Wrocław I discovered fascinating medieval shop signs and merchant guild coats of arms that illustrated the professions of artisans, traders and merchants of medieval times. Here are some images I took without the flash on in the Wrocław museum. The remarkable artistry of theseContinue reading “The medieval artisans of Poland”
Book Review: The History of Magic by Chris Gosden
Chris Gosden’s engaging and vividly colourful storytelling style brings to life the history of all things occult, pagan and witchy from ancient cave art to modern day witchcraft in a way that is deeply engrossing and enjoyable. #witchcraft #mysticism #spirituality #pagan #paganism #history #archaeology #books #bookreview
Book Review: The Book of I by David Greig
A joyful, cheeky and big-hearted book set in the year 825 AD that is immediately relevant to now. Highly recommend this unconventional novel about the lives of Vikings and Irish settlers on a remote Scottish island.
Book Review: The Book of Barely Imagined Beings by Caspar Henderson
The Book of Barely Imagined Beings takes its cue from #medieval bestiaries. Author Caspar Henderson sets out to write a modern compendium of beasts, and show, in the process, that truth is a lot weirder than fiction #animals #nature #philosophy #books
10 #InterestingThings I Found on the Internet 143
This week’s #InterestingThings Polish #owls, old-fashioned #dog names, UK jungle and 90’s style R&B, #London’s lost #medieval bridges where people once lived, Marcin Minor’s therapeutic #surreal #art and much more #ContentCatnip
10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #129
Get a time-traveller’s guide to #medieval #Europe, some timeless words from Albert Camus, a hand-sewn heart, homely and warming porridge meals, bewitching cat-eye makeup and much more. Welcome to edition #129 of #InterestingThings by #ContentCatnip
Content Catnip 