European Mythology

Here are the persistently recurring thought-patterns, beliefs and stories, which for centuries shaped the European peasant's outlook - from Britain, France, Greece and Germany, to Russia and Scandinavia. This folklore is 'mythology' in that it is concerned with supernatural forces as real entities in the everyday world.

Dr. Simpson describes a network of unofficial beliefs which long persisted alongside Christianity. She discusses many different supernatural beings - some helpful, many dangerous - including various types of fairies, the dead, witches, and werewolves.

The author also looks at the contrasting elements in seasonal rites and festivals, including mumming and guizing, harvest customs, wassailing, dances of exor-cism, midsummer fire-walking, and much more.

The main features of this mythology are remarkably consistent throughout Europe and present a truly fascinating study of how supernatural beliefs have survived almost to the present day as relevant factors in popular culture.