Unlock the 2h 4m episode.
Elves, Barrows & Old Folklore
Linda Raedisch | The Lore of Old Elfland & Legends About Little People
Join Plus to watch this one in full, along with every other members’ episode across InnerVerse and Inner Whirled. Cancel any time.
Already a member? Log inLinda Raedisch is the author of various books on folklore, magic, and myth. In this episode, we discuss her newest work, The Lore of Old Elfland: Secrets From the Bronze Age to Middle-Earth. These aren't Santa's elves we're talking about, though. This conversation examines the historical tribes and legends that may be the origin of modern ideas about tall, beautiful, and mysterious pointy eared folk. We also explore the concept of diminutive humanoids, undead warriors and their barrows, the effect of the spread of religions on our folklore, and J.R.R. Tolkien's inspirations for The Lord of the Rings.
In the Plus+ Extension, we look at legends like The Wild Hunt and the Green Children of Woolpit, while entertaining the possibility that modern UFO, alien, and Bigfoot encounters might be the same category of phenomenon as our ancient elvish escapades.