How a Simple Butterfly Caused Panic in Medieval Germany

The history of witchcraft can be seen in the evolution of the word "butterfly".

Discover if medieval people really took baths, and if they believed the world was flat (or not).

HistoryClaudia Merrill1 December 2020medieval, history, myths, middle ages, medieval women, middle ages women, medieval hygiene, medieval marriageComment

The History of The Grimoire

What is a grimoire? Why was it used? Uncover the various spells and charms really used hundreds of years ago.

HistoryClaudia Merrill4 October 2020history, medieval, halloween, gothic, grimoire, spells, amulets, folklore, herbalismComment

Are Magic Potions Real?

Discover real medieval potions, what they were actually used for and why the archetypal image of the witch isn’t entirely true.

HistoryClaudia Merrill27 September 2020medieval, wise woman, witch, potion, history, historical, folklore, herbalismComment

The Song of the Lorelei

Delve into the mysteries of the Rhine river and the enigmatic river nymph that lives there.

MythologyClaudia Merrill14 August 2018lorelei, folklore, medieval, water nymph, nymph, rhine river, rhine, fairytales, folklore spiritComment

The History of Ancient Herbalism

Herbalism is a science from our ancient past. I reveal some of my favourite herbs and why herbalism is so much more important to our history than we give it credit for.

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