Linda 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. Of course, we also explore the concept of diminutive humanoids, undead warriors and their barrows, the ramifications of the spread of religions on our folklore, and J.R.R. Tolkein's inspirations for The Lord of the Rings. All that and much more in this phenomenal episode!
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.