Mythology & Folklore Stack Exchange
Mythology & Folklore Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [medieval-europe]

For myths originating in mediaeval Europe.

For myths that originated anywhere in Europe in mediaeval times. Effectively, before the Renaissance.

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Original Celtic, Old English, Old Norse, or Gothic Texts Online

Wondering if there are any original-ish documents in the original Celtic, Old English, Old Norse, or Gothic (or other related languages), telling of any of the myths or fairy tales or stories that could be along the lines of Ovid's Metamorphosis, or…
Lance Pollard
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What were medieval European myths about redheads?

I have heard that redheads were thought to be vampires, or Judas's descendants, good for spell ingredients, etc... What were common myths these about redheads in the medieval period of Europe (300 AD - 1600 AD)?
Amoeba
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What makes rooster laying eggs?

In the myth of the Basilisk, the monster was born from the egg layed by a rooster. And there were medieval processes, where a rooster was condemned to the death for laying an egg. But how it was believed that rooster layed the egg? Was it the result…
user64
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What is the story of Madonna Oriente?

I stumbled upon the Wikipedia article on Madonna Oriente, a mysterious religious figure of 14th century Milan: Madonna Oriente or Signora Oriente (Lady of the East), also known as La Signora del Gioco (The Lady of the Game), are names of an alleged…
yannis
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Djinn and devils/demons question

I know that ancient Arabians had a mythology about evil creatures made of dust and fire called djinn, now my question is this: how were they different from Demons and devils?
Abraham Ray
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Can mermaids shapeshift and grow human legs to walk on land?

I've seen movies and tv shows that feature mermaids shapeshifting to grow legs (Pirates of the Caribbean) and I'm wondering if this has any ancient myths behind them?
Orionixe
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Help me identify this damsel-in-distress tale

I remember reading a long time ago about a knight and his wife. It was implied that this was the continuation of many adventures: After marrying, and with the intention of keeping their love alive like the first day, they both decide to start a…
Rodia
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When did many kinds of Fairies become small statured or tiny?

In popular culture and folklore, many species of Fairies are said to have a small true form (but can alter their size whenever they see fit) I was wondering when did this occur? Did the original myths mention them being tiny or short beings? Or was…
Orionixe
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Were Cambions originally the demon offspring of a Succubus and Incubus?

The earliest evidenced appearance of the word "cambion" in the sense of an offspring of two demons is in the 1818 French-Language Dictionnaire Infernal. The 1825 edition of that book has the following entry: CAMBION, -- Children of Demons. Delancre…
Orionixe
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Do there exist any spells or ritual things / chants in Old Norse, Old Irish, or Old English online in text format?

I have found the voluspa and other large Old Norse texts. Then there's Beowulf. I've seen several Old Irish poems as well. But what about spells and magic? Do there exist any of those online in the Original Language? For example, an Old Norse magic…
Lance Pollard
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Do dragons marry human women?

I found a collection of 3 love stories from medieval European folklore about dragons disguising themselves as handsome men to seduce beautiful women, usually a princess and marry them. Is this a common motif in folklore (European) about…
Orionixe
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