Folklore & Women: The power of folklore in reclaiming female stories

Join Professor Marisa Linton for an evening exploring how women shaped folklore, magic and culture and why these old stories are inspiring empowerment today. Before most people could read and write, folklore was passed down by word of mouth and women often acted as storytellers and guardians of customs, rituals and remedies. This talk examines the role of women in rituals to protect the home, heal the sick and guide childbirth, and considers how belief in magic offered a form of power to the powerless.

Professor Linton will also trace folklore's continuing influence on modern culture, from Gothic novels such as Dracula to folk horror films like The Wicker Man, and ask why folklore is enjoying a dramatic revival. Is this resurgence part of a wider search for alternative paths towards empowerment and a deeper connection with the natural world? There will be time for questions and answers after the talk, and Marisa's novels will be available to purchase on the night.

This event at the GlassBox Theatre is ideal for anyone interested in folklore, women's history, Gothic fiction and cultural revival. Doors open at 6:45pm and the talk starts at 7:30pm, so arrive early to secure a good seat.