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

Join Professor Marisa Linton for an illuminating evening exploring the vital role women have played in shaping folklore, magic and cultural memory across the British Isles. Before widespread literacy, stories, rituals and customs were shared orally, and women often acted as the keepers of these traditions, using tales and rites to protect homes, aid childbirth and care for the sick. This talk traces how those practices gave authority and agency to people without other forms of power, and how those voices survive in contemporary culture.

Professor Linton will examine the continuing influence of folklore on Gothic fiction and folk horror cinema, and ask why these old beliefs are enjoying a dramatic revival. Could this renewed interest be part of a wider search for empowerment, alternative knowledge and a deeper connection with the natural world? The event at GlassBox Theatre includes a Q&A and a chance to purchase Marisa Linton's fiction, including The Binding Spell and Circle of Shadows, which draw on Celtic lore and historical magic. Doors open at 6:45pm and the talk starts at 7:30pm, so arrive early to secure a seat. Whether you are a student of history, a fan of folklore and Gothic literature, or simply curious about how old stories shape modern lives, this talk promises fresh insights and lively discussion.