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Twilight of the Godlings

The Shadowy Beginnings of Britain's Supernatural Beings

Francis Young
Approaching the supernatural beings of British folklore as cultural realities rather than remnants of pagan thinking, Francis Young draws on the perspectives of history, Classics, linguistics and archaeology to trace their origins. After introducing the godlings of Roman Britain, including nymphs, goddesses of destiny, fauns and satyrs, he explores topics including the impact of Christianity and the Norman Conquest in the crafting of a complex fairy lore.
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RRP £31.00

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Product information:
  • Publisher: Cambridge UP
  • Year: 2023
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 384pp
  • Illustrated: Yes
  • Dimensions: 220x148mm
  • ISBN: 9781009330367
  • Condition: New
  • Weight: 0.6kg
Product code:
546374
Category tags:
Product information
Full publisher description
Throughout the recorded history of Britain, belief in earthbound spirits presiding over nature, the home and human destiny has been a feature of successive cultures. From the localised deities of Britannia to the Anglo-Saxons' elves and the fairies of late medieval England, Britain's godlings have populated a shadowy, secretive realm of ritual and belief running parallel to authorised religion. Twilight of the Godlings delves deep into the elusive history of these supernatural beings, tracing their evolution from the pre-Roman Iron Age to the end of the Middle Ages. Arguing that accreted cultural assumptions must be cast aside in order to understand the godlings - including the cherished idea that these folkloric creatures are the decayed remnants of pagan gods and goddesses - this bold, revisionist book traces Britain's 'small gods' to a popular religiosity influenced by classical learning. It offers an exciting new way of grasping the island's most mysterious mythical inhabitants.
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