Description

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English Myths is an accessible, entertaining, and highly informative exploration of the fascinating mythology underlying one of the world's oldest and most influential cultures.

The mythology and folklore of England is as old as the land itself, rich in symbolism and full of tales of quests and heroic derring-do, ghosts and witches, romantic heroines, and noble outlaws. Who hasn't heard of the master sorcerer Merlin, Robin Hood and his merry men, or the legendary monster Grendel? Beginning with the great Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, English Myths explores the early legends of post-Roman England, many of which blend history and fantasy. The book goes on to examine the rich seam of Arthurian and romantic legends first told in the medieval era, before looking at English folk heroes and the beasts, witches, and ghosts that have haunted the land. Discover the brothers Hengist and Horsa, legendary leaders of the first Angles, Saxons, and Jutes to settle in England. Learn the tragic story of Cornish hero Tristan and his love for the Irish princess Iseult. Tremble at the Black Dog ghost, a nocturnal hellhound found stalking the country from Suffolk in the east to Devon in the west, and enjoy the tale of George and the dragon, who saved the nation from a rampaging serpent and became the country's patron saint.

About the Author

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Michael Kerrigan was educated at St. Edward's College and University College, Oxford, England. He is the author of The History of Death, A Dark History: The Roman Emperors, Ancients in Their Own Words, World War II Plans That Never Happened, and American Presidents: A Dark History. He is a columnist, book reviewer, and feature writer for publications including the Scotsman and the Times Literary Supplement. Michael Kerrigan lives with his family in Edinburgh.