Natalie Guttormsson & The Folklore Forum

Here’s the thing Reader, I LOVE a research rabbit hole. When I’m learning about something new, my mind runs down every possible path to find out what might be related or connected to the idea I started with. For example, as I mentioned last time, I started researching fairy rings after watching an episode of Bluey (the Australian kid's cartoon). My first question was: do fairy rings make you dance? (As the episode of Bluey suggested). The answer was Yes! Entering a fairy ring will cause you...

Reader, when was the last time you felt overwhelmed, threatened, small, and totally lost? Chances are high that you weren’t in the middle of a dark forest like a fairy tale character. But I bet you felt this way recently while scrolling on social media. Between shrinking reach and algorithms, disturbing AI images in the explore fields, and threatening comments and DMs, it’s no wonder these apps are becoming everything the folk tales warned us about the woods. Think about it. We’ve got…...

Hey Reader, have you ever wondered why there is so much variety in elf stories? In some tales, they appear out of the earth (think rocks and hills) and entice humans to follow them home. In other tales, they appear in dreams, offering helpful advice or asking for help. If you help them properly or listen to their wisdom, you’ll be well off. But watch out that you don't offend them or mock them up, or you'll put yourself at their mercy. In Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland, these variations are...

Hi Reader, I’m so excited to tell you that my new novella, The Fall of the Queen of Elphame, is now available! If you’re feeling worn out or oversaturated by the holiday season, this is your well-deserved escape. The Fall of the Queen of Elphame is not your typical Thomas the Rhymer story. This story features: >>A new spin on a classic folktale >>A new take on elves & fairyland >>Medieval Scotland setting >>Magic, prophecies & parallel worlds >>Action & Romance One reader said: "I was...

Hey Reader, Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your usual practices? This week, I’ve heard a variety of far-reaching traditions, from visiting seasonal haunted houses to real haunted houses to egging neighbours houses to costume parties and trick-or-treating with kids. When I was a kid, we’d layer our snowsuits under our costumes and trick-or-treat through the neighbourhood until our toes were numb. We’d have pillowcases full of treats from chips to candy to chocolate. I stopped...

Hi Reader, Over the weekend, we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada. It’s a time to gather with family and friends and feel gratitude for all the wonderful things in life and the world. The positivity of the weekend spills over past the weekend, much like the leftovers and pumpkin pie! One of the things I’m grateful for is you! Connecting with readers like you is an amazing honour. To show my gratitude, I’ve created something special for you Reader. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the...

Reader, have you ever stopped in your tracks to listen to a bird call? Maybe it sounded beautiful, or maybe it was a surprising sound, like a baby's cry or like the sound of laser beams. The bird world is full of fascinating sounds, some of which may have influenced folklore, from screeches like a banshee to imitations of other creatures. Sean Ronanye is an Irish ornithologist on a mission to record all the native birds in Ireland, and he only has 3 more to go! Sean was the guest on The...

This week, Reader, I have a story to tell you about a much-loved author of mine whose craft for story-telling and character development I aspire to match. But if you're in a hurry and just want the free book links, here they are: Summer Stories: Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Viking Fantasy Giveaway Paranormal Mystery & Suspense Summer Book Fair: Celtic Connection Reader, have you ever encountered an author whose body of work is so well crafted that you know any book you pick up will be...

You know, Reader, the more time I spend researching 13th-century Scotland and Thomas the Rhymer, the more I fall in love with his legend and the Scottish Border region. With such a history and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder the area is full of legend, lore, and myth. The Rhymer's Stone marks the site where Thomas met the Queen of Elfphame The story of Thomas the Rhymer is heavily inspired by the landscape itself, which is evident in some of the literary themes, including the...