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Curious Myths of the Middle Ages

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_Curious Myths of the Middle Ages_ by Sabine Baring-Gould offers a fascinating account of various myths and legends from the Middle Ages. Baring-Gould was an interesting character who was a member of the Anglican clergy. He is perhaps most famous for writing the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" but is also known for his works on folklore and myth (in addition to this work he also wrote on werewolves). This book reveals his learning and scholarship when dealing with various accounts from the beliefs of the Middle Ages. The book is based extensively on the lives of the saints, including such famous works as the _Legenda Aurea_ of Jacques de Voragine, the writings of Jacob Grimm on Germanic folklore, but also many legends and beliefs issuing from the Orient, including Jewish, Islamic, but also Hindu beliefs. This book contains brief chapters on each of the following legends, each featured with a corresponding woodcut from the work of Albrecht Durer:

The Wandering Jew - a Jew cursed to wander the earth till the end of time for his refusal to give rest to Christ as he carried the cross,

Prester John - a Christian king rumored to rule in the Orient (or perhaps in Africa),

The Divining Rod - a rod used to aid in the discovery of hidden treasures or perhaps the location of murderers,

The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus - seven Christians persecuted by the emperor who rested in the earth for three hundred and seventy-seven years,

William Tell - an archer who shot an apple off the head of his child,

The Dog Gellert - a loyal dog (or other beast) who faithfully guarded an infant yet was accidentally killed by his master who believed the dog had killed the infant,

Tailed Men - the rumor of the homo caudatus,

Antichrist and Pope Joan - the legend of the Man of Sin who will reign before the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ as well as the spurious legend of a female pope,

The Man in the Moon - a man who gathered wood on the Sabbath and was thus cursed to appear on the surface of the moon,

The Mountain of Venus - a mountain under which lived the pagan goddess Venus and the legend concerning the debauches there,

St. Patrick's Purgatory - an underground region leading to purgatory,

The Terrestrial Paradise - rumors of the Oriental location of the Garden of Eden,

St. George - the famous saint who underwent seven martyrdoms yet continued to live and slew a dragon in another legend,

St. Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins - a virginal saint who asked that eleven thousand virgins be made to sail the world for three years before she offered herself up for marriage,

The Legend of the Cross - the legend of the cross in pagan myth as well as the legend of the Cross of Christ,

Schamir - a stone used by Solomon to build the temple in lieu of iron,

The Piper of Hameln - a piper who led the rats out of the city but who later cursed the city and led the children away,

Bishop Hatto - the story of an evil bishop who was eaten by rats,

Melusina - a mysterious wife who was half sea serpent,

The Fortunate Isles - a legend of an earthly paradise across the sea,

Swan-Maidens - the legend of maidens who appear in the form of a swan,

The Knight of the Swan - a knight who took the form of a swan and had six brothers,

The Sangreal - the legend of the Holy Grail, the vessel used to catch the blood of Christ as he died upon the Cross in both Celtic and Christian myth,

Theophilus - a priest who made a pact with the devil.

These legends provide a fascinating look into the mind of the Middle Ages. Baring-Gould's expert learning and understanding of their historical origins is revealed throughout. This book is an excellent source for these medieval myths and legends.

As a budding Folklorist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, I have derived great pleasure from, and relied heavily upon "Curious Myths of the Middle Ages." It supurbly outlines the basic myths themselves, while providing a highly rational and non-biased discussion upon their origins, relevance, and truthfullness.

It is highly entertaining, and to anyone who loves folklore and mythology, is like being let loose in a candy shop!

The chapter on The man in the moon inspired my website. Some real gems. In one chapter, the author proves convincingly that William Tell never existed, and then uses the same logic to prove that Napoleon was entirely mythical. More than just a collection of stories, this book shows how history and myth, reality and imagination are frequently interchangeable

I really enjoyed this book. I had heard of some of the stories but had never known the details. I really felt like a child at storytime! And when I read the myths that I had never heard, I just curled up on the sofa and immersed myself. If you enjoy reading mythology, hearing where old stories originated, and even some good old-fashioned debunking of popular myths, this is a really good read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful diversion from some of my more esoteric readings. If you want to pontificate with some interesting tales at your next dinner party, regale them with any that you find in this fascinating tome and you will be the center of attention. A fun read!

My son and I started reading parts of this in the car on a trip. We are both aficionados of anything mythological, and encountering these profound, rich, and unusual stories has been inspiring to both of us (but probably most inspiring to my son). The stories we have read so far are presented both as myths, but also as possibilities, expanding the idea of what might have been and what might be, offering also a window of insight into the times in which the myths were captured. The myths are largely framed within the context of the Christian and Roman Catholic Church and culture, and do reveal some of the bias of the times against the Jews and Judaic faith. While not politically correct, this is a solid well-written work with much education potential, if placed in context and not read as a sole work on the topic. One of the best free books I've gotten for the Kindle!