Hello history lovers!
I hope October has been kind to you.
As the northern hemisphere begins to turn beautiful shades of red, amber, and gold for autumn, I have leaned into the slowness that this change in the seasons brings. Lots of candles, drawing the curtains early, curling up with blankets, and turning the heating on.
Oh, and also a sick bug that the little one brought home from nursery. Toddler parents, IYKYK! Such fun.
This first full week in November sees the return of our history-focused book club. If you’re just joining us today, you can find the first post at the link below:
As mentioned in the video attached to this post, I have kept this first ‘proper’ book club meet (i.e., with discussion and questions) free to give all readers a flavour for what they can expect from upcoming sessions. From December 2024, however, they will be a paid member perk only.
Paid membership costs just £5 per month or £50 per year. By upgrading, you also unlock my serialised historical fiction novel, 50+ short stories and novel extracts, and exclusive chats.
Things mentioned in the video
The Franks Casket
Lidded rectangular box made of whale-bone, carved on the sides and top in relief with scenes from Roman, Jewish, Christian and Germanic tradition.1
Find out more at the link below:
Winters in the World, Eleanor Parker
Full review here:
Storyland Discussion Questions - and my responses
Part One: In The Beginning
Add your own responses, as well as any other reflections, in the comments. I can’t wait to hear what you thought about this opening section.
How has Storyland made you feel so far? Did it evoke any emotions?
I feel much more connected to the past, in a kind of spiritual yet tangible way, through the landscapes around me and the stories past people told about them. Hearing how they made sense of it all brings a greater sense of affinity to them, as we also use stories (though very different) to understand this world we call home.
I also reflected on the fact that the mystical, semi-magical element demonstrated in these stories has been lost in our western world, although those with a faith still retain a measure of it. We no longer dream of giants hauling great stones across the land, for example, though why not?
How, if at all, has Storyland connected with your own experiences of journeying through this world?
It’s brought up my deep desire for belonging and understanding our origin. I had a very peripatetic childhood (and adulthood, to be honest!), moving every 2-3 years. I find myself pining to settle down somewhere, yet also know where I’ve come from (as a New Zealander who grew up in SE Asia, I’ve always felt that I’ve never truly belonged in England; always a bit of an outsider). These stories have shown me that I’m not alone in wanting to know where I come from - clearly my ancestors were searching after this too!
What has been your favourite story so far? Why?
I loved the story of Woden, mostly because he features so prominently in later Anglo-Saxon genealogies as the god to connect one’s dynasty to for legitimacy. Even the Christian kings like Alfred the Great wanted the authenticity he provided. It was fascinating to hear more about him.
If you could ask Amy Jeffs one question about Storyland, what would it be?
Do you think the original hearers of these myths would recognise their own experiences in these updated retellings? Would they connect themselves with us as we hear them across the millennia?
Did you find these chapters challenged or changed your perspective on Ancient Britain/Europe at all? Did it make you want to learn more about this period?
They certainly reminded me of the intermingling of belief at this time: it was much less clearly defined/delineated than it is now. This was a time before wars had been fought over religion, and it was much less contentious. Boundaries between belief systems were fluid, and often ideas crossed those porous boundaries. In that way, Jeffs shares stories here from across the world that found their home in Britain.
Those were my thoughts - but what did you think?
Share your responses to the questions, plus other reflections you had on the opening chapters, in the comments. And do share this book club with others you know will find value in working through books that show a different side to medieval history than simply kings and battles.
For the month of November
We’ll be reading Part Two: Prehistory, pp. 59-129.
The next post in this series will go live on Thursday 5th December 2024
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1867-0120-1
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