Curious Myths of the Middle Ages

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was an appealing character who was a member of the Anglican clergy. As an English antiquarian, hagiographer, novelist, and diverse scholar, he is remembered particularly as a writer of hymns, the best-known being «Onward, Christian Soldiers.» Baring-Gould was also well-known for his works on folklore and myth. One of his most lastingly admired works is «Curious Myths of the Middle Ages», a collection of 24 of the most universally held superstitions of the Medieval era. This volume reveals his knowledge and research when dealing with various accounts from the beliefs of the Middle Ages, as well as presents his research into the history and possible inspirations for the myths. Among these familiar tales are: «The Wandering Jew», a story of a Jewish shoemaker who is doomed to wander Earth until the Second Coming; «William Tell», a Swiss hero who shot an apple off his son's head; «The Fortunate Isles», also known as «Atlantis», posits the existence of a magical land in the west where paradise awaits, and many more distinguished stories.