White Rose of Avalon

Fairytales

  • Mermaid Legends

    Mermaids are legendary figures found in cultures around the world.   They are frequent features in literature, art and film.   Water faeries are important in many cultures, including ancient myths of Greece, Rome, Celtic regions, Russia, and more.     In Slavic countries water faeries similar to mermaids are called Rusalka, or in the…

  • My Top 5 Favorite Mermaid Films

    Number 5: The Lure (2015) ~This Polish film is a twisted take on the mermaid film, and as bonus it’s also a musical.   Check it out for a gory fun filled ride! Number 4: Aquamarine (2006) ~This film is a delightful adaptation of the beloved book by Alice Hoffman (of Practical Magic fame)!  …

  • Faerie Queens and Art

    Faerie Queens have long been inspiration for artists.    They factor heavily into Celtic lore and legends.   Celtic culture itself heavily influenced the Arthurian Legends!   Arthurian legends would inspire many generations of artists. Edmund Spenser wrote the epic poem The Faerie Queene during the reign of Elizabeth I.   The poem is an…

  • The Princess Bride

    In the 1973 book and 1987 film The Princess Bride we meet two true lovers named Westley and Buttercup.    Westley was a farm boy working for Buttercup’s parents, and Buttercup was the most beautiful girl in the world at that time!   When she finally realized her love, and confessed it, Westley decided to…

  • My Top 10 Fairytale Lovers

    My third Valentine’s Day, for Love Week, list is here!   Fairytales are an obvious place to find romantic tales, but that does not mean all fairytale couples are made equal.   Here are my top ten! Number 10: Cinderella and Prince Charming ~Cinderella and Charming fell in love when they met at a ball. …

  • La Belle et la Bete

    The old French fairytale of Beauty and the Beast is famous for its depictions of love breaking a curse.    This is a common theme amongst romantic fairytales.    In the tale a young woman goes willingly into a Beast’s castle in order to save her father, who has been imprisoned within.   He has…

  • Apple Symbolism

    Apple Symbolism

    The symbolism of apples runs rife in legends, folklore, fairytales, and myths.   For thousands of years apples have been seen as the fruit of knowledge, and as a symbol of protection.   If you cut an apple in half horizontally you see the secret within, the seeds of the apple form the shape of…

  • The Swan Maidens

    I have always loved a good fairytale that involved swans.   This could be chalked up to the fact that I was born in the month of the swan in the Celtic zodiac.    Swans are an animal deeply associated with Faery (and the faerie folk) which makes me love them all the more!  …