Flowers of Blood - Plants in Swedish Folklore

Flowers of Blood is a fascinating exploration of the folklore of plants in pre-industrial Sweden. Through a deep dive into the world of the enchanted flora of northern Europe, the author evokes a dreamlike borderland where the numinous is thought to dwell and where each plant and tree is filled with hidden meanings, arcane knowledge and mysterious powers. Imbued in a deep animistic worldview, the natural environment of the rural folk presented is alive with spirits and supernatural beings. Here, we encounter the Underworld Dwellers, the Devil, Näcken (the water sprite), Skogsrået (the forest sprite), Hyllefroa (the elder tree spirit) and biblical figures like Cain, Judas Iscariot and Maria, in evocative plant and tree folk legends. Through in-depth researches in the archives of Uppsala and Stockholm and older local historic books, Sara Bonadea George presents, for the first time in English, a body of lore that remains little known at present even in Sweden.Acclaimed by scholars and herbalists alike, Flowers of Bloodoffers a deep exploration of the ways in which folklore serves as a vital link between past and present, preserving Sweden's rich botanical, magical, cultural traditions.The book is richly illustrated with photos from museum archives and illustrations of skilfully chosen artists.The text is accompanied by a short story and poem by Per Faxneld, Associate Professor in History of Religions and author of several books on the history of esotericism.__ContentsThe Tree of Cain - A Poem by Per FaxneldFlora of Enchantment. An IntroductionThe Yellow Flower of BloodLandscape of the DevilTemptation. The Tree of KnowledgeStem of the Traitor. Judas in NatureEternal Unrest. The Trembling AspenTree of BloodThe Juniper CrossGolgotha of the NorthWreath of Humiliation. Crown of ThornsMaria in the Orchard, Freja´s Tears of GoldA Shadow Realm. Poisonous PlantsThe Sorceress Appears. Enchanted MilkFröja´s ApplesTree of the Boundary LandSkogsrået, the Guardian of the ForestHoly HawthornMezereon and ValerianMidsummer VisionsLuna is My NameLilies of the Water SpiritEnigmatic Troll ButterSatan's Flight. Protective PlantsSong of the ElvesThorn KingThe Church of LuciferBroom and ScytheA Relentless Weave. The Mystery of DeathOats on the Juniper Bushes. The End of the WorldThe Woman in the Field. Folklore Past and PresentThe Apostle Tree - A Short Story by Per FaxneldAcknowledgmentsAbout the authorReferences Read more