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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 Blood offers 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.
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Contents
The Tree of Cain - A Poem by Per Faxneld
Flora of Enchantment. An Introduction
The Yellow Flower of Blood
Landscape of the Devil
Temptation. The Tree of Knowledge
Stem of the Traitor. Judas in Nature
Eternal Unrest. The Trembling Aspen
Tree of Blood
The Juniper Cross
Golgotha of the North
Wreath of Humiliation. Crown of Thorns
Maria in the Orchard, Frejäs Tears of Gold
A Shadow Realm. Poisonous Plants
The Sorceress Appears. Enchanted Milk
Fröjäs Apples
Tree of the Boundary Land
Skogsrået, the Guardian of the Forest
Holy Hawthorn
Mezereon and Valerian
Midsummer Visions
Luna is My Name
Lilies of the Water Spirit
Enigmatic Troll Butter
Satan's Flight. Protective Plants
Song of the Elves
Thorn King
The Church of Lucifer
Broom and Scythe
A Relentless Weave. The Mystery of Death
Oats on the Juniper Bushes. The End of the World
The Woman in the Field. Folklore Past and Present
The Apostle Tree - A Short Story by Per Faxneld
Acknowledgments
About the author
References
