Books about folklore (3rd century European folklore )?

Question

Any good ones I’m doing research about 3rd century European folklore and I would like a book that will cover it all something like an encyclopedia

Answer 1

Medieval Folklore: A Guide to Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, and Customs (Paperback)

Originally published in two volumes (LJ 9/15/00), this rich compendium has been streamlined to create the first one-volume companion to medieval folklore. Gathered here is a significant body of information currently available only in widely scattered sources. The 261 alphabetically arranged entries span a broad spectrum of topics, embracing major themes in folk culture and the legends and sagas of classic European literature both oral and written dating from 500 to 1500 C.E. (Only very modest attention is paid to materials from Africa, East Asia, and South Asia.) Each essay first defines the topic and then carefully addresses context, historical development, uses, motifs, and notable research. Major entries cover death, dance, music, Christmas, lesbians, funeral rituals, taverns, spirits, food, and animals in literatures from Baltic to Welsh to Jewish. Penned by 114 academic scholars, both European and American, the narratives are often ponderous and leaden, yet it must be acknowledged that within academic limits the writing is well crafted, offering insights and dimension found nowhere else. While not exhaustive, this is an extensive and fully researched work that scholars will find valuable. Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, PA

Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Over a decade in the making, Medieval Folklore offers a wide-ranging guide to the lore of the Middle Ages--from the mundane to the supernatural. Definitive and lively articles focus on the great tales and traditions of the age and includes information on daily and nightly customs and activities; religious beliefs of the pagan, Christian, Muslim, and Jew; key works of oral and written literature; traditional music and art; holidays and feasts; food and drink; and plants and animals, both real and fantastical.

While most books on medieval folklore focus primarily on the West, this unique volume brings together an eclectic range of experts to treat the subject from a global perspective. Especially remarkable are the surveys of the major medieval traditions including Arab-Islamic, Baltic, English, Finno-Ugric, French, Hispanic, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Scandinavian, Scottish, Slavic, and Welsh.

For anyone who has ever wanted a path through the tangle of Arthurian legends, or the real lowdown on St. Patrick, or the last word on wolf lore--this is the place to look.

The contributors:

Answer 2

In the 3rd century most of Southern and central Europe was under Roman rule. So you could start with Pliny the Elder, he wrote on herbal medicine and common belief. The beliefs of the Romans and the "Barbarians" cross over in some areas and diversify in others.

Unfortunately the Celtic and Gothic tribes of the period did not document in the way the Romans did so any knowledge of their folklore is oral and handed down. It was not transcribed until the 6th century and was written by the new Christian monks rather than the Pagan tribes.

The Golden Bough by James Frazer is a good guide to general European folklore and magical belief. You will find this in a good book store or library under Anthropology.

Pliny the Elders writings are in print with Penguin Classics.