The Search for Elfland

"The Search for Elfland" is a collection of Scottish Border folktales and ballads from the seventeenth century, compiled by Dr. Marv Howard. Throughout this collection, Howard delves into the ways in which Scottish folklore reflects the political and religious turmoil of the time. With the Union of the Crowns in 1603, Scotland and England were brought together under a single monarch, and this period saw ongoing struggles between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on Scotland's religious beliefs, and the removal of Purgatory as an option for the afterlife left many Scots searching for new ways to understand the world. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Howard's book explores the complex relationships between folklore and history, and offers a fascinating window into the cultural landscape of seventeenth century Scotland. Whether you're a scholar of folklore, a lover of Scottish history, or simply a fan of fantastical tales, "The Search for Elfland" is a must-read for anyone interested in this rich and complex tradition.