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A Guide to Survival in Medieval Fairy Tales

What would you do if your partner was stolen by fairies? What about if a green knight invites you to chop off his head? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this free online talk.

You may think you know your fairy tales, but we're not talking Disney here. Fairy tales have usually been treated as stories for children, but this was not always the case. In the Middle Ages, stories about the supernatural - involving fairies stealing queens, green knights, or mysterious ladies with the power to grant wishes - were for adults as well! Join Dr Marta Cobb for an exploration into the magical realm and find out who lives happily ever after.

Dr Marta Cobb has a PhD in Medieval English Literature. She is the Senior Congress Officer for the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds, where she helps to coordinate the academic programme, as well as the events, workshops, and excursions. She is also a teaching fellow in the School of History, where she contributes to several medieval modules.

Black and white illustration from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, printed by William Morris' Kelmscott Press.
Black and white illustration from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, printed by William Morris' Kelmscott Press.
Black and white illustration from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, printed by William Morris' Kelmscott Press.