
This volume opens a vivid portal into the strange and captivating folklore that flourished across medieval Europe. By tracing the origins of legendary figures—most famously the cursed wanderer condemned to roam until the world’s end—the author shows how these stories were woven into everyday belief and moral teaching. Rich, detailed woodcuts accompany the text, letting listeners picture the haunting scenes of endless night, storm‑torn paths, and the desperate pilgrim confronting crucifixes and celestial warnings.
Beyond the imagery, the work examines how these myths intersected with theological debates of the era, drawing on biblical passages and contemporary sermons to explore why such tales persisted. The author balances scholarly analysis with accessible storytelling, inviting listeners to consider what these legends reveal about medieval hopes, fears, and the human yearning for redemption. A thoughtful blend of history, art, and faith, the book offers a fresh look at the enduring power of medieval myth.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (278K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2011-05-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1834–1924
A Victorian clergyman and scholar with wonderfully wide interests, he wrote everything from hymns and saints' lives to folklore, ghost stories, and regional travel books. He is still widely remembered for the hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and for collecting traditional songs of Devon and Cornwall.
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