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  1. Home
  2. Myths and legends

Myths and legends

Hitler and Eva Braun pose with their dogs in 1942
Second World War

Fake news and Nazis: Richard J Evans on the spectre of conspiracies

Perhaps the most charming idea about the origins of the festive tradition of kissing under the mistletoe derives from a Viking myth of Frigg, goddess of love and marriage, and her ill-fated son Balder. (Photo by Jurg Waldmeier/StockFood Creative/Getty Images Plus)
Viking

Q&A Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

A man goes into a village at night on the eve of Samhain
Medieval

What is the history behind the Celtic festival of Samhain and what does it have to do with Halloween?

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Ancient Greece

Troy: everything you wanted to know . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Saint Michael and the DragonSaint Michael and the Dragon
General ancient history

Dragons From mythological beasts of history to the firebreathers of fantasy

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Medieval

Robin Hood: everything you wanted to know . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Newspaper front page with headline 'Gen. Ramey Empties Roswell Saucer'
20th Century

Why we should remember The Roswell Incident

Alexander Skarsgård stars as Amleth in The Northman (Photo by Aidan Monaghan / © 2021 Focus Features, LLC)
Viking

The Northman How the real Viking prince Amleth inspired Shakespeare

The Trojan Horse is pulled in the city of Troy
Ancient Greece

Q&A What is the Trojan Horse and why do we say ‘Beware the Greeks bearing gifts’?

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The Resurrection of Jesus
Medieval

Eggs, bunnies and Jesus Christ: the history and origins of Easter

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 1: Lynda Carter stars as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman) on the CBS Television Series
Ancient Greece

The real Amazons: how the legendary warrior women inspired fighters, feminists and Wonder Woman

A late 16th century portrait of Anne Boleyn (c.1500-1536)
Tudor

Q&A Did Anne Boleyn have six fingers on one hand?

Illustration of folkloric beings
General History

A history of Britain’s folklore

Freydis Eiriksdottir in Vikings Valhalla
Viking

Was Freydís Eiríksdóttir a hero or a deranged murderess?

A lobbycard for the 1923 film Is Conan Doyle Right? (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)
20th Century

The supernatural interests of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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