January, 2026 - EuropeanFolktales.com

Parchment-style artwork of the Bell of Bruges ringing above medieval Flemish city.

The Legend of the Bell of Bruges: A Flemish Folktale of Vigilance and Freedom

January 14, 2026

Belgian Folktales·Western European Folktales

In the heart of medieval Flanders stood the city of Bruges, proud and prosperous, its canals winding like silver threads through stone streets and merchant halls. Bruges was a city shaped by labor and trade, by guilds and craftsmen, and by a fierce devotion to civic freedom. Above all rose

Parchment-style illustration of Culhwch confronting Ysbaddaden with Arthurian warriors, Welsh folktale scene.

Culhwch and Olwen: A Welsh Folktale of Impossible Tasks and Heroic Quest

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Welsh Folktales

In the ancient and mist-covered lands of Wales, where rivers wound through shadowed valleys and forests whispered with the voices of old magic, there lived a young prince named Culhwch. Born of noble lineage, he was admired for his courage and sharp mind, yet his heart was captured by one

Parchment-style illustration of Branwen amid ruined castles and armies, Welsh folktale scene.

Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr: A Welsh Folktale of War and Tragedy

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Welsh Folktales

In the ancient kingdom of Britain, where misted hills rose above silver rivers and forests whispered with old magic, Branwen, daughter of Llŷr, was known for her extraordinary beauty, wisdom, and noble bearing. Her presence inspired loyalty, and her gentle demeanor earned admiration from every corner of the realm. She

Parchment-style illustration of Rhiannon humbly enduring punishment, Welsh folktale scene.

Rhiannon and the False Accusation: A Welsh Folktale of Endurance and Redemption

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Welsh Folktales

In the rolling green lands of Dyfed, where rivers curved through misted valleys and the wind whispered through ancient oaks, lived Rhiannon, a noblewoman of extraordinary presence. She was admired not only for her beauty but for her wisdom and dignity, which seemed almost otherworldly. Her voice was clear and

Parchment-style illustration of Pwyll ruling Annwn with Arawn’s white hounds, Welsh folktale.

Pwyll and the Otherworld Exchange: A Welsh Folktale from the Mabinogion

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Welsh Folktales

Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, ruled a fertile land in the western reaches of Wales, where forests rolled into open plains and rivers wound patiently toward the sea. His court was prosperous, his people content, and his authority undisputed. Yet for all his success as a ruler, Pwyll was still a

Parchment-style illustration of the Black Bull of Norroway and a young woman, Scottish Highland folktale.

The Black Bull of Norroway: A Scottish Highland Folktale

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Scottish Folktales

In the rugged lands of the Scottish Highlands, where mountains rose dark against the sky and long roads stretched across moors and glens, there once lived a poor family with three daughters. Though their home was modest and their days filled with hard work, they shared a quiet bond, shaped

Parchment-style illustration of Janet holding Tam Lin during his fairy transformation, Scottish folktale.

Rescue from the Fairy Tithe: Tam Lin

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Scottish Folktales

In the green valley of Carterhaugh, where the rivers Ettrick and Yarrow meet beneath tall trees and rolling hills, the land was known as a place of beauty, and danger. Travelers spoke of its deep woods with caution, for the area was believed to lie under fairy power. Those who

Parchment-style illustration of a selkie woman returning to the sea, Scottish folktale from Orkney.

Love Across the Sea: The Selkie Bride

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Scottish Folktales

Along the rugged coasts of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, where the sea meets stone with unending force and the wind carries the cries of seabirds, the people have long told stories of selkies, mysterious beings who live as seals in the water and shed their skins to walk as

Parchment-style illustration of Thomas the Rhymer meeting the Queen of Elfland, Scottish folktale scene.

Thomas the Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland: A Scottish Border Folktale

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Scottish Folktales

In the quiet countryside of the Scottish Borders, where low hills rolled gently into mist and ancient paths threaded through heather and grass, there lived a man named Thomas of Ercildoune. He was a poet by trade and by nature, known among his neighbors for his sharp tongue, clever verses,

Parchment-style illustration of the Children of Lir as swans on an Irish lake, Irish folktale scene.

The Children of Lir: Irish Folktale of Endurance, Loyalty, and Hope

January 13, 2026

British & Irish Folktales·Irish Folktales

In ancient Ireland, when the hills were green and rivers sparkled like silver threads, there lived a noble king named Lir. He ruled his lands with wisdom and kindness, beloved by his people for his fairness and courage. King Lir had a family he cherished above all else: four children,

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January 2026 - Page 3

The Legend of the Bell of Bruges: A Flemish Folktale of Vigilance and Freedom

Culhwch and Olwen: A Welsh Folktale of Impossible Tasks and Heroic Quest

Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr: A Welsh Folktale of War and Tragedy

Rhiannon and the False Accusation: A Welsh Folktale of Endurance and Redemption

Pwyll and the Otherworld Exchange: A Welsh Folktale from the Mabinogion

The Black Bull of Norroway: A Scottish Highland Folktale

Rescue from the Fairy Tithe: Tam Lin

Love Across the Sea: The Selkie Bride

Thomas the Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland: A Scottish Border Folktale

The Children of Lir: Irish Folktale of Endurance, Loyalty, and Hope

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