How does the severed head appear in folklore?

22/10/2022 18 min

Listen "How does the severed head appear in folklore?"

Episode Synopsis


The severed head is a common motif in horror films. But aside from the obvious examples, like Perseus and Medusa, or the head of Bran in Welsh legend, how does the severed head—and indeed the Headless Horseman—appear in folklore?

Let’s find out in this week's episode of Fabulous Folklore!

CW: Discussion of execution.

Find the images and references on the blog post: https://www.icysedgwick.com/severed-head/

Get your free guide to home protection the folklore way here: https://www.icysedgwick.com/fab-folklore/

Frances Larson’s Severed: A History of Heads Lost and Heads Found. 

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