Event Category: Ghost stories/weird fiction

Alice in Wonderland – Lena Heide-Brennand

Alice in Wonderland

This is a must-attend lecture for all you mad Alice in Wonderland fans out there. The first part of the lecture is a traditional lecture on the story behind Lewis Carroll’s classic and the second half of the lecture is the launch of Lena Heide-Brennand’s new book where she has re-written the whole story into a 112 pages long poem staying very true to the original content, but with a slightly darker twist. The book is also richly illustrated with Heide-Brennand’s own dark and gothic mixed media artwork. This is the description of her version of the classic:

Lena Heide-Brennand’s dark and poetic interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” is an enchanting and captivating one where Alice’s dreams take a rhythmic and playful form. In this adaptation, Heide-Brennand has seamlessly blended the atmospheric visuals from the 1915 film version with her own unique mixed media artworks. These original artworks transport us into a world of dark and gothic beauty, infused with steampunk Victorian vibes and a subtle touch of horror undertones. The result is a visually stunning experience that sets the mood for a darker and more mysterious atmosphere, capturing the essence of Alice’s strange and twisted dreams.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Heide-Brennand’s version is the poetic narrative style. Alice in Wonderland unfolds as a 112-page long poem, where every line is meticulously crafted with end rhymes. This poetic form not only pays homage to the original story, first published in 1865, but also adds a lyrical touch that enhances the enchantment of Alice’s magical journey. However, be prepared for a departure from the traditional children’s versions of Alice’s adventures. In Heide-Brennand’s adaptation, Alice’s dreams take her through scenes and encounters that are far more eerie and dark. The artist delves deep into the recesses of Alice’s imagination, exploring the hidden depths of her subconscious, and visually bringing forth characters and settings that are both mesmerizing and haunting. As you turn the pages you will encounter twisted versions of familiar characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Hatter. These iconic figures, rendered through Heide-Brennand’s unique artistic lens, take on a new life and add layers of complexity to their personalities.

Prepare to be enthralled by the interplay of light and shadow, and the subtle nuances that breathe life into each character. The dark and scenic mixed media artworks that accompany the poetic narrative serve as windows into Alice’s psyche. With each turn of the page, you will be transported to eerie landscapes, mysterious forests, and intricate settings that mirror the intricacies of Alice’s mind. The detailed craftsmanship and the rich colour palette create a visual feast for the eyes, immersing you in a world that is simultaneously beautiful and foreboding.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Hulders, Witches and Bitches – the view on women and feminists through the centuries – Lena Heide-Brennand

Hulders, Witches and Bitches – the view on women and feminists through the centuries

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to embark on an enthralling journey through time, as we unravel the captivating narrative of women’s roles and the ever-evolving views on the female gender. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, the treatment of women has been a profound reflection of society’s progress and its enduring challenges.

We will journey back to ancient civilizations where goddesses held divine powers and women ruled as queens and priestesses. Then, we’ll venture into eras where women were silenced, their voices confined by societal norms. Witness the seismic shifts that occurred during the suffrage movements and the resolute strides women have taken towards equality.

Our exploration will delve into the arts, literature, politics, and the ever-influential world of entertainment, where women have been both portrayed and have portrayed themselves, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of their times. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and inspired as we unpack the complex tapestry of women’s history and their indomitable spirit throughout the ages.

This lecture is a time-traveling experience you won’t want to miss!

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Tales and Legends of the east with True Thomas the Storyteller

Tales and Legends of the east 

Today, we embark on a captivating journey into the world of storytelling, where we will delve into the enchanting tales of Hodja Basruddin, explore the mysterious gift of the Wali dead, and unlock the secrets hidden within the legendary rings of King Solomon.

Hodja Basruddin, a beloved character in the folklore of many cultures, is known for his wit, wisdom, and often comical adventures. Through his humorous and thought-provoking escapades, we’ll witness how cleverness and quick thinking can overcome even the most challenging situations. Get ready to laugh and learn as we follow Hodja’s clever antics!

The “Gift of the Wali Dead” is a story that transcends the boundaries of time, featuring otherworldly gifts bestowed upon a fortunate recipient by the Wali, or the holy saints. These mystical blessings and their consequences hold valuable lessons and insights into the mysterious world of spirituality and faith. We’ll unravel the layers of this tale and its profound message.Finally, we will embark on a quest to uncover the legends of the Rings of King Solomon. These rings, steeped in mysticism and ancient wisdom, are said to grant their wearers extraordinary powers. As we explore these captivating stories, we’ll reflect on the enduring fascination with artifacts that bridge the gap between the ordinary and the supernatural.

Prepare to be transported to a world where wisdom, wonder, and enchantment blend seamlessly. Join us as we embark on this storytelling session, where tales of Hodja Basruddin, the Gift of the Wali dead, and the Rings of King Solomon come to life, offering timeless lessons and moments of pure magic.

Bio about the storyteller:

True Thomas (aka Robert Seutter) is a professional Storyteller, storytelling instructor, creative coach, published author, and ULC minister. In the US, he is a nationally known Professional Santa and Christmas Performing Instructor.

True is known for his wide repertoire—from multi-cultural traditional to sci-fi and fantasy—and his fun and high energy engaging style, performing for folks of all ages. His specialties include researching and creating unique storytelling personas who educate and tell stories, first-person.

When the Getty Museum wants stories, True packs the house. He’s kept audiences from executives to cops, and from seniors to pre-schools, enthralled in storytelling magic.

True leads workshops, seminars, and provides story consulting for a wide variety of clients. He’s taught storytelling to Disney animators, Corporations and at-risk communities.

His traveling school—Christmas Performer Workshops—focuses on storytelling and character work, and gets standing ovations.

True’s credo is simply, “Believe in the Power of Stories!”

Hosted & Curated By:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Sámi ghost stories – Lena Heide-Brennand

Sámi ghost stories

Beneath the Northern Lights, in the heart of Sámi lands, lies a world where the living and the departed intertwine in eerie harmony. Brace yourself, for you’re about to embark on a chilling journey through the ancient realm of Sámi ghost stories. In this desolate and hauntingly beautiful landscape, spirits of the past refuse to be forgotten.

Imagine the bone-chilling whispers in the winds of the Arctic tundra, tales of the fearsome “Stállos,” spectral giants whose colossal forms loom over the snowy wastelands. These ancient specters, with eyes as cold as the Nordic ice, guard the secrets of the Sámi people and, when provoked, unleash their wrath.

Among the deep, mysterious forests, you’ll hear the mournful songs of the “Raedieguovlu,” the restless spirits of those who met tragic fates in the wilderness. They beckon to lost wanderers, leading them deeper into the woods, ensnaring them in an otherworldly trance.

And then there are the “Náide,” the revenants of the Sámi, who return to the world of the living, shrouded in death’s pallor, to seek retribution or complete unfinished business. Their eerie apparitions walk amongst us, both haunting and compelling.

Prepare to shiver as we unravel these spine-tingling Sámi ghost stories, where the boundaries between this world and the next blur, and the spirits of the North tell their chilling tales under the aurora-lit sky. Brace yourself, for in the world of Sámi legends, the boundary between the living and the dead is a spectral veil that beckons with icy fingers.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Killer Clowns -The Evil Behind The Mask – Lena Heide-Brennand

Killer Clowns -The Evil Behind The Mask

Friday night special!

Step into the eerie realm of our lecture, where we’ll unravel the unsettling phenomenon of Killer Clowns that have haunted and captivated popular culture. From the menacing Pennywise in Stephen King’s “It” to the haunting jesters of “American Horror Story,” these enigmatic jesters have left an indelible mark.

Explore the ghoulish antics of John Wayne Gacy, a real-life serial killer who hid behind a clown persona, and how this sinister influence seeped into the twisted narratives of films like “The Joker.” Uncover how the clown, once a symbol of laughter and joy, has metamorphosed into an emblem of terror in movies, TV shows, and even the darkest corners of the internet.

Join us under the big top as we dissect the cultural impact, psychological fascination, and the societal fear surrounding these grinning malefactors. Buckle up, because this is not your ordinary circus – this is a carnival of knowledge that will leave you both enthralled and terrified!

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Bedtime Stories: Mexican Folk Tales – a Matter of Life and Death – Mike Payton

Bedtime Stories: Mexican Folk Tales – a Matter of Life and Death.

In Mexican culture, death is not taboo, hidden away behind closed doors and polite euphemisms. La Catrina, the elegant skeletal Lady of Dead, finds a place in almost all Mexican houses, a reminder that death is always present in life – and on el dia de los muertos, the dead come back to commune with the living once more.

Unsurprisingly, the folk tales of Mexico often reflect this embrace of the other world, and storyteller Mike Payton brings some of his favourites out into the light in this odd, thought provoking collection: a chance meeting with Death on a mountain; a man who refuses to leave offerings for his dead parents and the consequences of this slight; and perhaps, if we can face it, a meeting with La Llorona, the crying ghost of the Mexican night.

Bio

Mike Payton is a Midlands based storyteller whose first love are the tales of Mexico. He lived and worked there for some years, sharing songs and stories with his friends and neighbours. He has performed for The British Museum and The Welcome Trust as part of their Day of the Dead celebrations. www.mikepayton.org

Curated and Hosted by

Dr. Amy Hale is an Atlanta based writer, curator and critic, ethnographer and folklorist speaking and writing about esoteric history, art, culture, women and Cornwall. She is the author of Ithell Colquhoun: Genius of the Fern Loved Gully (Strange Attractor 2020) and is currently working on several Colquhoun related manuscripts. She is also the editor of Essays on Women in Western Esotericism: Beyond Seeresses and Sea Priestesses (Palgrave 2022). She has contributed gallery texts and essays for a number of institutions including Tate, Camden Arts Centre, Art UK, Arusha Galleries, Heavenly Records and she is a curator and host for the Last Tuesday Society lecture series.

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

A Short Course in Old Norse Cursing – Prof Bernt Thorvaldsen

A Short Course in Old Norse Cursing

Old Norse sagas and poetry offer a rich insight into various magical practices. These range from helpful runes and charms to darker spells meant to harm or control others. This lecture delves into the more shadowy side of Norse magic. A recurring theme in many tales is the blend of insulting words with magic, invoking a surprising variety of supernatural forces against the victim. Attendees will meet a sorceress fond of young men, an Icelandic poet in need of anger management, a menacing ghost, a grieving lady full of danger, and a messenger from an ancient deity, as well as their unfortunate victims. Through these tales, we’ll gain a better understanding of how the Old Norse saw the balance between individuals and society at a cosmological scale, and their strong belief in the power of spoken words.

Bio:

Bernt Ø. Thorvaldsen (b. 1976) is a professor of Norwegian at the University of South-Eastern Norway, where he teaches language and literature. Thorvaldsen is an expert on Old Norse culture, with Old Norse mythology and Edda poetry as his speciality.

Curated and Hosted By:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Chilling ghost stories of the Scandinavian countries- Christmas edition – Lena Heide-Brennand

Chilling ghost stories of the Scandinavian countries – Christmas Edition

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round as the icy winds howl outside and the snowflakes dance upon the windows. Tonight, we delve into the mysterious depths of the Scandinavian folklore, where whispers of chilling ghost stories intertwine with the enchantment of the Christmas season. Brace yourselves for a journey beyond the realm of the living, where tales of restless spirits and ethereal apparitions lurk in the shadows, waiting to send shivers down your spine.

In the land of fjords and forests, where winter grips tightly onto the land, the Scandinavians have long embraced the tradition of sharing spine-tingling tales during the holidays. As the warmth of hearths and the glow of candlelight fill their homes, families huddle together, their breath visible in the frosty air, ready to experience the eerie wonders that lie hidden within the folklore.

Imagine, if you will, a yuletide evening in a remote Norwegian village. The air is heavy with the scent of pine and the sweet aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. The villagers gather in the ancient church, its timeworn walls whispering secrets of centuries past. As the clock strikes midnight, the silence is shattered by the haunting melody of a hymn, sung by voices unseen.

Or perhaps we find ourselves in a snow-covered Swedish manor, where generations of family have celebrated Christmas for centuries. In the flickering candlelight, shadows dance upon the walls, seemingly taking on a life of their own. Legends speak of a ghostly figure, clad in white, roaming the halls, its mournful cries echoing through the ages.

And let us not forget the ethereal spirits of Denmark, where ancient castles and cobblestoned streets hold secrets that time refuses to relinquish. On a moonlit night, when the boundary between the living and the dead grows thin, the restless souls of fallen warriors rise from their graves, seeking solace or revenge.

Tonight, my dear audience, we embark on a journey into the realms of the supernatural. We will explore the darkest corners of Scandinavian folklore, where tales of ghosts, apparitions, and spectral encounters intertwine with the joy and merriment of the holiday season. So gather your courage, for in this Christmas edition of chilling ghost stories, we shall venture into the unknown. But beware, for once these tales are unleashed, they may haunt your dreams long after the final embers of the Yule log have faded away.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Hunting the Unicorn: Dark fantasies from antiquity to the gothic – Dr Juliette Wood

Hunting the Unicorn: Dark fantasies from antiquity to the gothic

From the exotic beast of the ancient world to the rainbow-coloured fantasies of popular culture, interest in the unicorn has never been stronger. However, look behind the rainbow colours, and you find a much darker and more fascinating beast. Classical authors stressed the unicorn’s untameable and aggressive nature more than the beauty or value of its horn. Even after the unicorn became a religious metaphor, realized as the delicate creature of medieval art, it continued to carry overtones of hunting, sex, death, and danger. Today the chief source of medieval alicorn, the narwhal, is an endangered species that engages our concern for the environment, but its name means ‘corpse whale’, and when it was first identified as the ’sea unicorn’, it was depicted as a ship-destroying monster. Modern fantasy writing has given us many images of beautiful mystic unicorns, but this genre also recalls the original fierce and intimidating nature of this fantastic beast. A dark unicorn still lurks in the shadows of the forest, and it is waiting to greet us, but don’t get too close!

Bio:

Dr Juliette Wood is a professional folklorist and Celtic scholar educated in the United States, but currently living in Britain. After gaining degrees in medieval philosophy and Arthurian literature, she studied folklore at the University of Pennsylvania, from which she holds both an M.A and a PhD. Her doctoral thesis examined similarities between the geography and cosmology of medieval travelogues and journeys to the other world in Celtic and Italian tales. She continued her studies in folklore and Celtic literature at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and at Linacre College, Oxford where she received an M.Litt degree for research into the traditions of the Welsh poet Taliesin.

Dr Wood has also been a professional consultant to TV and media production companies, both UK based and international. In addition she has organised several major conferences such as the Scottish Medievalists Conference in Oxford (1993) and New Perspectives on Fairy lore (1997) in Cardiff. In addition to television and radio work on folklore topics, her major interest at the present time is the relation between medieval tradition and popular culture with special reference to ‘new age’ movements. She currently teaching courses at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University on a range of topis including the ‘Sources of Pagan Thought’; ‘Belief Systems in the Neolithic World’; ‘History of Western Magic’, ‘Arthurian Tradition’ ‘World Mythology’ and ‘Celtic literature and tradition’.

Books

• Eternal Chalice: the Enduring Legend of the Holy Grail (I.B.Tauris, 2008)

The Celts Life Myth and Art (Duncan Baird Publishing London 1998),

The Celtic Book of Living and Dying Duncan Baird Publishing London (2000) (Duncan Baird) .

Introductions to new editions of Charles Squire’s Mythology of the British Isles and P.W.Joyce’s Old Celtic Romances (Wordsworth Editions and the Folklore Society)

The Little Book of Celtic Wisdom (Element 1996)

Legends of Chivalry: Medieval Myth in TimeLife Books Myth and Mankind Series (2000)

Publications include substantial articles in academic journals, such as Folklore, Studia Celtica, and Etudes Celtiques . Her current interests emcompass the narrative traditions in the Middle Ages, especially the folk narrative of Wales.

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Kryptadia Stories – Part one – Lena Heide-Brennand

Kryptadia Stories – Part one

In this lecture series Lena will tell the once so controversial stories from the secret journal known as “Kryptadia” published and distributed in Europe in the 1800’s. The Kryptadia journals consist of legends, myths, stories and legends that were considered too daring to be published and made accessible on the open marked to the general public. Most of the tales in Kryptadia are of the more erotic kind, and there are stories that dates way back to the early medieval times and that were written down in secret because they were considered too explicit and sinful in their content to be published by respectable publishing agencies. The stories we will get to know in this lecture series come from all over Europe and some have roots from both the African and Asian continent as well. They were secretly published and long forgotten about until tonight when we bring them back into the light that they deserve.

This lecture is the first one of 3.

Warm welcome.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day