
Were There Pagan Goddesses in Christian Europe?
About this episode
This considers a set of superhuman female figures found in medieval and early modern European cultures- Mother Nature, the roving nocturnal lady often called Herodias, the British fairy queen, and the Gaelic Cailleach. None seem to be surviving ancient deities, and yet there is nothing Christian about any of them either. It is suggested that they force us to reconsider our own existing terminology when writing the religious history of Europe.
This lecture was recorded by Ronald Hutton on 8 November 2023 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London
The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/pagan-goddesses
Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham's mission, please consider making a donation: https://gresham.ac.uk/support/
Website: https://gresham.ac.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/greshamcollege
Facebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollege
Instagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollege
Get every episode summarized
Each time Gresham College Lectures publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Gresham College Lectures

On the Nature of Time According to Modern Physics - Jim Al-Khalili
Gresham College Lectures

Music of Sleep and Dreams - Milton Mermikides
Gresham College Lectures

The Morrigan: The Nightmare Queen - Ronald Hutton
Gresham College Lectures

There Must be a Better Way: Thoughts on the Future of Family Law - Sir Andrew Mc...
Gresham College Lectures