Author(s): Karen Ralls

Sacred Sites & Geomancy | Mythology

Journey into twelve of the world's favourite mediaeval mysteries and cross the threshold into the world of the High Middle Ages. From Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose to Dan Brown's bestselling, The Da Vinci Code, the mediaeval period continues to intrigue, inspire, entertain and fascinate many today. For the general reader and specialist alike, mediaeval expert, former Rosslyn Chapel museum exhibition curator and bestselling author, Dr. Karen Ralls, guides the reader through the key historical facts, legends and lore, affiliated places and major symbolism of each of these 12 popular mediaeval enigmas, providing a lively introductory portal which includes some of the lesser-known, sidelined or unacknowledged aspects of each of these enduring topics. The story of each subject comes alive as never before, providing a solid introduction for all readers as well as further suggested resources for teachers and researchers. Also included are photographs, a recommended reading section, maps, a list of the key major sites associated with each topic and a full bibliography.
Topics covered include:*King Arthur, Merlin and Glastonbury*The Grail Quest*Mary Magdalene*The real meaning of Black Madonnas*The Knights Templar, the Cathers, and Rosslyn Chapel*Mediaeval Guides and Troubadours*Heresy and HereticsLet this book serve as your personal pilgrimage back to the High Middle Ages a time of potent symbolism, occult knowledge and spiritual quests.