The Three Heads of the Well: And the Norns of Teutonic Mythology (European Fairy Tales)

This series explores fairy tales from the European tradition. Each book begins with an opening discussion on the history, culture, and mythos that help us understand elements of the following fairy tale. “The Three Heads of the Well” explores an English fairy tale that retains a vestigial memory of the Norns, figures related to fate in Norse mythology. The introduction gives an explaination of Teutonic cultural heritage in Britain, discusses the figures of the Norns, and explores the Anglo-Saxon concept of “Wyrd,” fate and destiny. Following the opening chapters, the fairy tale is retold by the author. The book is richly illustrated throughout.