At The Edge - No 02 - 1996 06

Magazine Overview

Title: At The EDGE
Issue: No.2
Date: June 1996
Price: £ 2.00
Publisher: Not explicitly stated, printed in England by Newark Chamber of Commerce.
ISSN: 1361-0058
Editor: Bob Trubshaw

This issue of 'At The EDGE' magazine, subtitled 'Exploring new interpretations of past and place in archaeology, folklore and mythology,' presents a collection of articles delving into historical mysteries, ancient rituals, and enduring folklore. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of a creature in a forest setting, hinting at the supernatural and mythological themes within.

Contents

The magazine features several key articles:

• Churches moved by night by Jeremy Harte (Page 1)
• A pagan Gothic ritual by Alby Stone (Page 8)
• The fifth direction - sacred centres in Ireland by Bob Trubshaw (Page 14)
• Oxhide tales - a worldwide trick by Michael Behrend (Page 20)
• Exploring past and place - where next? by Bob Trubshaw (Page 25)

Additionally, there are sections for 'The glossy pages' (Page 31), 'LETTERS' (Page 32), 'ABSTRACTS' (Page 33), and 'REVIEWS' (Page 36). The cover art is attributed to Jacqui Truman, with the theme being 'Supernatural church-moving'.

Article Summaries

Churches moved by night (Jeremy Harte)

This extensive article explores the phenomenon of church-moving legends, presenting examples from England, Wales, and Ireland. Harte begins with the Rodmarton legend from the 17th century, where villagers claimed their church was moved by night, initially attributed to the Devil and later to headless horsemen. He contrasts this with historical interpretations, such as the idea of churches being built on pagan foundations, and notes how folklore often takes precedence over historical fact. The article discusses the Morwenstow legend, where St Morwen allegedly chose the church site, and the Much Cowarne legend, attributed to invisible hands. Harte posits that these legends might originate from Celtic hagiography, possibly linked to foundation sacrifices or the need to find a geomantically appropriate site. He examines various explanations, including the conflict between landowners and tenants, and the symbolic representation of struggles between pagan and Christian faiths. The article also touches upon the 'fruitless labour' motif, common in global folklore, where work done by day is undone by night, often due to supernatural prohibition. The author suggests that the divinatory subtype of these legends, common in Wales, might be closer to Celtic origins than the transportation subtype, which he sees as an imaginative development. He concludes by noting the popularity of these legends in Scandinavia and their potential geomythic significance.

A pagan Gothic ritual (Alby Stone)

Alby Stone's article examines a pagan Gothic ritual that occurred between 369-72 in Gothic-controlled lands. This period saw a campaign by pagan Goths against their Christian compatriots, instigated by Athanaric, the iudex of the Tervingi. The persecution involved a ritual where victims were offered a choice: return to paganism or face punishment. Those who refused were ordered to do homage and sacrifice to a wooden image placed on a wagon, with their tents being burned if they refused. Stone relates this to the worship of Nerthus, described by Tacitus as 'Mother Earth,' among Germanic tribes, who rode in a chariot and was associated with a period of peace and rejoicing. The article notes that the Goths, who migrated from Sweden, may have adhered to this ancient tradition. The persecution is suggested to be an attempt by Athanaric to rid the tribes of Roman influence or to spite Christian emperors, particularly Emperor Valens.

The fifth direction - sacred centres in Ireland (Bob Trubshaw)

This article, by the editor Bob Trubshaw, appears to explore the concept of 'the fifth direction' in relation to sacred centres in Ireland. While the provided text for this section is limited, the title suggests a focus on geomancy, ley lines, or a spiritual orientation beyond the conventional four cardinal directions, as applied to Irish sacred sites.

Oxhide tales - a worldwide trick (Michael Behrend)

Michael Behrend's contribution discusses 'Oxhide tales,' described as a worldwide trick. This suggests an exploration of a specific type of folklore or legend that involves deception or a clever ruse, possibly related to the use of oxhides in some cultural narratives or practices.

Exploring past and place - where next? (Bob Trubshaw)

Bob Trubshaw's article, the final main piece, poses the question 'where next?' in the context of exploring past and place. This likely serves as a concluding piece, reflecting on the themes of the magazine and suggesting future avenues of research or inquiry into the intersection of history, geography, and human interpretation.

Other Sections

• The glossy pages: This section likely contains visual content, possibly photographs or illustrations related to the articles.
• LETTERS: A forum for reader correspondence.
• ABSTRACTS: Brief summaries of other relevant works or research.
• REVIEWS: Critical assessments of books or other media related to the magazine's themes.

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

The magazine is published quarterly, with subscription details provided for the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. It is noted that payment of a subscription indicates agreement to have subscriber data stored for correspondence purposes. The copyright for articles, illustrations, and photographs is jointly held by the contributor and the editor. Uncredited articles and reviews are by the editor. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor. The magazine is printed in England by Newark Chamber of Commerce.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of historical events and folklore, the influence of ancient beliefs on contemporary understanding, and the exploration of sacred landscapes and rituals. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider new perspectives on established narratives and to engage with the intersection of archaeology, folklore, and mythology. The magazine promotes a scholarly yet accessible approach to these subjects, as evidenced by the detailed articles and the inclusion of academic references.

This issue of "At the Edge" (No. 2, June 1996) focuses on the concept of the 'fifth direction' in Irish cosmology and its manifestation in sacred centres, alongside explorations of ancient ritual practices and mythology.

The Fifth Direction: Sacred Centres in Ireland

Bob Trubshaw's article "The Fifth Direction: Sacred Centres in Ireland" explores the cosmological concept of five directions – north, south, east, west, and 'here' (the centre) – which is fundamental to Irish tradition and other Indo-European cultures. This 'here' is seen as the axis mundi, the Cosmic Axis. The article discusses how this symbolism is reflected in the division of Ireland into 'fifths' (cuigeadh), noting that while there are four political divisions, a fifth region, Midhe (incorporating Tara), held pre-eminent status. The geographical centre at Uisnech is also highlighted as significant, being a focal point for ancient rituals and later Christian monastic sites.

Ritual Perambulations and Divine Vehicles

The issue delves into the tradition of deities and kings being transported in wheeled vehicles. The Icelandic Flateyjarbók recounts a tale of the priestess of Freyr travelling in a wagon, and the Germanic deity Nerthus is described by Tacitus as perambulating in a cart, a practice associated with bringing peace. The article also examines the Vita Caroli, which describes King Childeric III being borne in a cart, and Saxo Grammaticus' account of King Frothi, who travelled in a carriage. These examples suggest a widespread tradition of ritual processions in wheeled vehicles, linking divine ancestry with royal status.

The text also touches upon the Gothic persecution of Christians, referencing the Passion of St Saba the Goth. It questions whether the reluctance of persecutors to use weapons and their use of domestic implements might be linked to a taboo on warfare during ritual perambulations, similar to the peace-procuring aspect of Nerthus' travels. The article suggests that the wagon ritual might have aimed to procure peace among conflicting faiths.

Sacred Geography and Symbolism

The article highlights the sanctity of crossroads, considered magical places for protection and healing, but also sites for penal courts and burials of 'reprobates'. This concept of a central point is further explored through traditional European board games like 'Nine Men's Morris' and 'Hnefatafl', which reflect a 'four-sides-and-centre' form. The history of Tara is presented as complex, with its prestige as a royal centre and its association with the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny) and the 'Mound of the Hostages'. Uisnech is identified as the geographical midpoint and a significant ritual site.

Early Irish Royal Centres and Cosmology

Several early Irish 'royal centres' are discussed, including Navan Fort, Rathcrogan Mound, and Dun Ailinne. These sites, often featuring henges and inauguration trees (bile), are seen as foci for seasonal gatherings, law courts, and political activities, embodying a symbolic tribal focus. The article notes that many of these centres acquired major early Christian neighbours, suggesting a continuity of sacred geography. The layout of the medieval city of Armagh is presented as an example of a five-fold cosmological design.

Ritual Dismemberment

A separate section, "Ritual Dismemberment," by Michael Parker Pearson, discusses the manifestation of cosmological symbolism in Iron Age settlements and cemeteries, suggesting a mental map where east equates to front ('future') and west to back ('past'). It touches upon the practice of allocating a 'champion's portion' in feasts and the mythological concept of ritual dismemberment, where a primeaval giant's body formed the cosmos. This concept is linked to ritual sacrifice and the later evolution into Christian Eucharist rites.

Special Offers

The issue concludes with special offers for readers, including a competition to win copies of Paul Devereux's "Secrets of Ancient and Sacred Places" and discounted copies of Anthony Weir and James Jerman's "Images of Lust." It also announces upcoming subscription rate increases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient cosmologies, particularly the concept of the 'fifth direction' and its significance in sacred geography, and the examination of ritual practices in Germanic and Celtic traditions. The magazine appears to adopt an academic yet accessible approach, drawing on historical texts, archaeological evidence, and mythological studies to interpret ancient beliefs and practices. The editorial stance seems to favour the investigation of less-understood aspects of ancient cultures and their symbolic systems.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.2
Date: June 1996
Publisher: At the Edge
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of 'At the Edge' features a lead article by Michael Behrend titled "OXHIDE TALES a worldwide trick," exploring the global prevalence of a folk narrative concerning land acquisition through deception using an oxhide. The magazine also includes articles on "Celtic heritage and cultural bias," "Cursuses and the emergence of 'social landscapes'," "Watery places," and "Megalithic cosmology."

Oxhide Tales: A Worldwide Trick

Michael Behrend's main article investigates the 'oxhide tale,' a narrative found in many cultures where a trickster obtains land by cutting an oxhide into a single thong to enclose a large area. The story is often told against foreign settlers, with examples cited from Europe (Carthage), Asia, South Africa, North America, and Russia (Moscow). The article focuses on English versions, starting with Geoffrey of Monmouth's account of Hengist and the founding of 'Thong Castle' in Lindsey. It discusses variations in the tale, including those involving Layamon, Hardyng, Fabyan, and later antiquarians like Camden and Stukeley. The location of Thong Castle is debated, with Caistor in Lincolnshire being a primary candidate, though Kent is also mentioned. The article notes that the legend is also associated with Tonge Castle in Shropshire and other sites. It touches upon the potential link between the tale and the origin of place-names and discusses a similar story from Luxor involving Abu'l Haggag. The article also explores possible ritualistic origins of the practice, referencing ancient Indian measures and a ritual in Bechuanaland.

Celtic Heritage and Cultural Bias

Angela Piccini's contribution examines the term 'Celtic' as a broad descriptor for Iron Age cultures. She highlights how archaeological evidence from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland is often presented as a unified "pan-Celtic cultural package." Piccini argues that this presentation can reflect an academic bias towards south and south-east England, as seen in the reconstruction of heritage sites that imitate southern styles.

Neolithic Landscapes and Cosmology

Cursuses and the Emergence of 'Social Landscapes'

Christopher Tilley and Jan Harding explore the significance of cursus monuments. Harding's research, particularly on the Rudston cursuses, suggests they transformed "social landscapes" and may represent early evidence of "group power" embedded in the landscape. These earthworks are seen as symbolizing formal patterns of spatial perception and territorial division, possibly linked to mythical land ownership.

Watery Places

Colin Richards discusses the role of "watery places" in Neolithic henges. He notes that many henges are located on low-lying land or near water sources, suggesting that the ditches of these monuments might have been flooded. Richards proposes that water provided a "natural architecture" for Neolithic henges and was a fundamental element in how people understood their physical world, used for ritual depositions.

Megalithic Cosmology

Jeremy Dronfield's research, featured in The Sunday Times, suggests that motifs in Irish passage-tomb art are linked to entoptic patterns generated by the brain during altered states of consciousness, a concept extended from southern African rock art. Dronfield challenges the idea that megalithic architecture solely symbolizes political power, advocating for socio-religious and cosmological interpretations. He explores the possibility that tunnels in passage tombs might imitate "blue tunnel" entoptics associated with "spirit travel."

The Spirit of Place

Barbara Bender, Sue Hamilton, and Christopher Tilley present findings from a study of Leskernick hill on Bodmin Moor. Their research indicates a prehistoric world where every movement was imbued with ritual. They suggest that natural rocks and structures on the hill were linked to intimate domestic spaces and the broader landscape, creating a "cosmological reiteration."

Iron Age Orientation and Burial Practices

Mike Parker-Pearson's paper on East Yorkshire Iron Age buildings discusses the potential richness of symbolism in domestic structures. His research on Iron Age cemeteries, often located near streams and boundaries, suggests a liminal significance. Parker-Pearson rejects a "social rank" hypothesis for burial differences, focusing instead on grave orientation and accompanying objects. He notes that burials often show a clear mental map where east equated to front, west to back, north to left, and south to right, possibly linked to Indo-European concepts of orientation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'At the Edge' consistently explores the intersection of archaeology, folklore, mythology, and landscape. The editorial stance appears to favor inter-disciplinary approaches and encourages the public to interpret the past, suggesting that "alternative archaeology" has a valid place alongside more traditional academic methods. The magazine promotes a critical engagement with established theories, encouraging readers to consider new interpretations of ancient sites and narratives. There is a recurring emphasis on the symbolic and cosmological dimensions of prehistoric cultures, moving beyond purely materialist explanations. The issue also highlights the importance of place-names and the stories attached to them, as well as the cultural biases that can influence the presentation of historical and archaeological evidence.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.2
Date: June 1996

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine continues its exploration of the overlaps between folklore, mythology, and archaeology, aiming to bridge academic and non-academic approaches. The publication emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and features a range of articles, reviews, and abstracts.

Main Articles and Themes

The 'Seamless Celtic Iron Age' Concept

The article critiques the notion of a 'seamless Celtic iron age,' arguing that the excavated evidence shows significant regional and temporal variety. It suggests that heritage sites, while important for public awareness, sometimes prioritize 'entertainment' over intellectual rigor, presenting a biased view of 'Celticness' that caters to modern cultural narratives.

Majority Missing

This section highlights that the 17th TAG Conference, contrary to a potential impression of being dominated by discussions on neolithic and ritual monuments, actually covered a broad spectrum of topics. The author notes missing out on sessions on gender studies, body politics, art, Mediterranean prehistory, Irish archaeology, and modern material culture, indicating the diverse interests within the field.

Where Next?

This piece reflects on the direction of theoretical archaeology. It suggests a shift towards addressing 'day-to-day' issues of the past and embracing interdisciplinary studies, particularly those involving cognition and how the brain perceives external events. The author draws parallels between academic trends and the 'non-academic fringe,' noting that 'At the Edge' itself aims to reflect this broad range of interests.

Jargon-Busting Definitions

Bob Trubshaw provides definitions for three terms: 'liminal' (relating to boundaries or thresholds, physical, political, or mythical), 'cognitive science' (the study of how the brain perceives and conceives external events, linking psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and anthropology), and 'cosmology' (the scientific quest for the origins of the universe and the way the mind imposes symbolic order on the physical world). The article notes that these terms are becoming 'jargon' as academics increasingly engage with these fields.

Letters and Correspondence

From Dr Mark Patton: Corrects an entry regarding La Hougue Bie, stating that no traces of opium or cannabis resin were found. He clarifies his research on entoptic imagery in passage graves and its potential link to the religious use of narcotic substances, emphasizing that the hypothesis remains unproven without material analysis.

From Dr Ronald Hutton: Appointed Professor of British History, he comments on the magazine's aim to integrate mainstream and alternative scholarship. He cautions against the idea that peer-review inhibits innovation, arguing that the academic world often abandons promising research for novelty and radicalism, while solid work can lead to relegation.

From Henry Ford: Discusses the term 'chariot,' noting its various definitions and suggesting that its use in historical texts does not provide definitive dating information.

Abstracts

This section summarizes recent archaeological findings and research:

• Pit constellations: Excavations at Schagen-Muggenburg, Netherlands, revealed 57 pits dated to c.AD 300, with patterns of cattle, horse, and dog bones, and human artifacts, matching the constellations Taurus, Pegasus, Canis Major, and Orion.
• Ancient Egyptians worshipped simulacra: New research suggests that some New Kingdom Egyptian temples are situated under rock-faces with human features.
• Sacred geography conference papers: Summaries of contributions from The Ley Hunter's Core Moot, including papers on monuments, materiality, modernity, cognitive interpretations of the environment, prospect/refuge theory, holy hills, and magnetic anomalies at megalithic sites.
• Head cult in Roman temple: A pit dated to around AD 190 at St Albans contained a teenage boy's skull with cut marks, suggesting ritualistic practices.
• Bronze age axes as tjurunga: A suggestion that Irish early bronze age axes may have been intended as sacred gift objects, drawing parallels with Australian tjurunga traditions.
• One Celts or many?: The debate on Celtic ethnicity is paralleled with how modern Australian indigenous people trace their ethnic identity.
• When is a rubbish tip a ritual site?: A large late Bronze Age and early Iron Age 'rubbish tip' on Salisbury Plain, measuring over 200m across with 65,000 m³ of deposits, is being surveyed and may represent a ritual site.
• East Chisenbury: ritual and rubbish: Analysis of deposits at East Chisenbury suggests 'massive remains of feasting activity' rather than typical 'midden' deposits.
• Romans invaded Ireland: Evidence from Drumanagh suggests Roman involvement in Ireland from AD 79 to 138, possibly as a military 'beach head' or Roman town.
• Romans did not invade Ireland: A response argues that while Ireland had extensive contact with the Roman world, Drumanagh does not necessarily indicate a military invasion.
• Neolithic concerts: The discovery of a 45,000-year-old flute with Neanderthal remains suggests Neanderthals were intellectually closer to Homo sapiens.
• Vikings v. Columbus: A 1965-discovered map of Newfoundland, initially dismissed as a forgery, may be genuine, suggesting Norse explorers reached the New World 50 years before Columbus.
• Stonehenge used for 1400 years: New dating techniques suggest Stonehenge's construction phases occurred between c.2950 BC and 2300 BC, with continuous use for about 1400 years until 1600 BC.
• Latvian goddesses: An article highlights the distinct cosmology and deities of Latvian religion, as recorded in Dainas.
• Cerne Abbas Giant a stripling: The dating of the Cerne Abbas hill figure is questioned, with no references found before the seventeenth century.
• Harrows and wigs: Explores the Old English words for 'heathen temple/shrine' and their potential links to other OE words.
• Odin gets an outing: Discusses the Old English word 'ergi' and its implications for North European religion and shamanic sexual ambiguity.
• Neo-medievalism for boyz: A brief mention of a pagan newsletter for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals that includes an article on 'neo-medievalism.'

Reviews

• CELTIC SACRED LANDSCAPES by Nigel Pennick: Reviewed by Bob Trubshaw. The book offers a broad overview of themes like sacred trees, stones, wells, and mountains, with a country-by-country gazetteer. While acknowledging its superficiality on individual themes, the reviewer praises its accessibility, author's drawings, and attractive price.
• PAGANISM IN ARTHURIAN ROMANCE by John Darrah: Reviewed by Alby Stone. The book explores the pagan roots of Arthurian romance, linking it to seasonal cycles, British paganism, and specific landscapes. The reviewer notes its reliance on Frazer's 'Golden Bough' as a theoretical base, suggesting it could benefit from more modern anthropological approaches, but finds it otherwise interesting and well-argued.
• MYTHIC IRELAND by Michael Dames: Reviewed by Bob Trubshaw. This paperback edition is praised for bringing together Irish folklore, tradition, and specific places. The reviewer highlights its accessible and stimulating manner, contrasting it with Dames' earlier, more personal insight-based works, and calling it a 'solidly factual work.'
• CHILTERN ARCHAEOLOGY: Recent work - a handbook for the next decade (ed. Robin Holdate): Reviewed by Bob Trubshaw. This handbook compiles 24 articles on the archaeology of the Chiltern region. It is noted for its comprehensive overview of early prehistoric to medieval eras and specific excavations. The review points out the lack of synthesis in modern field archaeology due to 'rescue' work and competitive tendering, but commends Luton Museum Service for their efforts. The reviewer hopes for a follow-up volume and suggests improvements in typography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'At the Edge' consistently seeks to bridge the gap between academic and non-academic perspectives on archaeology, mythology, and folklore. The magazine champions interdisciplinary approaches, particularly in areas like cognitive science and cosmology, and provides a platform for both established scholars and independent researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging debate and the exploration of unconventional ideas, while also critically examining established concepts and methodologies within archaeology. The inclusion of abstracts from various sources and detailed book reviews demonstrates a commitment to informing readers about the latest developments and diverse interpretations in the field. The magazine also implicitly critiques the limitations imposed by funding structures and academic pressures on in-depth research and synthesis.

Title: At the Edge
Issue: No.2
Date: June 1996

This issue of 'At the Edge' magazine features a collection of book reviews and information relevant to its subtitle, 'Exploring new interpretations of past and place in archaeology, folklore and mythology'. The cover highlights a selection of current titles from Heart of Albion Press.

Book Reviews

Chauvet Cave: The discovery of the world's oldest paintings

This review discusses the book published by Thames and Hudson in 1996, detailing the discovery of prehistoric cave paintings in the Ardèche region of southern France by Jean Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel Deschamps, and Christian Hillaire. The book, featuring nearly 100 reproduced paintings, provides first-hand accounts and provisional evaluations. The paintings are considered genuinely prehistoric, with some dating from around 29,000 BC, and others from 24,500 BC and 22,000 BC, indicating multiple periods of use. The review notes the absence of 'entoptic' patterns but highlights a 'man-animal' motif. It concludes that the book is well-produced and offers clear illustrations with a non-technical assessment of the archaeology, fulfilling its role of presenting the discovery.

Secret Signs, Symbols and Sigils by Nigel Pennick

Reviewed by Bob Trubshaw, this book from Capall Bann (1996) is praised for its content but criticized for a title that doesn't fully describe its scope. While it contains examples of signs, symbols, and sigils, the explanatory text covers a wide range of topics including the Cosmic Axis, the Tree of Life, witches' brooms, hobby horses, crossroads, labyrinths, and maypoles. The reviewer notes that some of the material has appeared in Pennick's privately-published pamphlets. The first four chapters are described as overly esoteric, but the remaining seventeen are informative. The book is seen as a valuable contribution, compressing much original research into inspirational text.

Meet the Dragon: An introduction to Beowulf's adversary by Bill Griffiths

This review by Bob Trubshaw covers a booklet from Heart of Albion Press (1996). The book addresses the questions surrounding the dragon's origin and meaning, particularly in the context of Beowulf. It notes the dragon's persistent presence in global mythology, sometimes as a harbinger of good fortune, sometimes as evil. Griffiths explores human revulsion towards being eaten, the relationship between dragons and the dead, and the Christian notion of the dragon as a manifestation of Satan. The review suggests that the book's scope is ambitious for its size, leading to a 'slanted' work that could have benefited from a more focused approach on Beowulf's dragon. Despite this, it is considered an entertaining read and excellent value.

Yggdrasill: L'Axe de Vie des Anceins Nordiques by Arnaud d'Apremont

Reviewed by Steve Pollington, this French-language booklet from Editions de Janvier 1995 is described as a clear and comprehensive introduction to the Tree of Life in northern traditions. Despite the reviewer's limited French, the clarity of d'Apremont's writing makes the ideas accessible. The book discusses alternative names for Yggdrasil, the axis mundi symbol, its links to runes, Odin, Irıminșul, and other related themes. The reviewer praises the booklet's scope and depth, noting that it makes suggestions and interpretations that provoke thought. It is considered a most useful contribution to the study of mythology.

Notes for Contributors

This section outlines the guidelines for submitting articles and letters to 'At the Edge'. Contributions should relate to the magazine's subtitle, have not been published elsewhere, and ideally not exceed 3000 words (exceptionally up to 5000). Contributors are asked to write for general readers and avoid jargon. The editor offers assistance with copyright matters. References must be clearly indicated and formatted consistently. Submissions can be made on disc (ASCII or Word for Windows compatible) or as clear typescript. Published contributions become the joint copyright of the author and the editor. Contributors receive a free one-year subscription for published articles.

Arnaud d'Apremont and IRMIN

Arnaud d'Apremont is identified as the 'front man' for IRMIN (Institut de Recherche sur la Mythologie et l'Identite Nordiques). IRMIN publishes a quarterly magazine called 'Irmin', which serves as a forum for academic and amateur contributors. Subscribers also receive 'OR Briefing'. Details for IRMIN are provided.

Heart of Albion Press Titles

This section lists a selection of current titles available from Heart of Albion Press, including:

• MEET THE DRAGON - AN INTRODUCTION TO BEOWULF'S ADVERSARY by Bill Griffiths
• DRAGON SLAYING MYTHS ANCIENT AND MODERN by Bob Trubshaw
• THE QUESTING BEAST AND OTHER COSMIC DISMEMBERMENTS by Alby Stone
• TRADITIONAL BRITISH HONEY DRINKS by Francis Beswick
• TRADITIONAL CIDER DRINKS by Francis Beswick
• LITTLE-KNOWN LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND by Bob Trubshaw
• LITTLE-KNOWN LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND - THE HYPERTEXT by Bob Trubshaw
• GARGOYLES AND GROTESQUE CARVINGS IN LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND - A COLLECTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS by Bob Trubshaw
• VESTIGES OF PAGANISM IN LEICESTERSHIRE by C.J. Billson
• MAYDAY IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE by Frank Earp
• HISTORIC WELLS IN AND AROUND BRADFORD by Val Shepherd
• CIRCLES, STONE STONES AND LEGENDARY ROCKS OF WEST YORKSHIRE by Paul Bennett

Information on how to send for a full catalogue and details on UK post and packing are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'At the Edge' appears to focus on alternative interpretations of history, archaeology, folklore, and mythology, with a particular interest in northern traditions and paganism. The reviews highlight books that delve into ancient art, symbolism, mythology, and local folklore. The editorial stance encourages scholarly yet accessible writing, welcoming contributions that explore new perspectives on these subjects. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting related publications and fostering a community of interest through its 'Notes for Contributors' section.