Folklore Frontiers - No 047

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 47
Date: September 2004
Publisher: Paul Screeton

FOLKLORE FRONTIERS is an independent magazine dedicated to exploring various aspects of folklore, with a particular emphasis on urban belief tales, ancient and modern traditions, and contemporary culture. Edited and published by Paul Screeton, the magazine is based at 5 Egton Drive, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, TS25 2AT. Subscriptions for three issues are priced at £6, payable to P. Screeton. Contact information is provided via email at [email protected].

Cover Features

The cover of issue No. 47 prominently features the magazine's title and issue number. It includes a large image of a woman in a bikini top and a smaller inset image of a figure in historical costume. Bullet points on the cover highlight key articles: "Knightley of the Round Table," "Snakebite junkies," and "Usual features." A cartoon depicts King Arthur struggling with an Ikea table, with a caption suggesting it would be easier to find the Holy Grail.

Articles and Content

The Diary

The "Diary" section opens with a reflection on the writing of Danny Baker, particularly a piece from The Times that the editor found useful for reference. This leads into an anecdote about a 71-year-old plumber, Frank Benson, who was fined £100 for not being in proper control of his van after making V-signs at a speed camera. Benson claimed the gesture originated from the Battle of Agincourt, a claim the editor finds amusingly mythologised.

Another diary entry discusses John Burns winning the World Black Pudding Championship in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, after beating 300 contestants by hurling black puddings at Yorkshire puddings. The practice is linked to the Wars of the Roses.

The editor also mentions giving space to the Prison Service's head honcho to reply to a previous item.

Celebrity and Culture

David Beckham's Tattoos: The magazine delves into David Beckham's tattoos, referencing a Sunday Telegraph article that compared his winged motif to styles preferred by football hooligans, prison warders, and violent skinheads. The article notes the press's varied reactions and includes a reference to a review of Beckham's body art.

Jemima Lewis and Mariah Carey: A column by Jemima Lewis in the Sunday Telegraph is discussed, where she mused on West African starvation and a rumour about Mariah Carey envying the waistline of starving children. The editor questions Carey's empathy, citing instances where she confused public figures and her own reported personal struggles.

Contemporary Legends: The magazine explores contemporary legends, citing examples like supermarket queues always being longer and the Flavr-Savr tomato story. Robert Matthews is mentioned for his work on urban myths, including the Flavr-Savr tomato tale, which claimed mad scientists combined an ordinary tomato with a frost-protection gene from a fish, a story that persisted despite being untrue and harming the product's commercial success.

Archery and the V-Sign Myth: An article titled "Archery explodes myth of two-digit salute" debunks the popular story that the V-sign originated from the French cutting off the bow fingers of English archers at Agincourt. An archery instructor explains that the V-sign is not used in archery and that the legend is historically inaccurate.

Prison Service Response: A letter from Phil Wheatley, Director General of HM Prison Service, expresses dismay at a Sunday Telegraph article that paired "prison warders" with "football hooligans and violent skinheads" in relation to David Beckham's tattoo. Wheatley states the reference was gratuitous, puerile, and offensive, damaging the professional reputation of the Prison Service.

Beckham's Body Art: Another piece examines David Beckham's extensive tattoos, describing them as a "winged motif" and noting the various styles and languages used. It humorously suggests that his tattoo collection might take longer to read than novels.

Knightley of the Round Table

This article by Paul Screeton examines the historical and mythical interpretations of King Arthur, particularly in light of the 2004 film 'King Arthur' produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It discusses various theories, including Arthur being a Celtic chieftain, a figure from romantic medieval poetry, or a post-imperial hero. The article focuses on the Sarmatian theory, which posits Arthur was a leader of Sarmatian mercenaries sent by the Romans to Britain around 150 A.D. This theory is linked to figures like Lucius Artorius Castus and Michael Wood's research. The article also touches on the scholarly debate surrounding Arthurian historicity and critiques of the film's portrayal of Guinevere by academics and critics.

Keira Knightley's Role in 'King Arthur'

The article extensively discusses actress Keira Knightley's portrayal of Guinevere in the film 'King Arthur'. It highlights her preparation, including intense physical training, and her comments on the historical accuracy of the film's costumes, particularly the Pictish women's alleged practice of cutting off left boobs. Knightley's views on her body image, her career choices (including 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Dr. Zhivago'), and her willingness to perform explicit scenes are detailed. The piece notes her public image and how she was chosen for roles based on her appearance.

Venomous Acts & Other Crazes

This section, also by Paul Screeton, explores a series of unusual and often dangerous "crazes" and folklore-related phenomena.

Snakebite Crazes: The article recounts a report from Langbaurgh where youths were allegedly tormenting adders to get venom for a drug-induced high, playing "viper roulette." A similar, more recent incident involved inmates in a New South Wales prison breeding redback spiders to milk their venom for injection.

Reptile Venom and Diabetes: A potential breakthrough in diabetes treatment is mentioned, stemming from research into gila monster venom. A synthetic version of a hormone found in the venom shows promise in controlling type 2 diabetes.

Dung Sniffing and Ritalin Use: The article references a dubious tale from 1995 about youngsters sniffing cow dung for a high. It also notes a contemporary craze at St Andrews University where students were crushing and inhaling Ritalin for study sessions and exams.

Alcohol Consumption Crazes: Several novel methods of alcohol consumption are described: "Alcohol without Liquid" machines, and "eye-shots" involving pouring alcohol into the eyes, often using cinnamon-flavoured Aftershock.

Sex Crazes: A list of sexual practices is presented, including "Tossing the Salad," "Rainbow Parties," "Toothing" (inspired by Bluetooth technology), "Intexicated" (texting former lovers after drinking), and "Lesbian French Kissing." The article also mentions "Double Bungee Jumping" in Australia where couples have sex while jumping.

Alphabet Spaghetti: A campus game where undergraduates use pasta stuck to their bums to form words is described.

Pokemon Calling Cards: A variation of the Pokemon craze in London involved swapping prostitutes' calling cards.

Pubic Grooming: A trend among female clubbers involved having their pubic hair groomed to resemble beards and faces of famous stars, sponsored by whiskey brands.

Lawn Mower Racing: The sport of lawn mower racing, where machines are souped up to 60mph, is mentioned.

Boots-only Hiking: A craze in the UK where nude men hike wearing only hats, boots, and rucksacks.

New and Old Traditions: The article concludes by looking at longer-lived traditions, such as Brighton's "Burning of the Clocks" festival and solstice celebrations at Iron Age sites, suggesting paganism remains close to the surface in British culture.

Alien Big Cats and Mystery Sightings

Reports of "alien big cats" (exotic felids) are mentioned, with sightings of black panthers and pumas along preserved railway lines in the UK. Experts suggest these animals use railway lines as wildlife havens. Additionally, a giant creature resembling a "raptor-bird" with a large wingspan was reportedly sighted near Alaska.

Rural Round-up

This section compiles various peculiar incidents:

• A sheep was run over by a car in County Durham.
• A snake popped out of a toaster in Hove, East Sussex.
• A family in Yerevan used eight fluorescent eels in a bucket of water to light their flat due to electricity shortages.
• Villagers in Wookey, Somerset, buried musical birthday cards to drive off moles.
• A golfer in South Africa hit a hippopotamus, which then chased him.
• Two foxes were observed mating during a hunt.
• A "raptor-bird" was sighted near Alaska.
• A bat disrupted a theatre rehearsal for a play about Dracula.

Hamster-Skin Coats and Other Anecdotes

An anecdote about hamster-skin coats sold in Scotland is presented, followed by a joke about a hamster dying in its cage. A cartoon depicts a man at a pet shop, and another cartoon references a farmer's field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of folklore, belief, and contemporary culture, often highlighting unusual, bizarre, or debunked phenomena. There is a clear interest in urban legends, historical myths, and the stranger aspects of human behaviour and societal trends. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical observation, often debunking popular myths (like the V-sign origin) while also documenting and sometimes humorously presenting contemporary crazes and beliefs. The magazine seems to value well-researched, albeit sometimes speculative, content, with a particular focus on British culture and events, but also drawing from international examples. The editor, Paul Screeton, actively engages with the material, offering personal anecdotes and critical commentary.