Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell by Robin Melrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Robin Melrose’s Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell explores the deep origins of British folklore. Instead of retelling myths, Melrose uncovers where these stories began—and why they mattered. He argues that many figures, from black dogs to King Arthur, come from ancient belief systems. These tales aren’t just spooky or entertaining; they once carried spiritual meaning.
The Details
The book covers fairies, ghosts, legendary kings, and hellish hounds. Fairies appear as powerful nature spirits, not the tiny winged beings from fairy tales. Ghosts reflect old beliefs about death and the soul. King Arthur, often seen as a heroic leader, may have roots in ancient gods. Melrose connects spectral hounds to death deities and underworld guardians.
The writing is clear but leans academic. Chapters follow a careful structure, with deep dives into history, language, and mythology. It’s not light reading. But for those curious about the origins of British stories, the book offers rich material.
Melrose shows how old beliefs survived in new forms. Pagan gods became saints or spirits. Folk tales carried traces of ancient rituals. His analysis of language helps reveal these hidden links. Some claims, like Arthur’s divine origins, feel bold. But they’re grounded in solid comparisons and cultural context.
Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell does focus mostly on early history. It doesn’t explore how folklore evolved in the modern era. Still, that focus feels deliberate. Melrose wants readers to look backward—to the myths and beliefs that came long before written records.
The Verdict
Fairies Ghosts King Arthur and Hounds from Hell is best for readers who enjoy myth, history, or linguistics. It may not suit casual readers, but it rewards those looking for depth. Melrose offers a fresh view of British folklore—one where ancient gods still whisper beneath familiar tales.
