Seed Talks

Why were people in medieval Britain so fascinated by ghosts and spirits? And what did these stories really mean? With Q&A.

Medieval writings are full of ghosts, demons, and strange beings said to haunt forests, rivers, and villages. These stories weren’t just for entertainment. They helped people make sense of death, fear, and the unknown. They also reflected tensions between old pagan beliefs and newer Christian ideas, as well as the risks of life beyond the safety of the village.

In this talk, we’ll explore how supernatural stories shaped the way people understood their world, and how they were used to support or challenge religious and social authority. Looking back at these beliefs helps us see how fear and storytelling have always been part of human life.

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Speaker Bio:

Dr Jennifer Farrell is a lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and History at the University of Exeter, specialising in the medieval supernatural. Her research focuses on topics including prophecy, magic, demons, and Arthurian literature. She studies how supernatural beliefs shaped culture and understanding in Western Europe during the high and late Middle Ages (c. 1000–1500). She has published work on medieval prophecy and fairies, exploring their role in history and literature. She is currently working on a book on Geoffrey of Monmouth and the origins of the Arthurian legends.

Venue: Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix