Fungi, folkways and fairy tales: mushrooms & mildews in stories, remedies & rituals, from Oberon to the Internet

Abstract

Fungi are manifest in a multiplicity of folktales and fairy tales, and in folk remedies and rituals. They appear as foods, poisons, diseases, decorations, dyes or tinder, and even in insults, compliments, graffiti and video games. These and other impacts of fungi on folkways are here concisely reviewed under categories likely to interest professional and amateur mycologists and accessible to the lay reader. The evolution of popular perceptions of fungi is sketched from Shakespearean times through contemporary European and American cultures. Provided are specific instances of how different cultures utilized or avoided fungi, responded to fungal diseases of crops or humans, or viewed fungi in the context of popular belief, superstition or religion. Catalogue Resume: Introduction. From Shakespeare through the Victorian Era: Fungi in the Shakespearean perspective and the folkways of western Europe; Fungi and folkways in eastern Europe; Fungi and the fairy faith in Celtic countries; Fungi and witches; Persistence of beliefs about witches and fungi into more modern times; Fungi and miraculous tales (including Märchen, Wonder Tales); Protection of agricultural crops against fungal plant diseases; The Victorian re-crafting of the image of fairies and their relation to fungi; Body parts and pixie farts. Folkways in late nineteenth and twentieth century Europe and America: Mushroom collecting as a context for folktales and folk belief; Folkways of mushroom hunting; Love and enchantment; Illumination and contamination. Traditional folkways transplanted to North America: Mycophilic and mycophobic immigrant groups; Fungi in song and story; Fungi in healing and ritual. Fungi in folkways for healing and prevention: Teas, infusions, diet; Poultices; Styptics; Other applications and afflictions; Miscellaneous medicinal uses for lichens. Other uses: Color and tinder; Potpourri et cetera. Impact of fungal imagery on Victorian and modern literature: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry; 'Toadstool' as an invective in propaganda and journalism. Neopaganism, urban legends and more: Santa and psychedelics; Modern witches, neopagans and retro-fairies; Magic mushrooms used to explain world religions and higher consciousness; Fungal funnies, graffiti and urban legends. Conclusions and postscript. Acknowledgements. Literature cited.