Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland by Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde

Description

Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland is a book by Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde (pen name “Speranza”), first published in 1887. This richly illustrated folktale collection draws from Ireland’s oral traditions, weaving together fairy lore, charms, healing practices, saintly legends, and rural superstitions. It includes material on banshees, leprechauns, changelings, holy wells, and herb cures—offering a vibrant picture of Irish cultural identity at the turn of the 20th century. Lady Wilde, mother of Oscar Wilde, was a committed cultural nationalist who helped preserve Irish folklore during the Celtic Revival, ensuring the “legends have a peculiar and special value as coming direct from the national heart”. With affectionate, scholarly attention, she documented both pagan roots and Christian influences embedded in Ireland’s folk memory.

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