Synopsis:
Hellebore is a poisonous plant that has the power of altering perception, and it’s thought to be one of the main ingredients for the witches’ flying ointment. Associated with the water element, it is known for opening up portals to the Underworld and the subconscious.
Hellebore is a collection of writings and essays devoted to British folk horror and the themes that inspire it: folklore, myth, history, archaeology, psychogeography, witches & the occult.
The Sacrifice issue examines the role of human sacrifice in folk horror. From The Wicker Man to Blood on Satan’s Claw. Delve into a world of witchcraft, megalithic monuments, and pagan survivals in hidden rural areas.
Featuring words by Ronald Hutton, Katy Soar, Verity Holloway, David Southwell (Hookland), Dee Dee Chainey, Mercedes Miller, John Reppion, and Maria J. Pérez Cuervo. Artwork by Paul Watson and Eli John.
My Thoughts:
For starters, this zine is right up my alley. All things occult, as well as any and all things folk horror-related are utterly fascinating to me. Added to that, I love reading things like scholarly articles and essays.
This issue contains an editorial, The Bones of the Land by Katy Soar, Eye of New and Toe of Frog by Dee Dee Chainey, From His Blood the Crops Would Spring by editor Maria J. Pérez Cuervo, an interview with Ronald Hutton, The Bodies in the Bog by John Reppion, The Ritual of the Hearts by Mercedes Miller, The King of Terrors by Verity Holloway, and Re-Enchantment is Resistance by David Southwell.
The Bones of the Land by Katy Soar
The Bones of the Land deals with stone circles and megaliths, which I like many others find absolutely fascinating. This well researched piece looks at the origins of all the many stories linking these structures to human sacrifice.
Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog by Dee Dee Chainey
Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog gives us a look at the use of animals in magic and folk medicine throughout history.
From His Blood the Crops Would Spring by Maria J. Pérez Cuervo
From His Blood the Crops Would Spring discusses folk horror through a Victorian lens.
Interview with Prof. Ronald Hutton
The Ronald Hutton interview is fascinating because in it, the renowned professor discusses the roots of folk horror. If you are unfamiliar with his work, I would suggest giving it a look. He is a historian who has written loads of books on topics of Early Modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion and Contemporary Paganism.
The Bodies in the Bog by John Reppion
The Bodies in the Bog deals with, well, bog bodies. We all love bog bodies, amirite?
The Ritual of the Hearts by Mercedes Miller
The Ritual of the Hearts looks at the occult influences in M.R. James’ Lost Hearts (a late 19th century British ghost story, if you’re unfamiliar).
The King of Terrors by Verity Holloway
The King of Terrors is a fascinating exploration of a formerly lost Medieval Doom Painting in East Anglia.
and lastly,
Re-Enchantment by David Southwell
Re-Enchantment is Resistance is perhaps the most culturally relevant in the here and now, and looks at the “political meaning of landscape and the role of folklore in fighting fascism.”
Edit at the last moment to add – the art in here is also incredible. It’s done by Paul Watson (@lazcorp on Instagram), and it’s just lovely. That cover is 🔥
Rating:
I loved this zine. I’m really glad I bought the other two issues, and I can’t wait to read them! Hellebore ships from overseas, so I will definitely want to take advantage of bundles in the future (I didn’t this time, as it wasn’t available when I grabbed the first two) as the cost of shipping to the US is crazy!
You can purchase all three issues of Hellebore directly from the zine’s website here.
Hellebore #1: The Sacrifice Issue Edited by: Maria J. Pérez Cuervo Hellebore Zine Published: October 31, 2019 Zine 68 Pages Website
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