Audrey Wheelock

Senior Project Advisor

Lori Martindale

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Keywords

tapestry, folklore, myth, Erlking

Abstract

This project contains two components: a research element and an artistic component. The research element examines how folklore and mythology stories evolve over time. As a deep dive of this phenomena, several versions of the folkloric story the Erlking are explored and compared. The basic story of the Erlking is a fae creature or malevolent elf luring humans into the forest and killing or trapping them. Similar themes and story elements across versions are discussed, as well as their implications for the larger narrative surrounding the Erlking. Particular emphasis is given to Goethe's 1782 poem version of Der Erlkonig and Angela Carter's 1979 short story the Erlking. Visual depictions of the Erlking story are also discussed, including paintings, engravings, and charcoal sketches. Commonalities from all these versions of the story are compiled and used to inspire a new tapestry depiction of the story. The project includes a photograph of that tapestry, as well as an artist statement elaborating on various artistic choices made.

Department

Honors

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Tapestry; Folklore; Mythology; Fairies

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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