Herba Mythica

Stories about healing herbs and the deities associated with them

Herba Mythica is a compendium of myths, legends and folk tales celebrating the power of herbs and plants, from a range of different contributors from across the world of storytelling.

Stories are spells. Healers have long recognised the need to travel to psychic realms, from heaven to Hesperides, to effect cures. Ancient medicinal manuscripts pair myth and magical incantation with instruction on how to dig up roots, make salves and concoct tinctures.

Herba Mythica draws on this tradition and is a handbook for story-lovers and herbalists alike. Acclaimed storytellers from around the world choose plants that reflect their heritage or specialism, and notes on plant origins, symbolism and healing properties complement each tale.

Mythology suggests that every bush, every flower is a deity who mirrors the healing action of the plant: Hecate is the hypnotic Poppy, Osiris the oracular Laurel and Tara the regenerative Lotus. And in folk tales, there are Willow fathers, Hawthorn mothers and brides who marry trees.

Throughout, Sherry Robinson’s characterful drawings capture the light and shade of each plant, reminding us of their power to kill or cure.