Folk horror is a subgenre of horror that draws its terror from rural landscapes, pagan traditions, and ancient folklore. Unlike urban horror, which relies on modern fears like technology or societal collapse, folk horror taps into the eerie and often forgotten beliefs of the past. These films frequently explore themes of isolation, superstition, and the lingering power of old gods, making them deeply connected to local mythologies.
The Roots of Folk Horror in Mythology
Folk horror films are often rooted in regional legends, pre-Christian rituals, and oral traditions passed down through generations. Many of these stories were originally cautionary tales, warning against the dangers of nature, the supernatural, or the consequences of breaking ancient taboos.
Some key mythological influences in folk horror include:
- Celtic & British Folklore – Stories of witches, fairies, and land spirits (like The Wicker Man and A Field in England).
- Scandinavian Legends – Tales of trolls, Norse deities, and winter spirits (seen in The Ritual and Midsommar).
- Slavic Mythology – Creatures like Baba Yaga and forest demons (Viy, The Witch: Subversion).
- Native American Lore – Wendigos, skinwalkers, and vengeful nature spirits (Antlers, The Wendigo).
Classic Folk Horror Films and Their Mythological Inspirations
1. The Wicker Man (1973) – Pagan Sacrifice & May Day Rituals
Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man is one of the most iconic folk horror films, centering on a remote island where the inhabitants practice Celtic paganism. The film draws from real historical theories about human sacrifice in Druidic cultures, as well as British folk traditions like the May Day festival. The climax, featuring a giant wicker effigy, mirrors ancient accounts by Julius Caesar describing Celtic rituals.
2. Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971) – Demonic Possession & Witch Trials
Set in 18th-century England, this film blends folk horror with demonic possession. The story reflects the fear of witchcraft that permeated rural communities, inspired by real witch trials and folk beliefs about cursed land. The idea of a demonic entity influencing villagers echoes old superstitions about the Devil walking the English countryside.
3. Midsommar (2019) – Swedish Paganism & Harvest Festivals
Ari Aster’s Midsommar takes inspiration from Scandinavian midsummer celebrations, blending them with a sinister cult. The film incorporates elements of Norse mythology, such as the May Queen tradition and runic magic, while also referencing real-life Swedish folklore about inbreeding and hidden pagan communities.
4. The Witch (2015) – New England Folklore & Puritan Fears
Robert Eggers’ The Witch is steeped in 17th-century Puritan superstitions and colonial folklore. The film uses authentic period dialogue and references real witch trial accounts. The goat Black Philip is a direct nod to folkloric beliefs in demonic familiars, while the woods symbolize the unknown terrors that early settlers feared.
Why Folk Horror Resonates Today
Folk horror continues to thrive because it speaks to universal fears:
- The Fear of the Unknown – Rural landscapes and ancient traditions feel alien yet hauntingly familiar.
- Loss of Identity – Modernity clashes with archaic beliefs, creating tension.
- Nature’s Revenge – Many folk horror films suggest that nature itself is vengeful, a theme that resonates in an era of climate change.
Conclusion
Folk horror films are more than just scary stories—they are cultural artifacts that preserve and reinterpret local mythologies. By weaving ancient legends into modern cinema, they remind us that the past is never truly buried. Whether through pagan rituals, cursed lands, or forgotten deities, folk horror keeps the old myths alive, ensuring that the whispers of the past continue to unsettle us in the present.