In this enchanting new book, one of the country's most celebrated storytellers has gathered together traditional tales which have their roots in the deep cold and long, dark nights of midwinter. The collection includes tales acquired from more than thirty years studying and taking part in ancient seasonal customs, and discovering the folk tales intrinsically linked to those customs, such as the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels (Devon), the Viking 'Up Helly Aa' (Shetland), and the Haxey Hood Game (Lincolnshire). This is a book to curl up with in front of an open fire on long winter nights.