Helen Lundström Erwin
@helenerwin.bsky.social
Novelist in the Metaverse Historical Fiction inspired by political movements and resistance.
Historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
Virtual World inspired by Women's History
https://helenerwin.com
Historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
Virtual World inspired by Women's History
https://helenerwin.com
It was said that Näcken's footprints near a river would burn you if you stepped on them. But playing a harp near it would draw him out, neutralizing the danger.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 11:34 AM
It was said that Näcken's footprints near a river would burn you if you stepped on them. But playing a harp near it would draw him out, neutralizing the danger.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social
Rå was forced out of her village when people understood who she was. But she hid in the woods, spying.
One day she saw her mother walking straight-backed between the buildings. It was the last time she saw her. -The Lure of Water and Wood
Art by Mark Hoyle #HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Mythology
One day she saw her mother walking straight-backed between the buildings. It was the last time she saw her. -The Lure of Water and Wood
Art by Mark Hoyle #HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Mythology
November 9, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Rå was forced out of her village when people understood who she was. But she hid in the woods, spying.
One day she saw her mother walking straight-backed between the buildings. It was the last time she saw her. -The Lure of Water and Wood
Art by Mark Hoyle #HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Mythology
One day she saw her mother walking straight-backed between the buildings. It was the last time she saw her. -The Lure of Water and Wood
Art by Mark Hoyle #HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Mythology
First, I'm impressed that I'm able to run up hills like these.
Second notice the beautiful old style fence of Howell Farm.
#HowellFarm
Second notice the beautiful old style fence of Howell Farm.
#HowellFarm
November 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
First, I'm impressed that I'm able to run up hills like these.
Second notice the beautiful old style fence of Howell Farm.
#HowellFarm
Second notice the beautiful old style fence of Howell Farm.
#HowellFarm
They said that Näcken could transform into a horse, to bäckahästen (the brook horse.) His back would lengthen, enticing people to ride him. He would never stop. Round and round it went, stopping only to let more people on.
#FolkloreThursday #SwedishFolklore
#FolkloreThursday #SwedishFolklore
November 6, 2025 at 11:51 AM
They said that Näcken could transform into a horse, to bäckahästen (the brook horse.) His back would lengthen, enticing people to ride him. He would never stop. Round and round it went, stopping only to let more people on.
#FolkloreThursday #SwedishFolklore
#FolkloreThursday #SwedishFolklore
Burning all women who had been accused of witchcraft alive, is an exaggeration. Usually people were hung or beheaded first.
In Sweden, 300 people were executed during the major part of the witch trials. One woman was burned alive. Her name was Malin Matsdotter.
#History #Herstory #Witchtrials
In Sweden, 300 people were executed during the major part of the witch trials. One woman was burned alive. Her name was Malin Matsdotter.
#History #Herstory #Witchtrials
November 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Burning all women who had been accused of witchcraft alive, is an exaggeration. Usually people were hung or beheaded first.
In Sweden, 300 people were executed during the major part of the witch trials. One woman was burned alive. Her name was Malin Matsdotter.
#History #Herstory #Witchtrials
In Sweden, 300 people were executed during the major part of the witch trials. One woman was burned alive. Her name was Malin Matsdotter.
#History #Herstory #Witchtrials
Came upon this old ruin in Kennedy Park in Lenox Massachusetts.
Time. A home crumbles leaving just the foundations while nature takes over. But someone lived here once. They never pictured families passing by their home, wondering, seeing only ruins. Time.
Time. A home crumbles leaving just the foundations while nature takes over. But someone lived here once. They never pictured families passing by their home, wondering, seeing only ruins. Time.
October 31, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Came upon this old ruin in Kennedy Park in Lenox Massachusetts.
Time. A home crumbles leaving just the foundations while nature takes over. But someone lived here once. They never pictured families passing by their home, wondering, seeing only ruins. Time.
Time. A home crumbles leaving just the foundations while nature takes over. But someone lived here once. They never pictured families passing by their home, wondering, seeing only ruins. Time.
The will-o-the-wisp? Wow I love that name!
They look like Elsa Beskow's faires.
They look like Elsa Beskow's faires.
October 29, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The will-o-the-wisp? Wow I love that name!
They look like Elsa Beskow's faires.
They look like Elsa Beskow's faires.
Spending a few days in the Berkshires.
Gorgeous late morning run and a splendid view from my little desk.
#Berkshires #RollingDeep
#AuthorLife #Runner
Gorgeous late morning run and a splendid view from my little desk.
#Berkshires #RollingDeep
#AuthorLife #Runner
October 28, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Spending a few days in the Berkshires.
Gorgeous late morning run and a splendid view from my little desk.
#Berkshires #RollingDeep
#AuthorLife #Runner
Gorgeous late morning run and a splendid view from my little desk.
#Berkshires #RollingDeep
#AuthorLife #Runner
1/2 Women knew her as Magda, the village healer. They didn't know that she was Rå, the forest sprite who lured their men away, trapping them with her in the forest.
Inspired by folklore and true events.
#HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Rå #SwedishFolklore #TheLureOfWaterAndWood
Inspired by folklore and true events.
#HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Rå #SwedishFolklore #TheLureOfWaterAndWood
October 28, 2025 at 1:49 PM
1/2 Women knew her as Magda, the village healer. They didn't know that she was Rå, the forest sprite who lured their men away, trapping them with her in the forest.
Inspired by folklore and true events.
#HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Rå #SwedishFolklore #TheLureOfWaterAndWood
Inspired by folklore and true events.
#HistoricalFantasy #Folklore #Rå #SwedishFolklore #TheLureOfWaterAndWood
Nikolaos hid his true self for everyone, pretending to be human.
It went well for the most part. Lest he played fiddle in small crowded spaces, or when people got too close to him in the river. There was nothing he could do then, he lost himself and then he was exposed...
#Folklore #Fantasy
It went well for the most part. Lest he played fiddle in small crowded spaces, or when people got too close to him in the river. There was nothing he could do then, he lost himself and then he was exposed...
#Folklore #Fantasy
October 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
4/5 James' Journey is about a plantation owner in Virginia in the 1850's who changes his pro-slavery views and becomes a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Image: ChatGPT
Image: ChatGPT
October 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
4/5 James' Journey is about a plantation owner in Virginia in the 1850's who changes his pro-slavery views and becomes a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Image: ChatGPT
Image: ChatGPT
3/5 Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool is about two women who each in their own way, changes Swedish society forever by advocating for the right to vote and for early reproductive rights.
This book inspired the Foremothers Cafe, a VR World inspired by the cafe from the novel.
Images: ChatGPT
This book inspired the Foremothers Cafe, a VR World inspired by the cafe from the novel.
Images: ChatGPT
October 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
3/5 Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool is about two women who each in their own way, changes Swedish society forever by advocating for the right to vote and for early reproductive rights.
This book inspired the Foremothers Cafe, a VR World inspired by the cafe from the novel.
Images: ChatGPT
This book inspired the Foremothers Cafe, a VR World inspired by the cafe from the novel.
Images: ChatGPT
2/5 The Lure of Water and Wood is about Rå and Näcken, mythological creatures who were believed to be real beings in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Many people were tried and executed for their supposed involvement with them.
As told by Rå and Näcken themselves.
Image: Ben Erwin
Many people were tried and executed for their supposed involvement with them.
As told by Rå and Näcken themselves.
Image: Ben Erwin
October 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
2/5 The Lure of Water and Wood is about Rå and Näcken, mythological creatures who were believed to be real beings in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Many people were tried and executed for their supposed involvement with them.
As told by Rå and Näcken themselves.
Image: Ben Erwin
Many people were tried and executed for their supposed involvement with them.
As told by Rå and Näcken themselves.
Image: Ben Erwin
1/5 My Historical Fiction is inspired by political movements and resistance.
My Historical Fantasy is inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
This thread contains info about each.
Book Cover Images: Ben Erwin
My Historical Fantasy is inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
This thread contains info about each.
Book Cover Images: Ben Erwin
October 26, 2025 at 6:21 PM
1/5 My Historical Fiction is inspired by political movements and resistance.
My Historical Fantasy is inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
This thread contains info about each.
Book Cover Images: Ben Erwin
My Historical Fantasy is inspired by Swedish Sorcery Trials and Folklore.
This thread contains info about each.
Book Cover Images: Ben Erwin
She was known as Rå, skogsrå, or skogsfrun (Forest Rå, or The Forest Wife.) The word rå also means care.
She was beautiful, but had a trickster mind, and she wasn't human. People portrayed her in different ways. Take note of what's under her skirt here.
#Folklore
She was beautiful, but had a trickster mind, and she wasn't human. People portrayed her in different ways. Take note of what's under her skirt here.
#Folklore
October 26, 2025 at 11:16 AM
She was known as Rå, skogsrå, or skogsfrun (Forest Rå, or The Forest Wife.) The word rå also means care.
She was beautiful, but had a trickster mind, and she wasn't human. People portrayed her in different ways. Take note of what's under her skirt here.
#Folklore
She was beautiful, but had a trickster mind, and she wasn't human. People portrayed her in different ways. Take note of what's under her skirt here.
#Folklore
4/5 My great grandmother was a statare. She milked cows in exchange for room and board.
Sometimes this work was called The White Whip because it was endless work. Usually married women did this while their husbands did other farm work.
My great grandmother was not. married.
Photo Credit: unknown
Sometimes this work was called The White Whip because it was endless work. Usually married women did this while their husbands did other farm work.
My great grandmother was not. married.
Photo Credit: unknown
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
4/5 My great grandmother was a statare. She milked cows in exchange for room and board.
Sometimes this work was called The White Whip because it was endless work. Usually married women did this while their husbands did other farm work.
My great grandmother was not. married.
Photo Credit: unknown
Sometimes this work was called The White Whip because it was endless work. Usually married women did this while their husbands did other farm work.
My great grandmother was not. married.
Photo Credit: unknown
3/5 Room and board were considered enough usually. Sometimes a tiny yearly stipend.
Once you moved in you couldn't leave without risking fines or even imprisonment. Only once a year were you allowed to quit, or leave for a while. Slack Week. The last week in October.
Photo credit: Statarmuseet.
Once you moved in you couldn't leave without risking fines or even imprisonment. Only once a year were you allowed to quit, or leave for a while. Slack Week. The last week in October.
Photo credit: Statarmuseet.
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
3/5 Room and board were considered enough usually. Sometimes a tiny yearly stipend.
Once you moved in you couldn't leave without risking fines or even imprisonment. Only once a year were you allowed to quit, or leave for a while. Slack Week. The last week in October.
Photo credit: Statarmuseet.
Once you moved in you couldn't leave without risking fines or even imprisonment. Only once a year were you allowed to quit, or leave for a while. Slack Week. The last week in October.
Photo credit: Statarmuseet.
2/5 The Statar System was most common in southern Sweden. The lodgings were simple, overcrowded dwellings provided to “statare,” landless farmworkers and their families. They lived under strict contracts and enduring social stigma.
They were not paid.
Photo credit: Populär Historia
They were not paid.
Photo credit: Populär Historia
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
2/5 The Statar System was most common in southern Sweden. The lodgings were simple, overcrowded dwellings provided to “statare,” landless farmworkers and their families. They lived under strict contracts and enduring social stigma.
They were not paid.
Photo credit: Populär Historia
They were not paid.
Photo credit: Populär Historia
1/5 My book Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool is inspired by history that isn't commonly known. The Swedish Statar System.
I will write more about it in this thread, but first I'm sharing what I prompted ChatGPT to create. A statar lodging... It's accurate and it certainly 𝘭𝑜𝘰𝑘𝘴 idyllic, but...
I will write more about it in this thread, but first I'm sharing what I prompted ChatGPT to create. A statar lodging... It's accurate and it certainly 𝘭𝑜𝘰𝑘𝘴 idyllic, but...
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
1/5 My book Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool is inspired by history that isn't commonly known. The Swedish Statar System.
I will write more about it in this thread, but first I'm sharing what I prompted ChatGPT to create. A statar lodging... It's accurate and it certainly 𝘭𝑜𝘰𝑘𝘴 idyllic, but...
I will write more about it in this thread, but first I'm sharing what I prompted ChatGPT to create. A statar lodging... It's accurate and it certainly 𝘭𝑜𝘰𝑘𝘴 idyllic, but...
Beautiful Diwali celebration at The Broome Street Ganesha Temple today. Happy Diwali!
October 20, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Beautiful Diwali celebration at The Broome Street Ganesha Temple today. Happy Diwali!
What a nice review I got for The Lure of Water and Wood!
Like a vampire story, but with more historical details. I've never thought of it like this before. Nice surprise.
#Folklore #history #Vampires #VampireFiction
Like a vampire story, but with more historical details. I've never thought of it like this before. Nice surprise.
#Folklore #history #Vampires #VampireFiction
October 19, 2025 at 7:51 PM
What a nice review I got for The Lure of Water and Wood!
Like a vampire story, but with more historical details. I've never thought of it like this before. Nice surprise.
#Folklore #history #Vampires #VampireFiction
Like a vampire story, but with more historical details. I've never thought of it like this before. Nice surprise.
#Folklore #history #Vampires #VampireFiction
New York Resists!
October 18, 2025 at 9:03 PM
New York Resists!
Water. Sanding near it made his blood soften, turning his hands to liquid. I told no one. No one could know. He was Näcken. -The Lure of Water and Wood
#Näcken #Folklore #HistoricalFantasyBooks #SwedishFolklore
#Näcken #Folklore #HistoricalFantasyBooks #SwedishFolklore
October 18, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Water. Sanding near it made his blood soften, turning his hands to liquid. I told no one. No one could know. He was Näcken. -The Lure of Water and Wood
#Näcken #Folklore #HistoricalFantasyBooks #SwedishFolklore
#Näcken #Folklore #HistoricalFantasyBooks #SwedishFolklore
We can trace ourselves to her. She lived 150 000-200 000 years ago. Our mothers mothers mothers, and their mothers mothers... all through the female line.
What does she mean to you? Come share with
@keithcchan.bsky.social
and me at The Foremothers Cafe on #ENGAGE Oct 23rd at 7 pm.
Image: ChatGPT
What does she mean to you? Come share with
@keithcchan.bsky.social
and me at The Foremothers Cafe on #ENGAGE Oct 23rd at 7 pm.
Image: ChatGPT
October 15, 2025 at 4:32 PM
We can trace ourselves to her. She lived 150 000-200 000 years ago. Our mothers mothers mothers, and their mothers mothers... all through the female line.
What does she mean to you? Come share with
@keithcchan.bsky.social
and me at The Foremothers Cafe on #ENGAGE Oct 23rd at 7 pm.
Image: ChatGPT
What does she mean to you? Come share with
@keithcchan.bsky.social
and me at The Foremothers Cafe on #ENGAGE Oct 23rd at 7 pm.
Image: ChatGPT
She was so beautiful! Ethereal really, and once they spotted her it was impossible not to follow her into the woods. By then it was too late, she had you. She was Rå, Skogsrå, Skogsfru.
Rå, Forest Rå, Forest Wife.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social #SwedishFolklore
Rå, Forest Rå, Forest Wife.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social #SwedishFolklore
October 9, 2025 at 1:15 PM
She was so beautiful! Ethereal really, and once they spotted her it was impossible not to follow her into the woods. By then it was too late, she had you. She was Rå, Skogsrå, Skogsfru.
Rå, Forest Rå, Forest Wife.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social #SwedishFolklore
Rå, Forest Rå, Forest Wife.
#FolkloreThursday @folklorethursday.bsky.social #SwedishFolklore