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
In 1697 Stockholm Castle burned to the ground with Karl XI corpse laying in state inside.
Rumors flew. Was it witches? They'd been active in Stockholm years before. Was it the new architect? He had already tried to rebuild.
Learn more in my historical fantasy
www.amazon.com/dp/0986266663
Rumors flew. Was it witches? They'd been active in Stockholm years before. Was it the new architect? He had already tried to rebuild.
Learn more in my historical fantasy
www.amazon.com/dp/0986266663
November 29, 2025 at 9:23 PM
In 1697 Stockholm Castle burned to the ground with Karl XI corpse laying in state inside.
Rumors flew. Was it witches? They'd been active in Stockholm years before. Was it the new architect? He had already tried to rebuild.
Learn more in my historical fantasy
www.amazon.com/dp/0986266663
Rumors flew. Was it witches? They'd been active in Stockholm years before. Was it the new architect? He had already tried to rebuild.
Learn more in my historical fantasy
www.amazon.com/dp/0986266663
Karin Persdotter offered coins to Näcken in rivers and waterways, sometimes under bridges He finally came to her like a wave in the water. She admitted it, and they executed her.
#WyrdWednesday #Folklore
#WyrdWednesday #Folklore
November 26, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Karin Persdotter offered coins to Näcken in rivers and waterways, sometimes under bridges He finally came to her like a wave in the water. She admitted it, and they executed her.
#WyrdWednesday #Folklore
#WyrdWednesday #Folklore
"He had to leave, if he didn't, they'll find out who he was. That he was the one who killed her. He was a monster." - The Lure of Water and Wood
#Folklore #History #HistoricalFantasy #Mythology
#Folklore #History #HistoricalFantasy #Mythology
November 26, 2025 at 11:41 AM
"He had to leave, if he didn't, they'll find out who he was. That he was the one who killed her. He was a monster." - The Lure of Water and Wood
#Folklore #History #HistoricalFantasy #Mythology
#Folklore #History #HistoricalFantasy #Mythology
More interested in women's history rather than historical fantasy?
Here's another book to cozy up with on this cold Sunday.
Link here: www.amazon.com/dp/B096SRH61Y
#HistoricalFiction #WomensHistory #WomensEquity #ReproductivJusticeHistory #VotingHistory #Suffrage
Here's another book to cozy up with on this cold Sunday.
Link here: www.amazon.com/dp/B096SRH61Y
#HistoricalFiction #WomensHistory #WomensEquity #ReproductivJusticeHistory #VotingHistory #Suffrage
November 23, 2025 at 3:51 PM
More interested in women's history rather than historical fantasy?
Here's another book to cozy up with on this cold Sunday.
Link here: www.amazon.com/dp/B096SRH61Y
#HistoricalFiction #WomensHistory #WomensEquity #ReproductivJusticeHistory #VotingHistory #Suffrage
Here's another book to cozy up with on this cold Sunday.
Link here: www.amazon.com/dp/B096SRH61Y
#HistoricalFiction #WomensHistory #WomensEquity #ReproductivJusticeHistory #VotingHistory #Suffrage
The other half of this saga is Näcken, the dangerous water spirit that lured people into the water with him.
If you're looking for a #HistoricalFantasy with a dark, yet enticing twist inspired by Swedish #Folklore look no further.
If you're looking for a #HistoricalFantasy with a dark, yet enticing twist inspired by Swedish #Folklore look no further.
November 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The other half of this saga is Näcken, the dangerous water spirit that lured people into the water with him.
If you're looking for a #HistoricalFantasy with a dark, yet enticing twist inspired by Swedish #Folklore look no further.
If you're looking for a #HistoricalFantasy with a dark, yet enticing twist inspired by Swedish #Folklore look no further.
Looking for a read this cold wintry weekend before Thanksgiving?
How about a historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish folklore?
#Folklore #HistoricalFantasy #Readers #Books
@folkloretodmorden.bsky.social @folkloristan.bsky.social
How about a historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish folklore?
#Folklore #HistoricalFantasy #Readers #Books
@folkloretodmorden.bsky.social @folkloristan.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Looking for a read this cold wintry weekend before Thanksgiving?
How about a historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish folklore?
#Folklore #HistoricalFantasy #Readers #Books
@folkloretodmorden.bsky.social @folkloristan.bsky.social
How about a historical Fantasy inspired by Swedish folklore?
#Folklore #HistoricalFantasy #Readers #Books
@folkloretodmorden.bsky.social @folkloristan.bsky.social
1/4 Famous botanists investigating people who lived on the bottom of the sea with their farm animals? Yes, the Swedish government paid for this in 1740.
#Folklore @folklorethursday.bsky.social @folkloringpodcast.bsky.social @folkloresociety.bsky.social @folklorepod.bsky.social
#Folklore @folklorethursday.bsky.social @folkloringpodcast.bsky.social @folkloresociety.bsky.social @folklorepod.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
1/4 Famous botanists investigating people who lived on the bottom of the sea with their farm animals? Yes, the Swedish government paid for this in 1740.
#Folklore @folklorethursday.bsky.social @folkloringpodcast.bsky.social @folkloresociety.bsky.social @folklorepod.bsky.social
#Folklore @folklorethursday.bsky.social @folkloringpodcast.bsky.social @folkloresociety.bsky.social @folklorepod.bsky.social
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.