Ghostly Legends: Southern Folk Literature

Presented by John Williams
The South has a rich tradition of folk literature that draws upon oral tradition and colorful language for its substance. Legends, folk history, songs, foodways, customs, and unique dialects permeate the ghost stories of South Carolina and other Southern states. Beginning with brief spellbinding recitations from Coleridge and Poe, Dr. Williams discusses the cathartic power of fear and horror in the human experience. Citing the night riders of southern history as examples of “real ghosts,” Dr. Williams discusses the use of fear as a psychological tool to control an ethnic minority group.  Dr. Williams summons up all the ghosts that appear along the Atlantic seacoast from Georgia to the Carolinas, beginning with the uncanny spectral ships often seen in Charleston Harbor.  
Sponsored by the Kershaw County Library with support from SC Humanities
Part of the Southern Gothic Festival
Location: Camden Branch, Kershaw County Library, 1304 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020
Open to the public
Info: https://southerngothicfestival.com/events/ghostly-legends-southern-folk-literature-with-dr-john-williams/