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Wise Women: Myths and stories for midlife and beyond
An unforgettable collection of retold myths and folk tales, celebrating the wisdom and power of women in midlife and beyond, from the award-winning author of Hagitude
'An extraordinary selection of stories ... beautifully and vividly retold' TLS
'Genius' Irish Times
'Treasure it!' Shahrukh Husain
'Wonderful' Victoria Smith
'The book I've been longing for' Jill Dawson
'Thrilling' Stella Duffy
This dazzling array of not-to-be-messed-with characters from a lost tradition of European myth and folklore - from ungainly giantesses and sequin-strewn fairy godmothers to misunderstood witches and craggy crones - provides inspiration for how women can walk boldly and live authentically in the second half of life.
'Features an exuberant cast ... The collection is precious, because it's the first time that these rare, patriarchy-surviving remnants of powerful elder female folk stories have been deliberately anthologised' Irish Times
'A fascinating collection of female myths and legends' Sara Sheridan
'I adored Wise Women' Eleanor Mills, author of Much More to Lessons on the mayhem and magnificence of midlife
'Wondrously wise, clever and insightful as well as slyly funny' AG Slatter, author of The Briar Book of the Dead
'An extraordinary selection of stories ... beautifully and vividly retold' TLS
'Genius' Irish Times
'Treasure it!' Shahrukh Husain
'Wonderful' Victoria Smith
'The book I've been longing for' Jill Dawson
'Thrilling' Stella Duffy
This dazzling array of not-to-be-messed-with characters from a lost tradition of European myth and folklore - from ungainly giantesses and sequin-strewn fairy godmothers to misunderstood witches and craggy crones - provides inspiration for how women can walk boldly and live authentically in the second half of life.
'Features an exuberant cast ... The collection is precious, because it's the first time that these rare, patriarchy-surviving remnants of powerful elder female folk stories have been deliberately anthologised' Irish Times
'A fascinating collection of female myths and legends' Sara Sheridan
'I adored Wise Women' Eleanor Mills, author of Much More to Lessons on the mayhem and magnificence of midlife
'Wondrously wise, clever and insightful as well as slyly funny' AG Slatter, author of The Briar Book of the Dead
Audible Audio
Published October 3, 2024
165 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Blackie
18 books762 followersDr. Sharon Blackie is an award-winning and internationally bestselling author, and a psychologist with a background in mythology and folklore. Her highly acclaimed books, lectures and teaching programs are focused on reimagining women’s stories, and on the relevance of myth and fairy tales to the personal, cultural and environmental issues we face today.
As well as writing six books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in anthologies, collections and in several international media outlets – among them the Guardian, the Irish Times, the i and the Scotsman. Her books have been translated into several languages, and she has featured in programs by the BBC, US public radio and independent filmmakers. Her awards include the Society of Authors’ Roger Deakin Award, and a Creative Scotland Writer’s Award. Her most recent book, Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond was published by Virago in October 2024.
Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, awarded ‘in recognition of the importance of lifetime achievement and contribution to Jungian ideas in the world’. She has taught and lectured at several academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world. She is online faculty for Pacifica Graduate Institute, California, where she teaches a Graduate Certificate Course on ‘Narrative Psychological Approaches to Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales’ and other programs.
Sharon’s much-loved publication ‘The Art of Enchantment’ is a Global Top Ten Literature Substack.
Sharon lives in Cumbria, in the far north of England, with her husband, dogs, hens and sheep. She is represented by Jane Graham Maw, at Graham Maw Christie Agency.
As well as writing six books of fiction and nonfiction, including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, her writing has appeared in anthologies, collections and in several international media outlets – among them the Guardian, the Irish Times, the i and the Scotsman. Her books have been translated into several languages, and she has featured in programs by the BBC, US public radio and independent filmmakers. Her awards include the Society of Authors’ Roger Deakin Award, and a Creative Scotland Writer’s Award. Her most recent book, Wise Women: Myths and Stories for Midlife and Beyond was published by Virago in October 2024.
Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, awarded ‘in recognition of the importance of lifetime achievement and contribution to Jungian ideas in the world’. She has taught and lectured at several academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world. She is online faculty for Pacifica Graduate Institute, California, where she teaches a Graduate Certificate Course on ‘Narrative Psychological Approaches to Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales’ and other programs.
Sharon’s much-loved publication ‘The Art of Enchantment’ is a Global Top Ten Literature Substack.
Sharon lives in Cumbria, in the far north of England, with her husband, dogs, hens and sheep. She is represented by Jane Graham Maw, at Graham Maw Christie Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 2, 2025
Read this during my travels to Stonehenge and Glastonbury which felt very appropriate. My first book of Sharon Blackie, it won’t be my last.
November 4, 2024
This collection of fairy and folk tales focusing on the exploits, strengths and influence of older or menopausal women was varied and inspiring.
Often older women are portrayed in stories as Hags, as useless people, or as those who are invisible. They just don't seem to matter very much. In these stories, older women are wise, powerful, insightful and sometimes subversive. I enjoyed some tales more than others, but found that some encouraged me to make some major life changes. For that alone this collection gets a five star rating from me.
The authors noted the challenges of finding stories about older women from a variety of cultures, and the collections features stories that mainly originated in Western Europe. I hope to see similar stories from other cultures in the future.
Often older women are portrayed in stories as Hags, as useless people, or as those who are invisible. They just don't seem to matter very much. In these stories, older women are wise, powerful, insightful and sometimes subversive. I enjoyed some tales more than others, but found that some encouraged me to make some major life changes. For that alone this collection gets a five star rating from me.
The authors noted the challenges of finding stories about older women from a variety of cultures, and the collections features stories that mainly originated in Western Europe. I hope to see similar stories from other cultures in the future.
January 2, 2025
"My hope is that this rich and diverse collection of characters will offer insight into the ways that each of us could uniquely embody a bold and purposeful elderhood."
I'm one of those not fearing passing of youth; if anything, I find it liberating. So much of limitations and false considerations that we are finally confident enough to abandon! A time to focus on ourselves and what makes us happy, expectations be damned. That said, I think it's great to share the inspiration and purpose, in this case via a collection of old folk tales and rhymes, with a lovely and insightful commentary.
Love the idea, the intention, as well as the education and insights value; less crazy about the stories (some are downright wtf, but hey, medieval folk tales).
The takeaway? Don't mess with the hag 😈
I'm one of those not fearing passing of youth; if anything, I find it liberating. So much of limitations and false considerations that we are finally confident enough to abandon! A time to focus on ourselves and what makes us happy, expectations be damned. That said, I think it's great to share the inspiration and purpose, in this case via a collection of old folk tales and rhymes, with a lovely and insightful commentary.
Love the idea, the intention, as well as the education and insights value; less crazy about the stories (some are downright wtf, but hey, medieval folk tales).
The takeaway? Don't mess with the hag 😈
November 14, 2024
Lovely book. Great to dip into for 5 or 10 minutes when you have time or need just a mind break or some inspiration or a smile or even as an alternative when the world makes you want to just get your thoughts in order.
This book takes a look at older women mostly from U.K. and some European cultures folklore and fairytales and finds stories where they aren’t just terrible or hideous jokes.
I actually bought this book as a DM for dungeons and dragons to help me make better female NPCs and improve that element of diversity in my games thinking I could base some on these women of folklore and fairy tales. What I found in the book was far more inspiring. I think when you’re menopausal it’s very easy to feel past your best and no longer useful and this book gives you something back. Many of the stories come with notes or explainations to help apply the story to the stage of life and the role of the older woman. The ability of a two page story to boost your self esteem over a cup of tea so you get back on with the rest of the day should not be underestimated.
An additional benefit is that I now want to travel to these places and see the hills and the rocks and the forests.
This book takes a look at older women mostly from U.K. and some European cultures folklore and fairytales and finds stories where they aren’t just terrible or hideous jokes.
I actually bought this book as a DM for dungeons and dragons to help me make better female NPCs and improve that element of diversity in my games thinking I could base some on these women of folklore and fairy tales. What I found in the book was far more inspiring. I think when you’re menopausal it’s very easy to feel past your best and no longer useful and this book gives you something back. Many of the stories come with notes or explainations to help apply the story to the stage of life and the role of the older woman. The ability of a two page story to boost your self esteem over a cup of tea so you get back on with the rest of the day should not be underestimated.
An additional benefit is that I now want to travel to these places and see the hills and the rocks and the forests.
December 22, 2024
An interesting collection of myths, folk tales and fairy stories featuring older women as strong, influential, and in a positive light, with each story followed by an interpretation by the author. Best read, for me, as a dip-in, dip-out.
November 14, 2024
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet on 11/14/2024.
Being a woman who is getting older is complicated. You’re supposed to be mature and wise enough to age with grace and dignity, even though the primary women being reflected to you in media are eternally young. Even our icons of older womanhood have been gifted with genetics and wealth to make them certainly appear younger than their age. With an image obsessed culture, women’s intelligence and wit are generally overlooked, and once that face has aged surely, she has even less to offer. Meanwhile, your body betrays you more and more. Your body aches more, minor setbacks like a cold become serious obstacles. To put it bluntly, it sucks and I’ve yet to meet any aging woman immune from this push and pull.
I’m not here to tell you that Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne have the answer, but they are certainly offering something with “Wise Women: Tales of Midlife and Beyond.” Blackie and Wynne scoured through myths, fairy tales, folk songs, and more to find noteworthy female characters that aren’t young princesses but grown women. From main character to important background roles, “Wise Women” pulls on sources from Siberia, Germany, Scotland, Croatia, England, Wales, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Russia, France, and more. Given the time and resources, I would have loved to see the countries of Africa represented, or perhaps China, where Westerners are told the elderly are given more respect. However, I won’t be too bitter on representation since this book clocks in at over 300 pages! Perhaps a “Wise Woman” 2?
Most of the stories shared include insights and reflections from the authors afterwards. This is helpful because occasionally I would read a bit and think, that’s awful, but viewed through Blackie and Wynne’s offered perspective I look again to find a story liberating. Sometimes they offered context that is needed to get the most out of it
What happens if you grow up hearing not just stories of young damsels and princesses, but also clever wives and secretive grandmothers? That’s what Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne hope to find out with “Wise Women.” Would we raise children that view women as more whole and complete beings, greater than just a youthful visage? I enjoyed “Wise Women” immensely, and particularly with the holiday gift giving season coming, I recommend it as a gift for most ages. Whether it’s for a parent to read to their child, a women’s reading group, or a grandmother, a teenager, any human!
Being a woman who is getting older is complicated. You’re supposed to be mature and wise enough to age with grace and dignity, even though the primary women being reflected to you in media are eternally young. Even our icons of older womanhood have been gifted with genetics and wealth to make them certainly appear younger than their age. With an image obsessed culture, women’s intelligence and wit are generally overlooked, and once that face has aged surely, she has even less to offer. Meanwhile, your body betrays you more and more. Your body aches more, minor setbacks like a cold become serious obstacles. To put it bluntly, it sucks and I’ve yet to meet any aging woman immune from this push and pull.
I’m not here to tell you that Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne have the answer, but they are certainly offering something with “Wise Women: Tales of Midlife and Beyond.” Blackie and Wynne scoured through myths, fairy tales, folk songs, and more to find noteworthy female characters that aren’t young princesses but grown women. From main character to important background roles, “Wise Women” pulls on sources from Siberia, Germany, Scotland, Croatia, England, Wales, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Russia, France, and more. Given the time and resources, I would have loved to see the countries of Africa represented, or perhaps China, where Westerners are told the elderly are given more respect. However, I won’t be too bitter on representation since this book clocks in at over 300 pages! Perhaps a “Wise Woman” 2?
Most of the stories shared include insights and reflections from the authors afterwards. This is helpful because occasionally I would read a bit and think, that’s awful, but viewed through Blackie and Wynne’s offered perspective I look again to find a story liberating. Sometimes they offered context that is needed to get the most out of it
What happens if you grow up hearing not just stories of young damsels and princesses, but also clever wives and secretive grandmothers? That’s what Sharon Blackie and Angharad Wynne hope to find out with “Wise Women.” Would we raise children that view women as more whole and complete beings, greater than just a youthful visage? I enjoyed “Wise Women” immensely, and particularly with the holiday gift giving season coming, I recommend it as a gift for most ages. Whether it’s for a parent to read to their child, a women’s reading group, or a grandmother, a teenager, any human!
January 12, 2025
Range of folk stories, songs and rhymes, each with a strong, older woman at some point in the tale - although few were about the older woman. Loved the variety, from a retelling of the familiar Sleeping Beauty to the wild and slightly weird The Woman Who Became a Fox, which is the opening tale. Quite often the older, wise woman is helping a younger inexperienced woman.
I didn't give it a higher score because I couldn't connect to the expositions at the end of each tale. I felt I was being gently bashed with the repeated view point that a) women are always under-valued as they reach menopause and beyond, and b) women need to heroically fight back against this, some of which may come out as rage.
I don't experience menopause in this way. I've never felt stronger, happier or more confident. I'm exercising more than in earlier life because I have the time; I eat better than in earlier life because I'm not trying to make meals in a rush which my children will eat; I'm doing better in my work because I know so much more now than when I was young. No one's tried to put me down or marginalise me. Honestly, older life can be great!
I didn't give it a higher score because I couldn't connect to the expositions at the end of each tale. I felt I was being gently bashed with the repeated view point that a) women are always under-valued as they reach menopause and beyond, and b) women need to heroically fight back against this, some of which may come out as rage.
I don't experience menopause in this way. I've never felt stronger, happier or more confident. I'm exercising more than in earlier life because I have the time; I eat better than in earlier life because I'm not trying to make meals in a rush which my children will eat; I'm doing better in my work because I know so much more now than when I was young. No one's tried to put me down or marginalise me. Honestly, older life can be great!
August 16, 2024
What a lovely set of stories! I adored this collection of fables centred on older wise (and wily) women. This is a direct response to the disappearing role of elder woman in Western culture. I loved the writing, too: "Never slip out of your skin and leave it unattended." The author helpfully explains the histories of each tale and snippet. I would've liked more of these; not every story had one. I was also dismayed at the rather white feminist and WEIRD (in the Henrich sense) dismissal of the Western centrism here. These stories and their values may transcend culture and time ... and may not. And the issue threads deeper. For example, I was a bit squicked by the comment about Indigenous Siberian tales being "magical and often bizarre." The reader can overlook these blips to enjoy one of the rare volumes on the older ladies of myth too often lost to time or construed as evil in modern memory.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and New World Library for the advance copy.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and New World Library for the advance copy.
April 30, 2025
In a module on Education I had to take as part of a degree, we were told never to explain a story to children as they will immediately switch off. I decided to try this out once in a school assembly. I told the story, 250 faces focused on me as I held their attention. I started to explain it, 250 faces turned to look out of the window.
I was reminded of this as I read the first stories in this very good collection. As soon as I had finished one, I was then told what it meant. Except of course, a story can mean different things to different people because of our age, sex, experience etc. and the same story can mean different things to us at different times.
I enjoyed many of the stories and will add a few to my repertoire. Sometimes the background supplied was interesting and helpful, but a lot less so when the one allowed interpretation was given.
3.5 stars but upgraded because of the good stories chosen
I was reminded of this as I read the first stories in this very good collection. As soon as I had finished one, I was then told what it meant. Except of course, a story can mean different things to different people because of our age, sex, experience etc. and the same story can mean different things to us at different times.
I enjoyed many of the stories and will add a few to my repertoire. Sometimes the background supplied was interesting and helpful, but a lot less so when the one allowed interpretation was given.
3.5 stars but upgraded because of the good stories chosen
October 15, 2024
I LOVED this. Loved it. I'm a huge fan of the author anyhow, the rest of her books are remarkable, so I was really looking forward to reading this. The stories carry the reader far away, to strange and wild places with fierce women to admire. This book is a true celebration of wise women. In our idiotic society where a woman's age seems to determine her worth, these stories remind you that that should not be the case, not one bit. Becoming older is to be free. Free from the ties of a corrupt society, and its misogynistic and feminine crushing ways. These tales teach us that the wise woman should be admired, and embraced. I will treasure these inspiring stories and no doubt I'll come back to them and read them again and again.
January 12, 2025
A beautifully produced book: the lovely cover, the illustrations, the layout with plenty of space between the stories. Made it a pleasure to curl up with at the end of the day and dip in for one or two stories.
The tales mostly come from Celtic parts of Britain and Ireland, but also draw on Grimm's tales, Slavic and Russian stories. Most have an other-worldly feel. We see wise women in many guises, often as the helper of people in need, giving advise or practical support.
I preferred the myths and stories to the short explorations which followed each one, and found myself skip reading them by the time I was part way through the book. I was happy making my own connections.
The tales mostly come from Celtic parts of Britain and Ireland, but also draw on Grimm's tales, Slavic and Russian stories. Most have an other-worldly feel. We see wise women in many guises, often as the helper of people in need, giving advise or practical support.
I preferred the myths and stories to the short explorations which followed each one, and found myself skip reading them by the time I was part way through the book. I was happy making my own connections.
September 20, 2025
Such a wonderful book! A great read with many eye-opening and thought-provoking stories. A much easier-to-access book of wisdom than Women Who Run With the Wolves, which is extremely enlightening but also very dense and a challenging read. Wise Women is easy to pick up and put down as needed, and the meaning within the stories is clear or clearly explained in a helpful, succinct way. As a woman in my mid-thirties, I found this a very valuable read for stepping into my power and looking forward to aging, instead of dreading it like society wants/expects us to. Makes a wonderful gift!
April 6, 2025
An excellent collection of traditional stories from around the world, including some profiles of older goddesses and folk figures as well as traditional rhymes, highlighting the strength, wisdom, wiliness of old women. Though there are some familiar stories here (at least for folklorists and storytellers), the bulk of the collection contains some wonderful lesser-known tales. Sharon Blackie follows each story with a short note contemplating some of the messages of the story.
March 16, 2025
This is a delight to read at bedtime and leads me into beautiful dreams to ponder on the next morning.
From one crone to another - thank you Sharon for giving these old tales of old women new life xx
From one crone to another - thank you Sharon for giving these old tales of old women new life xx
April 4, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
As I’m in the crone era, so many of these stories resonated with me.
Also loved the education side of it, gives the true meaning of of some of the best know fairy tails.
As I’m in the crone era, so many of these stories resonated with me.
Also loved the education side of it, gives the true meaning of of some of the best know fairy tails.
May 9, 2025
shame, I wanted to enjoy this.
but the commentary was patronising, and meant I could never get into the stories. with the authors always pointing out what is interesting, it over powered the stories completely.
but the commentary was patronising, and meant I could never get into the stories. with the authors always pointing out what is interesting, it over powered the stories completely.
July 1, 2025
These fairy tales were excellent. I feel like all the archetypal analysis pointed out fairly obvious stuff, but all good reminders nonetheless.
The audio is stellar! Wonderful narrator. I’d like to buy a physical copy of this tho, just to have the fairly tales.
The audio is stellar! Wonderful narrator. I’d like to buy a physical copy of this tho, just to have the fairly tales.
September 27, 2025
Loved these stories which celebrate older women rather than treat them as wicked hags and witches. Balm to the feminine soul, this collection of stories, songs, poems collected from folk tradition across Europe bring a refreshing perspective on older women.
Want to read
October 18, 2024KathM
November 25, 2024
DNF halfway through - sounded promising but the dots were not connecting for me. Her summary of each story was quite the stretch in their meaning/connection of midlife & beyond.
April 14, 2025
Excellent book that reminds me of "Women Who Ran with the Wolves" - but this is focused on women in the midlife, post-menopause, crone type. Lots of folktales, myths, beautiful European stories.
June 21, 2025
Highly recommend this book. Embracing powerful wise women in myth and fairytales. Really enjoyed it.
July 5, 2025
Another wonderful collection by Sharon Blackie. I can't wait for the next one!
July 30, 2025
soul centering
December 26, 2025
I enjoyed the stories. The explanations with each story were a little dumbed down, which took away from the stories.
December 27, 2025
This is a fantastic book. It resonated so much with me.
November 26, 2025
This is a fabulous collection. I will return to it time and time again.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews