Devoted to the Study of Folklore and Tradition

The Folklore Society (FLS), established in 1878, is dedicated to the study of folklore in all its diverse forms. As one of the oldest organisations of its kind in the world, the society has played a crucial role in documenting and analysing the traditional and modern beliefs, customs, and stories that make up our cultural landscape, including ballads, folktales, fairy tales, myths, legends, traditional song and dance, folk plays, games, seasonal events, calendar customs, childlore and children's folklore, folk arts and crafts, popular belief, folk religion, material culture, vernacular language, sayings, proverbs and nursery rhymes, folk medicine, plantlore and weather lore. 

Based in London, with an active national and international membership, The Folklore Society welcomes everyone with an interest in these subjects, and offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to explore this fascinating field.

JOIN AS A MEMBER to receive our flagship journal Folklore and our newsletter FLS News; to attend events free or at a reduced rate; for access to back issues of our journal, other journals in the field, and digitised publications from the FLS archives; for opportunities to deliver a paper online or in person; and to get involved in the running of the Society.

This website serves as a gateway to a treasure trove of information. Here, you can learn about upcoming events, access publications, and discover the latest research in folklore studies. We also provide details on how to become a member and participate in the society's activities.

Through our initiatives including lectures, conferences, and publications, The Folklore Society continues to promote the importance of folklore in understanding our shared cultural identity. By bridging the gap between academic research and public interest, the society ensures that these valuable traditions remain alive and relevant in the modern world.

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