Inspired by Ronald Hutton’s work in “The Making of the Early Modern British Fairy Tradition” (2014), this panel explores gendered figures in early modern folklore texts. The study of early modern folklore features significant crossover: fairies may also be familiars, witches can be wise women, and fairyland could be, as Hutton explains, the “embodiment of hedonism, summed up in its characteristic activity of song and dance.” Panelists are invited to explore texts and records that capture folk traditions in early modern literature and culture. Papers are welcome to explore a wide variety of topics with questions of gender at their heart. 

Please send paper proposals to Kara McCabe (Emerson College) at karamccabe@gmail.com on or before 27 July 2026, including the panel title in your email. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by 31 July 2026.

In your document, please include the following:

-       Paper title

-       Abstract (fewer than 500 words)

-       Brief bio

-       Name, affiliation, preferred email address