When Myth Meets Reality In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society, reflecting how supernatural elements could support real-world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable FAIRY TALES IN COURT
today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings.
communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real-life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers.
Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought- provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history.
These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the
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The Aftermaths of Absent Estate Plans
Estate planning can be complicated, but it’s nothing compared to what happens when you pass away without a will or other essential documents in place. Here’s an overview of why some people choose not to have a will — and what could happen when there’s no immediate way to determine how to preserve their legacies. Why People Avoid Estate Planning In 2023, AARP reported that roughly 65% of Americans had no estate plan. According to the American Bar Association, 55% of U.S. citizens pass away without a will. When asked why they hadn’t prepared a legacy plan, 35% of respondents to a survey by the senior living referral service Caring.com stated they didn’t believe they had enough assets to warrant undergoing the process.
Intestate Fallout in Florida People who pass away without a will are known as “intestate.” In Florida, the court will distribute an intestate individual’s assets to their surviving family members. If the deceased has a spouse but no children, their possessions will go to their spouse. If they are single when they pass, their belongings will go to their child or children. Single and childless individuals will have their belongings transferred to their parent(s). In cases where the individual has no children or living parents, their possessions will be placed in their sibling(s)’ ownership. For step or foster children to receive assets, the intestate person must have adopted them before passing. In rare cases where a person with no living relatives dies without a will, their assets will be transferred to the state,
which may sell them through a process called “escheatment.” Why Wills Deserve Another Thought Although the statistics mentioned earlier reveal that plenty of people believe they don’t have enough assets of value to create a will, it is truly rare for someone to have nothing to pass on to someone else. Even the most seemingly insignificant clothing, jewelry, or furniture could have tremendous historical, sentimental, or monetary value. If you have neglected to update or even create a will — or believe your assets are insufficient to pass along — now is the time to reconsider your options seriously and put a will and/or estate plan in motion.
2 floridaestateplanning.com
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