If you’re a regular here, you’ll know that every now and again I share snippets about Blackthorn’s creation. I’ve written several posts in the past about my worldbuilding, including giving insight into some of my research and reasoning that went into it over the years.

However, I’ve not as yet written a post about why I decided ‘Blackthorn’ was the most suitable name for the series – so I thought it was about time I did.

BLACKTHORN: THE IDEAL BARRIER

Found throughout the British Isles, Blackthorn tends to dwell on the edge of woodlands. Although a tree, it is more like a large shrub and so forms excellent thickets and hedgerows.

As its name implies, the Blackthorn is an extremely thorny tree. Dark, almost black in colour, it consists of dense branches and twigs laden with thorns that twist and span out in all directions. Because of its subsequent impenetrability, it was frequently used by the Celts to form a barrier against intruders.

Linked to the rose family (yes, Blood Roses is titled as such for a very good reason), its dark purple berries are used to create a red, blood-like dye. It is also rumoured to have a blood-like sap within its dark skeleton.

FOLKLORE AND MEANING

I don’t know about you, but I love a bit of mythology! The Blackthorn was once seen as a guardian of the balance between light and darkness, particularly as it was thought to be one of the trees that crosses the barrier between this world and the paranormal. Originally, this was not in a bad way. However, with the introduction of dualistic religions (those that divide the world into ‘good’ and ‘evil’), the Blackthorn took on more negative connotations. The Blackthorn is certainly rumoured to carry the most sinister reputation in Celtic tree lore and has long been associated with darkness and mystery. Referred to as the keeper of dark secrets, it is renowned for being a tool capable of keeping evil contained.

True to the duality of its old world reputation though, the Blackthorn is also associated with protection. Not only can it be used to contain evil, it can also be used as a boundary to keep bad things out. In Irish fairytales in particular, it’s not uncommon for heroes to be helped by the Blackthorn tree in such ways as throwing a twig behind them to then take root and form an impenetrable hedge or woods from their enemies.

However, with the ancient Celtic name for Blackthorn being ‘straif’ (meaning ‘strife’ or ‘strive’), it is equally depicted in many fairy tales throughout Europe as a tree of bad omen. It is also associated with warriors, war, blood and death, and its reputation isn’t helped by being known as the tree of destiny. It is a tree that is symbolic of fate, particularly of outside influences that must be obeyed.

The Blackthorn has also be seen as a test of love. In Sleeping Beauty, it is said to be a Blackthorn that forms the thorn bramble that hides the castle from intruders. In order to prove himself worthy, the prince must cut through and survive in order to rescue the princess. (Of course, in the first three books of my series, it’s the ‘princesses’ who break through the boundary to rescue my ‘princes’. 😉 )

AGAINST THE ODDS

Despite its mixed messages, the Blackthorn ultimately carries a positive message. Its small, delicate white flowers that appear in early spring out of the darkness of winter are said to symbolize surviving a time of difficulty – the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. A particularly cold spring is referred to as a ‘Blackthorn Winter’ because its berries that ripen after the first frost – after the trials and tribulations of a bad winter – are said to be the sweetest.

Due to this, the Blackthorn is said to represent strength and perseverance, not least because of its wood’s resilience against the weather. It can also grow where many other trees can’t, further associating it with strength. The Blackthorn is often called the ‘Mother of the Woods’ because it is the first tree that grows on wastelands and creates safe nurseries where other trees can then grow, thus giving it nurturing associations too. But, off the back of this, the Blackthorn carries a sacrificial overtone as well. It has been known that once a forest takes root and flourishes, the Blackthorn slowly dies.

So, there you have it. Though considered a portent of challenges and adversity ahead, according to Celtic lore, with it comes the promise of improvement. Associated with overcoming obstacles for a better future, Blackthorn is ultimately representative of hope in the midst of devastation.

I do love a happy ending. 🙂

(Please note (because I have to do this): The information contained in this post is from various sources that, unfortunately, I’ve lost track of over the years. I’m not advocating its accuracy or making any claims for the research.)

 *  *  *

There’s now only four weeks to go until the release of Blood Deep!

But, in case you missed my announcement on Facebook on Friday, not everyone will have to wait that long. I’ll be back tomorrow with news of how one lucky reader can get their hands on Blood Deep even sooner than that.

I’ll post how tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 😀