Further west, the much restored (even recreated) cité of Carcassonne seems to have landed direct from a starring role in a medieval myth.

And soon, monsters of medieval and Greek myths began to travel the countryside after sundown.

The set's story is inspired by Japanese medieval myths and revolves around the battle between spirits (kami) and living beings.

The title, he said, derives from a medieval myth.

The old astronomer was moving toward them like some vengeful spirit out of a medieval myth.

Dybbuks, they were called, after some medieval myth.

Despite its dreadful potential, "Princess of Thieves" manages to find comfortable footing on the treacherous path linking medieval myth and contemporary attitudes.

While previous Birtwistle operas have adapted ancient or medieval myth, "The Second Mrs. Kong" looks obliquely on modern life.

Elinder became associated with the sociologist Eva Kärfve at Lund University, whose research had been devoted to early witch hunts and medieval myths in Europe.

"It's going to destroy the medieval myth that suffering is what helps you get into heaven," said Father Barrios.