Latest news with #Mythology
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Folklore comes alive in Germany's ‘fairytale' city
When a bronze statue of a donkey, dog, cat and rooster is one of a city's most photographed landmarks, it should come as no surprise that it takes its storytelling seriously. As the northern gateway to the German Fairytale Route, the river-straddling city of Bremen has long been steeped in myth and lore – but 2025 is its time to truly shine. Marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary Route, Bremen is throwing open its medieval gates to welcome visitors into a world where folklore comes alive in cobbled lanes, pixelated forests and theatrical cathedral squares. Once a proud Hanseatic hub on the Weser River, Bremen may lack the instant name recognition of Berlin or Munich, but it has something rarer: a deep sense of magic threaded through its architecture, culture and soul. This is, after all, the city where the Brothers Grimm's beloved 'Town Musicians of Bremen' tale is more than just a bedtime story – it's a city-wide invitation to step into an enchanted world. The German Fairytale Route, established in 1975, stretches some 600km from Hanau (the Grimm brothers' birthplace) in central Germany all the way to Bremen in the north. It passes through storybook towns like Marburg, Kassel and Hamelin – the latter famously plagued by a flute-playing Pied Piper. But Bremen, where the route ends (or begins, depending on your direction), offers a kind of finale that rewards travellers with a satisfying mix of whimsy, wonder and historical gravitas. Throughout 2025, the city is celebrating its starring role on the route with a packed programme of myth-tinged events. Among the highlights is the Stadtmusikantenspiel, a lively Sunday lunchtime performance held in the shadow of Bremen Cathedral. From May through to December, this musical reimagining of the city's famed animal quartet brings the fairytale to life in the very square where its story is immortalised in bronze. Elsewhere, a special anniversary walking tour delves into both Grimm folklore and Bremen's own mythic foundations – like the legend of the fishermen who followed a hen and her chicks to settle on the Weser, symbolising freedom and laying the city's foundations. Their tale is immortalised in stone on the Town Hall arcade – a blink-and-you'll-miss-it nugget of urban folklore waiting to be rediscovered. A walk through the past (and pixelated present) Bremen wears its fairytales on its sleeve, but the charm doesn't stop at statues and stories. Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town), and you'll find half-timbered houses, Gothic spires and grand merchant halls that whisper of a prosperous past. The Unesco-listed Town Hall is an architectural gem from the Weser Renaissance era, standing proudly beside the Roland statue – a symbol of civic freedom dating back to 1404. Modern-day magic arrives in the form of Pixelwald Wisera, a dazzling new installation in the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery. Step inside, and you're transported into a glowing pixel forest – an immersive experience that feels halfway between enchanted woodland and digital dreamscape. It's an unexpected but oddly fitting tribute to the city's blend of tradition and innovation. For families and digital natives, the BremenGo app animates the famous Musicians of Bremen in 3D across the city. Think Pokémon GO, but with more donkeys and fewer battles. Meanwhile, the Stadtmusikantenexpress boat trip offers a breezy way to explore Bremen's sights while soaking up stories of mythical beasts, musical dreams, and Bremen's colourful history along the Weser. What to see and do No trip to Bremen is complete without paying homage to the statue of the Musicians of Bremen. Located beside the Town Hall, the sculpture has become a touchstone for good fortune – quite literally. Legend has it that holding the donkey's front leg brings luck, though only with your right hand. (Left, apparently, does nothing. This is fairytale science.) Wander a little further and you'll hit the Schnoorviertel, Bremen's oldest quarter, where centuries-old fishermen's houses lean inwards like gossiping neighbours. Today, it's a tangle of boutique galleries, artisan shops and cosy cafés. Stop by for a marzipan pastry or browse for handmade trinkets that wouldn't look out of place in a Grimm tale. For a more serene slice of the city, head to the Bürgerpark – 200 acres of manicured greenery that offers a welcome pause from the cobbles. And if it's myths and legends you're after, don't miss Böttcherstraße, a striking Art Deco alleyway filled with history, eccentric architecture and an air of the unexpected. How to do it Bremen is compact and walkable, making it an ideal weekend break. Most attractions are within easy reach of the Altstadt, and the city's efficient tram network makes venturing further a breeze. With its beguiling mix of myth, history and modern creativity, Bremen is ready to surprise. This is a place where fairytales aren't confined to books, but written in stone, sung in public squares, and animated into the very air around you. And in this special anniversary year, the magic is more alive than ever. Essentials Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted to Bremen from £49 return. Lufthansa operates flights from London Heathrow to Bremen via Frankfurt from £129 return. Stylish, central and brimming with character – just like the city itself – Hotel Classico (0049 421 2440 0867) is located steps from the Town Hall and Musicians of Bremen statue. Doubles from £110 per night, including breakfast.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Americans Are Ditching Fitness Influencers and Trusting Themselves (Report)
New study from Mythology and Vytal World reveals nearly half of Americans now trust their bodies over "experts." NEW YORK, June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Americans grow increasingly skeptical of the $100 billion fitness industry, a new study reveals 47% of active adults now trust their own body's signals over experts, influencers, and tracking technology when making fitness decisions. The findings are from "The End of Expert Rule," a comprehensive study conducted by creative agency Mythology and insights partner Vytal World that uncovers a profound cultural shift in how people relate to exercise and wellness. "People are questioning the assumption that someone else knows their body better than they do," says L Parker Barnum, Managing Director at Mythology. "But this isn't about rejecting science or expertise entirely—it's about pushing back against the commodification of health and the obsessive culture that we've seen over the years." The end of performative suffering The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults active in fitness highlights a striking rejection of what the report's authors call "performative suffering," with nearly 30% identifying the "no pain, no gain" mindset as the most outdated fitness status symbol. Just seven percent of adults place primary trust in AI systems or tracking technology, challenging the notion that we need constant digital monitoring to achieve wellness. The report identifies four key aspects driving this cultural shift: The rise of self-trust: Nearly half (47%) of respondents prioritize their own physical signals over external authority. Community experimentation: Friend groups have become innovation hubs, with 49% creating personalized approaches rather than following prescribed programs. Millennials and Gen Z differ significantly in how they apply this approach; Gen Z values authenticity and education, while Millennials prioritize efficiency and time optimization. Try-before-you-buy mentality: Personal experimentation drives 45% of purchasing decisions, far outweighing scientific validation (26%) or cultural credibility (8.4%). Rejection of extreme fitness: A third of respondents expect future fitness to focus on "longevity and health, not looks," with 24% viewing expensive branded fitness apparel as a declining status symbol. "Our findings suggest we're witnessing a maturation of fitness culture," adds Natalie Mbogo, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of Vytal World. "Rather than the 'hustle culture' fitness of the 2010s with its celebration of exhaustion, people are now prioritizing long-term health, injury prevention, and mental well-being." Sobering implications for brands These findings present a significant challenge for brands as successful companies will need to evolve from authorities to partners, acknowledging customers' own expertise, creating spaces for knowledge sharing, and focusing on how products "feel" rather than just how they look. "Influencer fatigue is real," the study notes, suggesting that brands must recalibrate their marketing efforts to account for this shift in influence, or risk losing relevance as consumers increasingly forge their own paths. To view the full report, visit About Mythology Mythology is an independent creative company based in NYC, founded and led by Anthony Sperduti—with partners Audrey Attal, Ted Galperin, Kim Haxton, and Sophie Mascatello. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to creating impactful work across branding, advertising, and retail design. Visit and follow us on IG @mythology for more. About Vytal World Vytal World is an innovative research company that revolutionizes how brands understand and connect with their audiences. Through collaborative, community-driven methodologies, we transform traditional consumer insights by making people active participants in the research process, creating deeper understanding that leads to more authentic and effective brand strategies. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media contact: Flight PRAlysha Lightalysha@
Business Wire
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Americans Are Ditching Fitness Influencers and Trusting Themselves (Report)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Americans grow increasingly skeptical of the $100 billion fitness industry, a new study reveals 47% of active adults now trust their own body's signals over experts, influencers, and tracking technology when making fitness decisions. The findings are from ' The End of Expert Rule,' a comprehensive study conducted by creative agency Mythology and insights partner Vytal World that uncovers a profound cultural shift in how people relate to exercise and wellness. "People are questioning the assumption that someone else knows their body better than they do. This isn't about rejecting science or expertise entirely, [but] pushing back against the commodification of health and the obsessive culture that we've seen." Share 'People are questioning the assumption that someone else knows their body better than they do," says L Parker Barnum, Managing Director at Mythology. 'But this isn't about rejecting science or expertise entirely—it's about pushing back against the commodification of health and the obsessive culture that we've seen over the years.' The end of performative suffering The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults active in fitness highlights a striking rejection of what the report's authors call "performative suffering," with nearly 30% identifying the "no pain, no gain" mindset as the most outdated fitness status symbol. Just seven percent of adults place primary trust in AI systems or tracking technology, challenging the notion that we need constant digital monitoring to achieve wellness. The report identifies four key aspects driving this cultural shift: The rise of self-trust: Nearly half (47%) of respondents prioritize their own physical signals over external authority. Community experimentation: Friend groups have become innovation hubs, with 49% creating personalized approaches rather than following prescribed programs. Millennials and Gen Z differ significantly in how they apply this approach; Gen Z values authenticity and education, while Millennials prioritize efficiency and time optimization. Try-before-you-buy mentality: Personal experimentation drives 45% of purchasing decisions, far outweighing scientific validation (26%) or cultural credibility (8.4%). Rejection of extreme fitness: A third of respondents expect future fitness to focus on "longevity and health, not looks," with 24% viewing expensive branded fitness apparel as a declining status symbol. 'Our findings suggest we're witnessing a maturation of fitness culture," adds Natalie Mbogo, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of Vytal World. 'Rather than the 'hustle culture' fitness of the 2010s with its celebration of exhaustion, people are now prioritizing long-term health, injury prevention, and mental well-being.' Sobering implications for brands These findings present a significant challenge for brands as successful companies will need to evolve from authorities to partners, acknowledging customers' own expertise, creating spaces for knowledge sharing, and focusing on how products 'feel' rather than just how they look. 'Influencer fatigue is real,' the study notes, suggesting that brands must recalibrate their marketing efforts to account for this shift in influence, or risk losing relevance as consumers increasingly forge their own paths. To view the full report, visit About Mythology Mythology is an independent creative company based in NYC, founded and led by Anthony Sperduti—with partners Audrey Attal, Ted Galperin, Kim Haxton, and Sophie Mascatello. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to creating impactful work across branding, advertising, and retail design. Visit and follow us on IG @mythology for more. About Vytal World Vytal World is an innovative research company that revolutionizes how brands understand and connect with their audiences. Through collaborative, community-driven methodologies, we transform traditional consumer insights by making people active participants in the research process, creating deeper understanding that leads to more authentic and effective brand strategies. Learn more at
BreakingNews.ie
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Spectators gather for ancient Celtic fire procession that welcomes summer
Hundreds of spectators have gathered for a Celtic fire festival marking the beginning of summer in Co Westmeath. A procession of light and fire was held at the Hill of Uisneach, an ancient ceremonial site steeped in Irish mythology. Advertisement Performers during the Bealtaine Fire Festival at the Hill of Uisneach in Co Westmeath (Niall Carson/PA) Performers dressed in Celtic costumes and donned leaf head-dresses as they re-enacted life and traditions from centuries ago. At the end of the procession, a huge fire was lit welcoming the summer, a ritual that dates back more than 1,000 years to the time of the High Kings of Ireland. The Bealtaine Fire Festival, held on Saturday, also offered a talk on prehistoric astronomy, poetry and storytelling, music and drumming before the procession began at sundown.
Vogue
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Sandra Weil Mexico Fall 2025 Collection
Sandra Weil was one of the standout names on the opening day of Mexico Fashion Week. The platform is undergoing a period of renewal—now backed by a new sponsor—and the Peruvian designer is part of this fresh chapter in Mexican fashion. Weil's latest collection, titled LEVEL8, drew inspiration from the energy of infinity, tied to a personal journey of confronting and overcoming fear. Visually, that idea came to life through garments with a medieval edge and mythological motifs. Conceptually, she used it as an opportunity to deepen her brand's own mythology, with prints featuring dragons, mermaids, and other creatures. That inner transformation was reflected outward. The show opened with a striking look: a pleated tulle maxi skirt paired with a wool and organza jacket with asymmetrical cuts—instantly recognizable as part of her signature silhouette. It was feminine, but stripped of sweetness and delicacy. As the show went on, each look added new layers of complexity, showcasing Weil's talent for mixing fabrics and prints. This time, she worked in stylized metallic mesh. One of the highlights was a golden metal corset that, within the collection's narrative, looked like the perfect armor for going into battle and facing your fears. Another subtle but consistent element ran throughout: folds and drapes that brought fluidity and movement to jackets and baggy trousers, often with a detail focused on one hip. 'Our tailoring has been evolving for years. It's part of our constant curiosity and commitment to learning. What drives us is couture—the art, craft, and skill that truly lies at the heart of fashion,' Weil shared backstage. Today, she proudly leads an in-house team of 50 people, managing everything from embroidery to prints. The accessories were designed by Romo Herrera, a jewelry house known for sculptural pieces, including the show's remarkable dragon-scale-inspired necklace worn by Mexican actress Aislinn Derbez. Some looks also featured UGG boots, part of a special collaboration for the runway. 'Once you conquer your fears, you tap into an infinite energy—where there's no good or bad. Everything flows. That's the message: once you move past fear, everything comes and goes naturally,' she concluded.
