15 February 2023

Legends to Stories

 

With World Book Day right around the corner we want help inspire everyone to bring their favourite tales to life and experience their own once upon a time. So come with us on our exciting journey through the pages, by following our Instagram and Facebook. Plus, if you want to see something truly magical, sign up to our newsletter, where as a bonus, you get a wonderful 15% off your next order!

Legends have been told around campfires from one generation to the next, before pen was ever put to paper. Here are a few which are so popular in books today you might have forgotten were such amazing legends.

Robin Hood & Maid Marian

Being a small business from Nottingham, it would be amiss of us not to first mention our own legendary outlaw Robin Hood and the courageous Madid Marian! First brought into the world of books by Howard Pyle, ‘The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood’ tells a tale of heroism (sadly not in the form of a fox this time!).

Taking from the rich and giving to the poor, this daring woodsman is well known for being the defiant rival of the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Available is sizes 3-9 years, little ones sure will feel fearless in this iconic green and suede medieval costume. With the attached hood and belt, they will be ready to take on any injustice they see!

Carving her own path by Hood’s side, Maid Marian often helps the band of merry men from her place as a noblewoman. Respected by all for her loyalty and independence, she is truly an icon for the ages. Children can bring this courage and love for adventure to life with our Maid Marian outfit. Available in sizes 3-7 years, the blue medieval style dress shall have children feeling regal with its long flowing sleeves and velour bodice. Brought together by the gold and blue headband, little ones will be left feeling like royalty wherever they go!

Merlin & Arthur Pendragon

Emerging from Celtic mythology comes legends of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin; inspiring books like ‘Arthur High King of Britain’ by Michael Morpurgo to be written today. The once and future King is well known for being courageous in his battles and fair in his rule, taking on many a foe who threatened the peace in his lands. By his side is the world-famous Merlin. A wise and powerful wizard who performs astounding feats of magic, all whilst guiding the young king to greatness. Often seen as an architect of magic, Merlin has helped inspire authors to write fantastical tales which captivate us today.

In Pretend To Bee’s Red Knight costume, children can feel like King Arthur returned. Available in Years 3-7, the ruby red tunic is made of a magnificent, crushed velour. Along with the incredible details put into the silver chainmail and the gold lion emblem, this outfit will give children the courage of a lion to go on epic adventures and rid their royal kingdom of evil!

Or, in our Wizards cloak & Hat, kids will feel like they’ve just emerged out of an Arthurian legend to fulfil their destiny as an extraordinary wizard. The spellbinding purple cloak will mesmerise all their peers, while the pointy wizard’s hat will complete ever kids dream of exploring a fantasy realm with ancient magic at their fingertips.

Aladdin

When you hear the name Aladdin you mind most likely conjures images of Disney movies filled with colour and magical wonder, whether it be the animation or the more recent live action. But did you know that this adventurous prince first appeared as the story of ‘Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp’ in a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales called One Thousand and One Nights (or Arabian Nights as it was known after its 17^th century translation). Don’t worry though, this royal tale still contains evil sorcerers and genies in magical lamps!

The popular rags to riches tale has been retold and retold over the years, but still manages to inspire readers both young and old even today, to carry some of Aladdin’s bravery and compassion with them. Although we don’t have any flying carpets, our Arabian Prince outfit, available in Years 3-9, will be sure to provide children with a magical experience! From the bold purple trousers to the sparkling gold turban, they will definitely feel like they’ve explored their own Cave of Wonders.

These are just some of the many exciting ideas that can inspire your perfect World Bood Day Costume! To discover more book character themed inspiration, check out the Books to Movies Blog.

Team Pretend To Bee