Comedian Marjolein Robertson on turning folklore and menstruation into comedy gold

Myths and folklore carry lessons, often for dark and difficult times. Through their settings, in worlds of magic, we can remove ourselves and learn through a safer lens. I grew up enamoured with folklore, always asking for more of Shetland’s tales. It is only now as an adult I look back at them and see lessons I missed as a child.  

My home of Shetland, the UK’s northernmost isles, nestled between the North Atlantic and North Sea, can be easy to romanticise. But to think of it as an ideal way of life is to ignore the hardships of the long, dark winters and endless gales where year-round community is vital. Shetland is a land where one foot is firmly set in the modern-day world of work commitments and societal expectations, while the other remains rooted into the rhythm of the seasons. A time to plant, to harvest, to shelter. 

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In fact, the oldest folktale we have is Sea Midder and Teran, explaining the seasons. Sea Midder, the mother of the sea and our goddess of fertility, battles for control against Teran, the spirit of winter. This endless feud observes the rhythm of the seasons with Sea Midder reigning over spring and summer across the isles, providing warmth, light and life.

Teran then attacks and defeats Sea Midder, bringing an end to the summer. Teran casts her to the bottom of the sea and ushers in the colder weather and longer nights. On the seafloor, Sea Midder rests and recovers, readying herself to challenge Teran once again and victoriously bringing in another spring, restoring light and abundance to the islands once again. 

Now we have the scientific knowledge to explain the cycle of the seasons and this myth becomes purely that, a myth. Over time the tale could easily drift to the bottom of the waters as Sea Midder did herself. However, if you were to take another look, you can find lessons within the story, that we, as a modern world can overlook. Often to our own detriment.  

For example, during Teran’s rule, Sea Midder is suffering, at death’s door, suggesting that winter itself is a time of sadness. We now know this as Seasonal Affective Disorder, a term that wasn’t coined until 1984. The story also carries the message for rest and recuperation. Winter in Shetland was a time to stay indoors by the warmth of the fire. 

But what if we also apply this to other aspects of life beyond the yearly calendar? I have struggled with my periods, even to the point where, had I not been rushed to hospital, I would’ve died from blood loss. And they didn’t know why. In a world where science came up short and medicines failed me, I’ve taken comfort from Sea Midder. Her story has taught me when to rest, when to help others and when to fight for my cause.  

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I feel there is a lot to learn from the stories of our ancestors. My show for last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Marj, looked at the tale of the Selkie Wife. A selkie woman, who, in her truest form appears as that of a seal. However, she can pull off her skin, revealing her human form beneath.

After losing her seal skin on a beach she has no option but to accept the help of a fisherman. The very man, it turns out, who stole her skin in the first place. This tale is of the dangers of an abusive relationship; the reality of losing yourself, your mind, under the control of someone else.  

I deeply love the folklore of my Shetland home, and find it a gift to share it with others. To compare them with stories from my own life helps me to make sense of my place and body in a world of change.  

Now at this point you may be like, “Marjolein, why? How is this comedy?” But as I said at the beginning, this magical world offers a lens to explore these themes from a place of comfort. Combining these myths with my own stories of difficult periods in my life creates a safe space to explore the darker themes. Also, the show is full of jokes.  

The final note I’d like to make is that even when I’m gone, these stories will continue to live. To help those who come after us. If I can help carry them, to entertain, teach, to make people laugh, just for the seasons I am here, I am glad. 

Marjolein Robertson’s new show O is on at the Edinburgh Fringe from 30 July–25 August at Monkey Barrel, Hive 1.

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