“The Lady of Shallott” is an 1832 poem by Alfred Tennyson, about a woman who is cursed to die if she ever has any fun, ever. It’s left ambiguous who exactly has laid this curse upon her, but I feel like we’re all looking at The Patriarchy here.

Anyhoo, this header is not about the poem per se but the delightful song version by Loreena McKennitt. Based on Tennyson’s 1842 revision, the full 11+ minute song contains (almost) the entire poem, omitting only a few stanzas. (Which to be honest, are a little redundant. Lancelot is hot, Tennyson, we get it. One stanza is enough.) While McKennitt has recorded a few abridged versions over the years, we present here the original full version from her 1991 album The Visit. A quiet, meditative song that’s perfect for an autumn evening.

Because I know when I think of words to describe the Night Thread, the first two that pop into mind are “quiet” and “meditative.”

Have fun, kids!