Storytelling Services

Sometimes along the river of life we come to a point where a choice presents itself. One way appears attractive, comfortable and safe. The other is less certain, it offers a very different kind of journey, one which beckons us to an unknown country. This way demands great courage, for it is indeed perilous and there is no promise of a safe arrival.

Which of your most precious possessions would you take with you?

Which would you least like to lose?

What things happen in the dark?

These are some of the questions addressed in the workshop on Inanna.

Myth can be understood as a reflection of the hopes and fears of people from earliest times. It is re-assuring to find that these issues have not changed, and today we are pre-occupied with exactly the same problems. These ancient tales reflect our deepest yearnings, and because they address fundamental issues, they inspire a deep inner resonance.

For the people who originally told them, they served many purposes. Not only did they provide answers to philosophical problems, they also addressed more intimate issues – offering guidance on personal behaviour and social rules. And crucially they did so in narrative form. These were stories that people could remember and identify with. They provided a space were people could discover a neglected world of fantasy and imagination, could laugh, cry, feel wonder, and find hope. Myths utilize a universal language, and they demonstrate the timeless and essential imaginative unity of all people. Inanna’s tale has much to teach us.

These workshops are given for both children and adults, and can be tailored to fit into whatever time space needed. Sometimes artwork too is offered especially in childrens’sessions.

Workshops on other stories are also given – eg Babayaga – also illustrated with digital images.
See ‘Stories’

Previous storytelling sessions :


Warwick Word Festival, Cambridge Jungians, Woodland Trust, St Ethelburga’s London, Canterbury Cathedral, numerous local schools both locally and in USA, regular sessions at Coventry University Hospital.

Feedback following workshops

Eleanor Allitt’s Inanna Workshop was very enjoyable. I had been interested in the myth since having a dream that evoked it and Eleanor’s workshop brought the myth to life. her wonderful illustrations and her telling of the myth have stayed with me. If you are interested in the Inanna myth but unfamiliar with it, this workshop is a great introduction to it.

The visual images were marvellous. I had a dream afterwards – quite scary – on the edge of a huge stairway/precipice. I liked the repetition - the seven gateways – quite trancelike. It was an enriching experience – just lovely.

It had an energy of its own – I’m still thinking about it (two weeks on). I really enjoyed discussing it with my neighbour . Eleanor had a lovely style of delivery.

Childrens feedback

"The meaning of the story is to keep going even when you aren’t sure."

"I thought it was brilliant."

"It was great, I really really enjoyed it."