Is wintry weather a blessing? Snow has fallen across the UK, for many the first of winter. For much of history, snow has been both a source of beauty and a curse.
Snow exposes deep longing experts say
Big chill: UK weather warnings this morning follow the first snowfall of winter. Over 200 schools closed yesterday. Parts of Scotland with fall to -12 tonight, three degrees colder than Omsk, the third-largest city in Siberia. Glossary
Duality - When two different (often opposite) things are combined.
Enchanting - Charming and attractive.
Myths - Stories told that are not based on real facts or evidence. They are often told over many years.
Goths - A nomadic Germanic people who fought against the Roman Empire in the AD 300s and 400s.
Saxons - A Germanic people who spread through Gaul and Britain.
Slavs - People from eastern and central Europe who speak Slavic languages, for example Polish and Russian.
Volcanic winter - A reduction in global temperatures caused by volcanic ash blocking the Sun.
Ice age - A long period of time in which global temperatures are extremely cold.