Which tree is known as the shivering tree because it defied the Holy Family by refusing to bow to them? Which tree is reputed to have sheltered an army of 7000 men beneath it? What three types of wood are used to make a witches broom? And which tree did villagers believe would protect you from witches, the devil and lightning? What is known as the pin of slumber? What piece of wood when smeared with butter and put up a chimney to cure became the only national weapon allowed by their occupying power? Underneath the Banyan Tree is a collection and celebration of facts, stories, myths and legends about trees, from many different cultures and their use to us as metaphor and symbol of our inner spiritual journey and our outer physical struggles in an ever changing world. The book weaves its way through the alphabet from Acacia to Zwart, and covers creation myths, magical shields, the passions and wars played out by gods, goddesses, the mischievousness of fairy folk; medicinal uses, superstitions, witches and supernatural occurrences.