I am a fan of legends and folklore, especially period literature related to the history of the Church. In fact, I really enjoyed reading a few books I found on “Pope Joan.”
But I also enjoyed reading books on Robin Hood and King Arthur.
Taken as metaphor and acknowledged as a legend, the stories about “Pope Joan” give great insight into the time from which these stories arose. The problem, I fear, is that Unholywood is going to try to frame this as fact, and idiots out there are going to start believing it.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying folklore and legends but as you aptly pointed out, there are those who, for whatever reason, begin to absorb these tales and start to believe them. I have never understood the great desire to have a King and Queen and distinctly recall how the election of John F. Kennedy inspired some Americans to view it as our "Camelot". Fantasy is fine but we live in a world of reality. We saw, in the last presidential election, where fantasy can lead.
Thanks for the post and ping!