World Folklore

A dealer of rare books, Deen is used to a quiet life spent indoors, but as his once-solid beliefs begin to shift, he is forced to set out on an extraordinary journey; one that takes him from India to Los Angeles and Venice via a tangled route through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way.

For the last nine centuries, Hawaiian tradition has used the wickedness of the Maui king Hua to depict the consequences of sacrificing righteousness for superficial political gains. His reign was known for its pointless warfare, waste of resources, and corruption. Condemning his dutiful high priest to death under false pretenses, Hua and his subjects finally earn the wrath of the gods. Drought and famine decimate Maui. The lush countryside of Hana becomes a wasteland. As they flee, the curse follows. Atonement resides with the sons of the murdered priest. If they can be found.

Monsters, in all their terrifying glory, have preoccupied humans since we began telling stories. But where did these stories come from? In Monsterland, award-winning author Nicholas Jubber goes on a journey to discover more about the monsters we've invented, lurking in the dark and the wild places of the earth—giants, dragons, ogres, zombies, ghosts, demons—all with one thing in common: their ability to terrify.

Almost everyone is familiar with names like Thor and Loki from movies, comics and other corners of the media world today, but where do they come from? That's exactly what this book looks at. You'll dive for a while into the origins of these familiar names of Norse mythology. You'll not only get an overview of the scientific sources if you desire to further investigate more specifically than what is presented here, you'll also get a short but concise introduction to the mythological world created in a pre-Christian time.

Drawing together the mythology and tales of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, this book is a comprehensive collection of the fascinating gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters that make up the compendium of Celtic myths and legends. Celtic Mythology offers an accessible exploration of the rich tapestry of stories and characters that define Celtic culture and have fascinated people for centuries.

Return to the Hallowed Grounds of Fenway, Massachusetts, and Bear Witness to a Startling Prophecy. The chosen few have been beckoned by a mysterious trio, summoned for a rendezvous delving into matters of destiny, fate, and the nightmares yet to come. Amidst clashes of temperament and souls burdened with distrust, they must confront the sinister truths and the repercussions caused by the enigmatic Llewyn Glass and his deal with the Devil. Strange Reckoning serves as a tie-in story to the mind-bending seven-novel series of macabre, fantastical, and mystical stories, while also foreshadowing ...

A fascinating guide to the monsters that are part of our collective psyche, from the host of the hit podcast Lore. They live in shadows - deep in the forest, late in the night, in the dark recesses of our mind. They're spoken of in stories and superstitions, relics of an unenlightened age, old wives' tales, passed down through generations. And yet, no matter how wary and jaded we have become, as individuals or as a society, a part of us remains vulnerable to them.

Some mirrors don’t reflect. They remember. When Eleanor Winslow returns to her ancestral home after years away, she intends only to settle her brother’s estate and leave the past behind. But Fogwatch House has been waiting—and it hasn’t forgotten her. Whispers follow her through empty hallways. Doors lead to rooms that were never built. And in the attic, a cracked mirror holds more than dust—it holds versions of herself she tried to forget. As Eleanor peels back layers of memory, she uncovers a hidden history of her family, the town of Darnwick, and the strange figure watching ...

Following a life of suffering and unbearable pain an old man died with his heart full of grievances. He eagerly welcomed death, anticipating the relief it would bring. Instead he discovered that the afterlife was not what he had imagined it to be. Rather than the total annihilation he expected, he entered the river of souls. Instead of obliteration, his death gave him a chance to relive his life and amend the mistakes that had haunted him. Baird’s soul transmigrated to the body of his younger self and he found that the world of his previous childhood was more enigmatic and dangerous than ...

A dealer of rare books, Deen is used to a quiet life spent indoors, but as his once-solid beliefs begin to shift, he is forced to set out on an extraordinary journey; one that takes him from India to Los Angeles and Venice via a tangled route through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way.

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the terrifying Wendigo? How about the Philippine shape-shifting vampire? What about the Māori forest spirits? Join award winning podcaster and researcher Kamuela Kaneshiro as he takes you on a thrilling trip through Asia, the Americas, and other fascinating cultures touching the Pacific Ocean. And as you marvel at this captivating assortment of deities, monsters, and historical backdrops, you’re sure to have your imagination sparked by the wonders of the world.

In A Vulgar Art, Ian Brodie uses a folkloristic approach to stand-up comedy, engaging the discipline's central method of studying interpersonal, artistic communication and performance. Because stand-up comedy is a rather broad category, people who study it often begin by relating it to something they recognize - "literature" or "theatre"; "editorial" or "morality" - and analyze it accordingly. A Vulgar Art begins with a more fundamental observation: Someone is standing in front of a group of people, talking to them directly, and trying to make them laugh.

Here, Cosimo proudly presents Book 7 of Ancient Egypt, in which Massey explains how Egyptian wisdom–which greatly concerns itself with matters of the womb and birth, water, and the offspring of gods–was appropriated by the Hebrew holy books, and explains how the Hebrew account of creation is a clear repetition of Egyptian mythology.

Evolutions brings to life the latest scientific thinking on the birth of the universe and the solar system, the journey from a single cell all the way to our human minds. Reawakening our sense of wonder and terror at the world around us and within us, Oren Harman uses modern science to create new and original mythologies.

Leo Braudy, a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, has won accolades for revealing the complex and constantly shifting history behind seemingly unchanging ideas of fame, war, and masculinity. Continuing his interest in the history of emotion, this book explores how fear has been shaped into images of monsters and monstrosity.

Step into a magical world where wisdom, nature, and childhood innocence converge in a vibrant celebration of life. The Little Giants of Paradise is a poetic and philosophical journey through the eyes of children, farmers, and the creatures of the countryside—bees, butterflies, owls, and silkworms—all offering profound lessons about love, friendship, ecology, and the soul of humanity. Set against the backdrop of a joyful village festival honoring San Isidro Labrador, this richly woven narrative explores themes of spiritual growth, environmental harmony, and the beauty of everyday life. ...

In a remote age of human history, women ruled kingdoms so vast that you might even say that women ruled the world. These giant warrior women were born of the gods, and in battle, one woman fought as fiercely as 10 men. They led armies into war, built cities, roads, canals, bridges, and irrigation systems. Amazons established botanical gardens with freshwater fountains along major roadways to provide food and water for weary travelers.

Embark on an enchanting journey into the world of Mythical Hummingbirds, a fascinating new eBook that reveals the wonders of these mesmerizing creatures! Dazzling in color and captivating in flight, hummingbirds have been a source of intrigue and inspiration for centuries. Now, for the first time ever, a captivating eBook explores the countless tales, legends, and myths woven around these magical, nectar-sipping birds. Imagine delving into the rich tapestry of Mesoamerican, South American, and Caribbean folklore, learning about the legendary Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, and ...

Ever since he was given a copy of Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World for his ninth birthday, Dom has been obsessed with the world of cryptozoology—monster hunting—and in Scary Monsters and Super Creeps, he heads to six completely different destinations to investigate local monster sightings. Are the monsters all the product of fevered minds, or is there a sliver of truth somewhere in the madness? Either way, the search gives Dom an excuse to dive into six fascinating destinations on a gloriously nutty adventure.

Greek Mythology is one of the most popular of mythologies. The creativity and imagination of the Greek has lingered through time and inspired as well as influenced many of the heroes of nowadays Western fiction.