Coconuts are an important crop within the Polynesian Islands; they provide an important food source as well as oil, fiber, and wood. The sweet water inside can… Read more “The Cost of a Kiss: Sina and the Eel”
Category: Folktales
The Farmer’s Wife: the Gwraig of the Golden Boat
Once upon a time, there lived a young farmer. Though he was hard working, the Lord had not blessed him with a wife, and his loneliness had… Read more “The Farmer’s Wife: the Gwraig of the Golden Boat”
Coyote and the Seven Sisters: the Stars that Fed Us
One day, after a tribal dance, Coyote and Raccoon spotted Squirrel’s hole. Not only that, but they spotted a secret back door. They conspired together: after all,… Read more “Coyote and the Seven Sisters: the Stars that Fed Us”
Love Bites: The Alligator Man
Should you find yourself near Santa Marta, Colombia, in December, you might encounter a most unusual festival. This celebration features horse parades and rides, an accordion music… Read more “Love Bites: The Alligator Man”
The Story of the Vân Cát Goddess: An Icon of Female Emancipation
The Vietnamese Princess Liễu Hạnh, also known as the Vân Cát goddess, is the 13th daughter of the Jade Emperor, and one of the Four Immortals found… Read more “The Story of the Vân Cát Goddess: An Icon of Female Emancipation”
Damned Fashion: Necropants
Yes, we know. When we talk about Icelandic fashion, your mind probably goes to alt-pop chanteuse Bjork, pictured below: However, long before Bjork was dressing up like… Read more “Damned Fashion: Necropants”
Barbegazi: The Alpine Snow Gnomes
High up in the alpine mountain ranges that form the borders between France and Switzerland live the Barbegazi. Cousins to the more standard variety garden gnome found… Read more “Barbegazi: The Alpine Snow Gnomes”
A Folktale from India: the Brahmin and the Gruel Pot
The following tale is a fable from the Panchatantra, a collection of folktales penned between 300 BCE and 550 CE (the earlier date is preferred by most… Read more “A Folktale from India: the Brahmin and the Gruel Pot”
Sim Cheong: A Korean Shamanic Healing Story.
Shamans and magicians of many cultures have long used the power of words to heal, whether it be through song, story or spell. One of the best… Read more “Sim Cheong: A Korean Shamanic Healing Story.”
My Vengeance: Jean De Clisson and the Black Fleet
Imagine you are standing on the deck of a French naval vessel that has just been attacked. Anything of worth has been looted, but that’s hardly the… Read more “My Vengeance: Jean De Clisson and the Black Fleet”