Mountains have always held a mystical appeal to mortals. They’ve found their way into mythology, folklore and religion. Folklore HAWAIIAN LEGENDS OF GHOSTS and GHOST-GODS collected and translated from the Hawaiian by W. D. WESTERVELT [1916] THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN This is not a Hawaiian legend. It was written to show the superstitions …
X is for X-Factor. No matter the name or how you spell it, the Fates are everywhere and in every culture. Folklore The Poetic Edda “Norns are figures of fate who may be present at a child’s birth, prophesying his future, as in the First Poem of Helgi Hundingsbani. As determiners of fate, the norns are …
L is for Laird. laird n Scottish landowner (Collins English Dictionary) Though I usually use creatures found in folklore as-is with minor adjustments, I had this wonderful idea for a specific Faery race that incorporated a variety of Celtic races, customs and histories. Where possible, I’ll give you the original text that inspired me. Influence …
E is for Entice. entice v attract by exciting hope or desire, tempt enticement n (Collins English Dictionary) Vilas have a strong connection to the Otherworld and are feared and revered in folklore. They are seriously misunderstood faeries. Folklore The Fairy Mythology by Thomas Keightley [1870] VILAS CHERRY! dearest Cherry!Higher lift thy branches,Under which the …
Selkies are such marvellous Fae. Not only are they able to take two forms, they are also able to grant wishes and bring luck. They’ve captured the imagination of artists, writers and folklore enthusiasts. They are another great addition to the therianthrope group: changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin. Therianthrope n …
One of my favourite faeries to use in my writing – sometimes just popping up in a story without forethought! – is the will-o’-the-wisp. Folklore Most faeries with fiery appearances and a tendency to lead night-time travellers astray are categorised as “will-o’-the-wisp”, which is why there are so many differing names for something that seems …
Celebrating the success of Once… Tales, Myths and Legends of Faerie, I’m sharing a couple of book club questions. Original book trailer: Audiobook book trailer: Book club questions Once… Tales, Myths and Legends of Faerie If you were a dragon, would you hoard books? Why/why not? What do you think of Beira? What do you …
Last week we looked at what I write: Dark Fantasy. This week we’re looking at what features in my writing. Once upon a time I wrote about what folklore is and why folklore is important. I wrote about how we embrace it in our Disney movies and young adult novels – disguised as fairy tales. …
Everyone always talks about having a muse to help them with their artistic endeavours. Yeah, some muses are a little trickier with what they want out of the deal than others. Today we’re looking at the Leannan Sìth. Leannan Sìth in Folklore Survivals in Belief Among the Celts by George Henderson [1911] The forester was …
I’m enchanted by the old lore of the world – especially the Celtic goddesses. The Cailleach is one of the most fascinating, powerful and terrifying of the Celtic goddesses. It is said that she is ancient. The Cailleach in Folklore Carmina Gadelica Hymns and Incantations Ortha Nan Gaidheal Volume II by Alexander Carmichael [1900] Cailleach, …
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