American Folklore

Welcome to the United States of Cryptids, where mysterious monsters lurk in the dark forests, deep lakes, and sticky swamps of all fifty states. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer and chronicler of the strange J. W. Ocker not only uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures but investigates the ways in which communities have embraced and celebrated their local cryptids.

An extraordinary compilation of legends and rituals about nature's ever-present signs. From the birds that soar above us to the insects beneath our feet, Native American healer Bobby Lake-Thom shows how the creatures of the earth can aid us in healing and self-knowledge. “There are ancient...

In Backwoods Witchcraft, Jake Richards offers up a folksy stew of family stories, lore, omens, rituals, and conjure crafts that he learned from his great-grandmother, his grandmother, and his grandfather, a Baptist minister who Jake remembers could "rid someone of a fever with an egg or stop up the blood in a wound." The witchcraft practiced in Appalachia is very much a folk magic of place, a tradition that honors the seen and unseen beings that inhabit the land as well as the soil, roots, and plant life.

These uproarious American folk stories, retold by master storyteller Jim Weiss, will have you laughing and pondering too. You’ll hear about Paul Bunyan, taller than the trees and mightier than the rivers; Johnny Appleseed, whose gentle generosity made him a beloved legend; and Pecos Bill, whose outrageous Texas-sized exploits made him the greatest of all cowboys. There’s even one of Jim’s own tales; a tongue-twisting, hilarious tale of the Old West. The entire family will listen to this recording over and over again.

Listen and relive exciting tales from Highlights, now on audio! Learn about a boy at a Spanish market who knocks over a stand of avocados down a hill and makes guacamole and about a jungle that is full of terror at the thought that a monster could be lurking in the shadows, along with other stories.

"50 States, 50 Mysteries" is the ultimate travel guide for mystery enthusiasts, featuring unexplained phenomena, haunted places, true crime stories, and more from every corner of America. Take a journey through the country and explore the local legends and unsolved mysteries that make each state unique. Embark on a road trip like no other as you explore the paranormal activity and ghost stories that surround mysterious places and secret locations across the country. From strange occurrences to infamous crimes, this book has it all, providing a mix of true crime, folklore, and regional ...

Dive into the chilling depths of American history with 'Fear & Folklore: American Witches,' a riveting exploration of the dark and mysterious world of witches in the United States. From the earliest days of the Virginia colonies in 1626, where Joan Wright faced accusations of witchcraft, to the haunting trials of Mary Johnson in Connecticut, found guilty of 'familiarity with the devil' in 1648, this book unearths the buried secrets of America's witch trials. While the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 take center stage, 'Fear & Folklore' delves deeper into the shadows, uncovering the ...

Drawing on the expertise of twenty-four renowned practitioners, this book features contemporary folk traditions from all over North America. Diverse as the landscapes they thrive on, these authentic practices will expand your worldview and inspire you to enrich your own spirituality. Explore the history, tools, and spiritual beliefs of many different paths of folk magic from Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Ghost Stories of the Appalachian Trail: 30 Chilling Tales of Real Hauntings and Legends The Appalachian Trail winds through some of America's most rugged and mysterious wilderness — and not everything lurking in the woods can be explained. In this spine-tingling collection, explore 30 short stories inspired by real events, ghostly encounters, and chilling Appalachian folklore. From vanished hikers and phantom lights to haunted hollows and ancient curses, each story will leave you wondering what's hiding just beyond the next bend in the trail. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or ...

In the deep hollows where the modern world fades to a whisper, the old ways still hold power. The land is alive, the water holds memories, and ancient things slumber under the hills. For generations, quiet families have served as the keepers of these secrets, their lives bound to a sacred trust. This anthology of ten short stories opens a doorway into this hidden country. Inside, you'll discover: A botanist whose arrogance pits him against a forest with a will of its own. A woman whose gift allows her to hear the ghosts of a creek, a power she must wield to save her valley. A logger whose ...

Every city has a story. Some will chill you long after the last page. From the neon glow of Las Vegas to the haunted tunnels beneath New York, America hides dark secrets in every skyline. This gripping anthology dives into 50 terrifying urban legends, each rooted in real locations, whispered folklore, and chilling mysteries that refuse to stay buried. 👻 Inside, you’ll discover: • Ghostly apparitions roaming iconic landmarks • Cursed objects and sinister doppelgängers • Unexplainable creatures lurking in lakes and alleyways • Vanished souls who demand to be remembered • ...

Embark on a chilling journey across the United States with "Fear & Folklore: American Monsters." This gripping exploration delves into the shadows of American history to unearth the most notorious cryptids and monsters that have haunted the nation's collective imagination. From the misty woodlands of the Pacific Northwest to the eerie swamps of Louisiana, this collection reveals the tales behind some of the most enduring legends. Encounter the elusive Bigfoot, the ominous Jersey Devil, and the winged harbinger of doom, Mothman, each with its own haunting narrative that has captivated ...

Explore captivating Native American myths.

Unravel the Meaning Behind Ancient Native American Myths Long before the written word, Indigenous tribes across North America passed down powerful oral traditions—stories of mighty Thunderbirds, trickster spirits, and dark omens that shaped their understanding of the world. But these myths are more than just stories—they reveal deep spiritual insights, survival wisdom, and the forces that shaped Native cultures. In Native American Myths: Stories & Their Hidden Meanings, explore not only the myths themselves but also the deeper symbolism, history, and impact they have had on Indigenous ...

Delve into the mystical worlds of Celtic enchantment, the heroic sagas of Bulfinch's lore, the enigmatic tales of Slavic spirits, the celestial dances of Japanese deities, the profound fables of Turkish origins, the creation epics of Sumerian and Mesopotamian civilizations, the rich tapestry of Native American heritage, and the captivating chronicles from the Filipino archipelago.

The story tells of the making of the very first ball of fire. Trinidad wavers between the British and the French and SouCou is a slave, stolen from her beloved homeland. Born a Sharman in Africa she is a prized possession because of her talents, she finds love then heart break but through it all she wants her daughter to be free. She refuses to believe that her new owner Governor Yant will keep any of his promises and instead bargains with the God of Fire, Shango to grant her, her heart’s desire in exchange for her very soul ... but SouCou’s rage is so powerful that she does not die, ...

Some legends don’t want to stay hidden—and some secrets won’t stay buried. When a Navajo girl vanishes in the high desert of Arizona, Lux Branson is asked to help, even though this time the stakes are deeply personal. Her old friend Jackson believes his girlfriend was taken by a Skinwalker—an evil shapeshifter from Navajo lore. Skeptical but determined, Lux joins the search. The deeper they go into the red rock canyons and sacred lands, the more disturbing the evidence becomes. Something ancient is watching. And it doesn’t want them to leave. With time running out and local ...

A charming and comic debut novel about a quirky ensemble embarking on an epic quest to find Bigfoot “American Mythology is a riveting, big-hearted novel about a group of pilgrims who encounter both the mysteries of nature and ultimately those of the human heart. Giano Cromley has given us a...

He is the ancient frost. She is the living fire. And this Christmas, the legend of Saint Nick gets a primal, deadly rewrite. Dr. Nia Abara has spent her career deconstructing the myths of the Winter Solstice. She knows the stories of the Wild Hunt and the Yule beasts are born from ancient fears. But when a mysterious research grant lands her on a private jet that crashes into the frozen Arctic wastes, Nia discovers that the monsters aren't metaphors. They are real, they are hungry, and she is on the menu. Her savior is a nightmare wrapped in muscle and fur. Niklas Vinter is no jolly old elf...

In Fear & Folklore: Grave Robbers, delve into the sinister underworld of those who dared to disturb the sanctity of the dead. This gripping account weaves together chilling tales of wily resurrection men and audacious grave robbers who turned cemeteries into their hunting grounds across America. Meet Rufus Cantrell, the notorious body snatcher of Indianapolis, whose cunning operations supplied medical schools with freshly exhumed cadavers, turning the macabre into profit. Then, journey to Florida, where the eerie tale of Count Carl Von Cosel unfolds—a man so consumed by love that he ...