Ancient Folklore

The Ancient: Night Root is a short story with a chilling blend of science fiction and ancient folklore. Some things do not die; they seed themselves in the earth. Buried in the red clay, something ancient waits. A hunger older than memory, and patient as the dark itself. When a scientist perfects the art of resurrecting extinct species, her work is meant to be a triumph of science. Then, deep in the university’s archives, she discovers a bone fragment that defies every genetic record. It is not from any known species… and not entirely dead. What begins as an experiment in genetic ...

In this beautifully illustrated guide, bring the power of ancient tradition to the modern world, and reconnect with nature and yourself through traditional folk wisdom. Organized around the pagan wheel of the year, The Ancient Ways introduces readers to the natural rhythms that governed our...

Discover the oldest story ever told—now in a powerful new translation that brings ancient Mesopotamia to vivid life. The Epic of Gilgamesh is humanity's first great work of literature, composed more than 4,000 years ago—centuries before Homer, before the Bible, before any written story you know. This is the tale that established the hero's journey, the quest for immortality, and the profound reckoning with what it means to be human and mortal. Gilgamesh is the mighty King of Uruk: two-thirds god, one-third man, blessed with superhuman strength and cursed with a restless heart. He is a ...

Legends of Norse Mythology is your practical guide for navigating the Norse realms and revealing the origins of these mythical stories, ranging from the gripping narratives of revered gods to Viking sagas of the Scandinavian seafaring adventures with longships, to the timeless rituals of the Nordic people.

Before history was written, the gods went to war Long before the mortal kings claimed the Emerald Isle, it was ruled by the Tuatha Dé Danann. They were a race of golden warriors, fierce queens, and masters of primal magic. But paradise is never won without a fight. In this high-stakes epic retelling, D.B. Sullivan brings the ancient Celtic myths to roaring life. Step into a brutal and beautiful age where gods bleed, kingdoms shatter, and legends are forged in the fires of battle. You will ride alongside the legendary figures of Irish myth as you have never seen them before. Lugh, the ...

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gillig comes a sensational romantasy, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess forced on an impossible quest with the one knight whose future is beyond her sight. "Prepare to meet your next obsession."...

During his journeys around Japan, Smith recorded ancient Japanese myths and legends in his personal diaries. The result is a fascinating collection of historical legends from all over Japan, with themes including ghosts, unrequited love, Shinto landscape, tree and ocean spirits, samurai culture and tales driven by Bushido and Buddhist ethics. Gordon Smith's writing combines a realist style with supernatural elements, resulting in an anthology of 'magic realist' tales which will bewitch and captivate listeners.

Thomas Bulfinch introduces us to the gods of the Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies. We learn their stories and we also observe the similarities between the deities of yore. Comparing these stories and characters to those of some modern religions may produce some surprising results!

Introducing book one in the CELTIC LEGENDS SERIES, a star-crossed lovers tale from the RITA-nominated author of passionate, magical romances Conor has lived a hundred lives…but loved only once Born to a powerful Irish priestess, Conor knows he is no ordinary warrior. Some whisper he’s not human at all. He seeks out Brigid of Morna, a reclusive, woodland seer, the only woman who can unveil the truth of his everlasting strength. But Brigid refuses to help him—or to yield her hungry heart. For she knows that a man cursed to live a thousand lives must never fall in love… "An enthralling...

They’ve stalked Europe’s haunted woods and prowled America’s forgotten roads. Now their blood-soaked legacy is exposed. Werewolves have howled through our darkest stories for centuries—but what if the legends were true? In this unnerving collection, author Ethan Blackwood hunts down the origins, folklore, and chilling real-world encounters behind the world’s most terrifying shapeshifters. From ancient European villages to the eerie backroads of rural America, you'll discover: The horrifying roots of werewolf myths across cultures Real-life accounts from survivors who claim they ...

Ancient Mysteries - Lost Civilizations - Hidden History - Legendary Heroes - Myth vs. Reality - Fairy Tale Origins - Forgotten Legends - Quests & Kingdoms What if every story you were told as a child was hiding something true? Behind the wicked stepmothers and enchanted castles, behind the sword pulled from stone, behind the golden cities explorers died searching for, real history is buried, waiting to be uncovered. Legends and Folklore of the World takes you across centuries of storytelling to unearth where humanity's most enduring legends actually came from, and what they reveal about the...

This is not a collection of gentle fairy tales. The folklore of Ireland has been systematically sanitized for global consumption. The ancient Irish did not view the supernatural as a safe or romantic escape. They saw it as a tangible, high-velocity threat that shared their physical geography. The Irish Otherworld is a restoration of the dark, predatory, and profound realities of Celtic myth. In this A to Z field guide, you will dig beneath the pavement of modern tropes to understand the psychological architecture of the ancient Irish people. These stories were originally designed as a ...

A survivor accused of a decade-old grisly murder. A disgraced lawyer with everything to prove. And the only witness has stood watch for more than a millennium. Northern Michigan is a land of ghosts and sweeping vistas. In a small town, an ancient oak stands heavy with grief, its twisted limbs...

Not Your Typical Mythology Book — This One Brings Japan’s Culture to Life in Words and Pictures Japanese Myths: An Easy-Going Culture Journey into Japanese Mythology and Folklore is a beautifully illustrated, easy-to-read cultural deep dive that goes far beyond legends. With nearly 40 stunning illustrations, this book connects ancient gods, mysterious yokai, anime, shrines, daily rituals, and even travel spots—revealing how mythology still shapes the rhythm of everyday life in Japan. Perfect for anime fans, travelers, or anyone curious about Japan, this book offers a complete yet ...

With the invasion of Dara complete, and the Wall of Storms breached, the world has opened to new possibilities for the gods and peoples of both empires as the sweeping saga of the award-winning Dandelion Dynasty continues in this third book of the “magnificent fantasy epic” (NPR). Princess...

Uncover Japan's Secrets in One Epic Volume From the mysterious Jōmon people to the heights of its technological prowess, Japan’s story is a 10,000-year saga of ruthless warriors, spiritual emperors, and revolutionary rebirth. Beneath the history books lie the timeless legends: the divine creation myths, the harrowing ghost stories, and the tales of samurai honor that define the nation's soul. Two manuscripts in one book: History of Japan: An Enthralling Journey Through Ancient Japanese Empires, the Shogunate Era, Cultural Renaissance, and Modern Period Japanese Folktales and Legends: An ...

Embark on an extraordinary voyage through six captivating worlds of folklore and myth. Across more than one hundred and ten hours of immersive storytelling, you’ll witness common threads of wonder that unite us all—no matter how far apart our cultures may be.

My inspiration for this collection, Fairy Stories from Ancient China, comes from fond memories of my grandmother, who would tell us enchanting fairy tales and bedtime stories from India. Her tales brimmed with timeless lessons and beautiful imagery, which left a deep impression on me as a child. Years later, when I decided to write down the stories she told, I found myself captivated not only by the memories but by the process of researching them. It was through this journey that I stumbled upon equally enchanting tales from China and other cultures, rich with their own unique lessons and ...

Discover the Myths That Shaped a Civilization — and Still Echo Across China Today Chinese Mythology: Epic Legends and Timeless Tales is more than a collection of myths — it’s a journey into the heart of China’s culture and landscape. With nearly 40 vivid illustrations, this book weaves together the stories of gods, heroes, and mythical beasts with the mountains, rivers, temples, and traditions they inspired. From the cosmic creation of the world to the mischievous adventures of the Monkey King, from dragons that guard rivers to phoenixes that crown emperors, these stories reveal how...

What if Halloween’s familiar traditions began with older fears? The Haunted History of Halloween: Creepy Origins, Ancient Beliefs, Forgotten Customs, and the Traditions That Shaped Spooky Season explores the eerie evolution of Halloween from ancient seasonal turning points to the modern celebration of costumes, candy, haunted houses, horror entertainment, and spooky nostalgia. Before Halloween became a night of porch pumpkins and trick-or-treating, it was shaped by harvest endings, winter darkness, firelight, wandering visitors, beliefs about the dead, household rituals, religious ...