Folklore studies / Study of myth Books

Book SynopsisThe persecution of Old World German Protestants and Anabaptists in the seventeenth century-following debilitating wars, the Reformation, and the Inquisition-brought about significant immigration to America. Many of the immigrants, and their progeny, settled in the Appalachian frontier. Here they established a particularly old set of religious beliefs and traditions based on a strong sense of folk spirituality. They practiced astrology, numerology, and other aspects of esoteric thinking and left a legacy that may still be found in Appalachian folklore today. Based in part on the author's extensive collection of oral histories from the remote highlands of West Virginia, Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore describes these various occult practices, symbols, and beliefs; how they evolved within New World religious contexts; how they arrived on the Appalachian frontier; and the prospects of those beliefs continuing in the contemporary world. By concentrating on these inheritances, Gerald C. Milnes draws a larger picture of the German influence on Appalachia. Much has been written about the Anglo-Celtic, Scots-Irish, and English folkways of the Appalachian people, but few studies have addressed their German cultural attributes and sensibilities. Signs, Cures, and Witchery sheds startling light on folk influences from Germany, making it a volume of tremendous value to Appalachian scholars, folklorists, and readers with an interest in Appalachian folklife and German American studies. The persecution of Old World German Protestants and Anabaptists in the seventeenth century-following debilitating wars, the Reformation, and the Inquisition-brought about significant immigration to America. Many of the immigrants, and their progeny, settled in the Appalachian frontier. Here they established a particularly old set of religious beliefs and traditions based on a strong sense of folk spirituality. They practiced astrology, numerology, and other aspects of esoteric thinking and left a legacy that may still be found in Appalachian folklore today. Based in part on the author's extensive collection of oral histories from the remote highlands of West Virginia, Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore describes these various occult practices, symbols, and beliefs; how they evolved within New World religious contexts; how they arrived on the Appalachian frontier; and the prospects of those beliefs continuing in the contemporary world. By concentrating on these inheritances, Gerald C. Milnes draws a larger picture of the German influence on Appalachia. Much has been written about the Anglo-Celtic, Scots-Irish, and English folkways of the Appalachian people, but few studies have addressed their German cultural attributes and sensibilities. Signs, Cures, and Witchery sheds startling light on folk influences from Germany, making it a volume of tremendous value to Appalachian scholars, folklorists, and readers with an interest in Appalachian folklife and German American studies.

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Book SynopsisThis volume offers the first comprehensive guide in English to the myth and legend of the Russian Empire and other Slavic countries and peoples. There are few stories more stirring than those of ancient Russia. Russian and other Slavic beliefs weave a rich tapestry in which real-world elements coexist with those from fantasy, such as dragons, monsters, and shape-changing wolves. Though Russia adopted Christianity as the state religion in A.D. 988, paganism remained popular through the end of the 19th century and survives in isolated pockets even today. In Russian myth and legend, Christian themes are interwoven with pagan ideas: dragons fight priests, saints encounter nymphs, and witches enter the kingdom of heaven. Encyclopedia of Russian and Slavic Myth and Legend includes extensive historical, geographical, and biographical background to deepen the reader's understanding of the myth and legend. Numerous illustrations are included in this fascinating volume, which will be of great interest to students, scholars, and everyone who wishes to explore the cultural heritage of ancient Russia.Trade ReviewThis useful and handsome volume deserves a place in any library and will prove of particular value to anyone interested in pre-Christian Slavic culture. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisAn informative work of historical and contemporary Chinese myths, including a useful collection of historical documents, detailing myths as they live and change in China today. Compiled from ancient and scattered texts and based on revelatory new research, Handbook of Chinese Mythology is the most comprehensive English-language work on the subject ever written from an exclusively Chinese perspective. This work focuses on the Han Chinese people but ranges across the full ethnic spectrum of ancient and modern China, showing how key myths endured and evolved over time. A quick reference section covers all major deities, spirits, and demigods, as well as important places (Kunlun Mountain), mythical animals and plants (the crow with three feet; Fusang tree), and appurtenances (Xirang—a kind of mythical soil; Bu Si Yao—mythical medicine for long life). No other work captures so well what Chinese mythology means to the people who lived and continue to live their lives by it.Trade ReviewInformation about Chinese mythology has been limited by language and access to primary sources. This volume attempts to fill a gap by providing a resource written in English by Chinese mythologists. . . . The authors' credibility and in-depth scholarship offer a rare opportunity to experience Chinese mythology through Chinese eyes. * Booklist *ABC-CLIO's wonderful handbooks on world mythology offer in-depth explorations linking traditional cultural myths to insights on behavior and ideals. . . . Handbook of Chinese Mythology is an essential reference for any high school to college-level collection with a Chinese studies program. * Midwest Book Review *Overall, The Handbook of Chinese Mythology is an important and interesting work that will appeal to popular audiences. . . . [I]t is a significant contribution to the study of mythology, folklore, and East Asia. * Journal of Folklore Research *

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Book SynopsisA universal symbol of transformation, the labyrinth was created in ancient times to represent humankind’s search for the core of divinity. Unlike a maze, which may have a confusion of tracks leading in all directions, a labyrinth has a single, winding pathway that spirals inward to the center.   In The Complete Guide to Labyrinths, renowned British psychic and folklorist Cassandra Eason explores the mystery of this sacred symbol and explains how to harness its power for personal transformation, protection, healing, and enlightenment. The book features instructions for creating indoor and outdoor labyrinths; rituals to nourish fertility, confront and resolve conflict, honor grief or loss, and celebrate new beginnings; and resources for locating labyrinths around the world.   Filled with personal anecdotes and a detailed exploration of labyrinth history and mythology, this complete handbook is a deeply spiritual guide to the meditative, intuitive, and creative power of this age-old symbol.

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Book SynopsisWhat''s hiding in the woods? Here is the definitive account of today''s nationwide sightings of upright, canine creatures - which resemble traditional werewolves - and a thorough exploration of the nature and possible origins of the mysterious beast. "She has the ability to send chills up and down your spine."-Brad Steiger, author of Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places"If you thought the likes of The Wolfman, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and Underworld had no basis in fact, it''s time to think again!" -Nick Redfern, author of There''s Something in the Woods"Real Wolfmen is a riveting work of amazing scope and depth. You''ll be hooked from the first page."--Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author of The Encyclopedia of Vampires and WerewolvesThe U.S. has been invaded - if many dozens of eyewitnesses are to be believed - by upright, canine creatures that look like traditional werewolves and act as if they own our woods, fields, and highways. Sightings from coast to coast dating back to the 1930s compel us to ask exactly what these beasts are, and what they want.

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Book SynopsisWhere the bloodlines of the Nephilim leave off, the real story just begins. Or does it go back even further than that? The very real probability that non-human intelligences visited and even copulated with primordial humans is detailed in civilisation''s most ancient cultural and religious records. These historical records further reveal that these intelligences were reptilian in nature - or, at the very least, have been represented throughout human history in reptilian form. From the Serpent, Nawcash, in the Garden of Eden; Atum, the Egyptian snake-man and Quetzalcotl, the feathered serpent god of the Mayans to the double-helix snake symbol of Enki/Ea in ancient Sumerian literature, the serpent has been the omnipresent link between humans and the gods in every culture.In THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE REPTILIANS, Scott Alan Roberts investigates and examines the pervasive presence of the serpent in human history, religion, culture and politics. Are we the product of an extraterrestrial race that moves and breathes - and even breeds - beneath the surface of all of human history?Put on your thinking cap and take an historical, anthropological, archaeological plunge into the heady waters of extraterrestrial origins.

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