Some works involving several flavors of folklore!

https://wyrdwind.com/

There is a place near my village that no one ever visits at night. They say Old Monastery Pool is haunted and that this is the story which proves it.

 Just after the Second World War and with rationing still firmly in place, trading any extra food you grew or caught was near necessity. A youth in my tiny Nottinghamshire village only ever referred to as Young Charlie understood this well. Back in those days Young Charlie could often be found in the Burrell Arms (I actually live there now) trading the trout and eels he’d plucked from local streams for ration stamps.

 ‘I s’pose you know about Old Monastery Pool?’ one patron asked, as he exchanged a few stamps for one of Charlie’s slender trout.

 Charlie shook his head. ‘Never heard of it, sir.’

 ‘Plenty o’ big fish in Old Monastery Pool,’ the patron continued. ‘Used to be the monks’ carp pond. They reared ‘em for food hundreds of years ago, it’s up in Glover’s Wood. Trees moved in once the monastery was gone but the pond’s still there.’

 Charlie’s interest was piqued. ‘Really? Have you ever fished there?’

 ‘Nah. You need Allsopp’s permission else it’s poaching. And me and him don’t get on.’

 Mr Allsopp was a local landowner, Charlie knew. But whilst Mr Allsopp apparently had grievance with this man, Charlie had never gotten on the wrong side of him. ‘How come you know there's plenty of fish if you’ve never fished there?’

 ‘Must be,’ answered the patron, after a long swig of ale. ‘Else why’d Allsopp have refused all the villagers who ask to fish it. He’s keeping all the carp for himself. Miserable bugger.’

 The next Sunday morning there was only one thing on Young Charlie’s mind. Church was the only place he ever saw Mr Allsopp and so that was where he’d get his permission. Old Monastery Pool was full of ancient, monster carp and Charlie was desperate to catch one.

 ‘Mr Allsopp,’ Charlie asked, after the service, ‘is it true that there’s an old carp pond up in your woods?’

 ‘True enough,’ Mr Allsopp answered, as they walked along the narrow church path. ‘It belonged to the old monastery before it was burned down. Why do you ask?’

 ‘I was wondering if I might have your permission to fish it, sir. I’d return any fish I caught of course, unless you want me to bring them down to the manor?’

 ‘I don’t think so,’ Mr Allsopp answered dismissively. ‘Now, I’d best be off. Lots to do.’

 Charlie was devastated. Fishing was his whole life but he’d never had the chance to land anything truly remarkable before. A monster carp would be his crowning achievement and would have the pub talking for years.

 The next Sunday Charlie beseeched Mr Allsopp again, but still he got the same answer. So he tried again the following Sunday and was still refused. The Sunday after that he offered to do odd jobs around the manor to pay for his fishing. The Sunday after that he offered all the trout and eels he caught for a month. But, still, Mr Allsopp would not relent. Charlie tried and tried, Sunday after Sunday, never giving up.

 Eventually, he started calling in on Mr Allsopp at the manor itself. ‘Lord, not you again,’ Mr Allsopp moaned, when Charlie visited the manor for the third time in as many days.

 ‘I’m just desperate to fish Old Monastery Pool,’ Charlie said, before Mr Allsopp had the chance to usher him away. ‘Please just say yes and I’ll stop coming here. I’ll never ask anything of you ever again. I promise.’

 ‘The answer is no. I’ve told—’

 ‘Why won’t you let me?’ Charlie exclaimed. ‘Why are you being such a grouch?’

 ‘Because of the abbot,’ Mr Allsopp barked back. ‘When he refused villagers carp after a failed harvest they burned down the monastery and tried to cover up the murder. He still—’

 ‘I don’t care about some dead old abbot,’ Charlie interrupted. ‘I just want one chance to fish the pond. Please, Mr Allsopp, please.’

 ‘Fine,’ Mr Allsopp answered, throwing his hands up in the air. ‘Just don’t come crying to me when…’

 But Charlie didn’t hear the rest of what Mr Allsopp had to say because he was already running back towards his house.

 As soon as he had his fishing tackle Young Charlie raced across the fields towards Glover’s Wood. What he found in the dying light disappointed him. The pond was easy enough to find but it was clogged with pond weed and full of dead branches. Only a few patches of clear water remained and Charlie thought he could see through them right to the bottom. It seemed that the water was only a few inches deep; hardly the sort of place that might harbour a monster fish.

 But he had come this far. Charlie chucked out a little stick float and worm, hoping that there might still be a few minnows around, maybe even an eel or two. Almost as soon as his float stood straight in the water it was yanked under with all the ferocity of a colossal pike strike.

 Charlie’s line snapped instantly but he didn’t care, there was obviously something huge lurking in the pond! Maybe there was deeper water below the weed after all, the perfect hiding place for the giant carp he’d hoped would be there all along.

 Charlie wound in his loose line, sank back against a tree, reached into his basket and began switching to his most robust tackle. But, in his eagerness, he couldn’t resist a glance back up at the pond.

 Standing on the other side of the bank amongst the trees, the sinister shape of an old man dressed in soot-stained robes. He said nothing. He just stared at Charlie through unforgiving, bloodshot eyes.

 Young Charlie shot up from where he was sitting and slammed his head straight into a low branch, knocking himself out.

 Night engulfed Young Charlie when he finally came around. He remembered where he was, what had happened and, heart racing, sat straight to squint through the gloom. No sign of any old man but the fishing tackle by his side was smashed to pieces.

 Young Charlie stood and ran without retrieving so much as a broken float.

 -- The Folklore --

The above is a story that is endlessly passed around campfires where I grew up. Most of my local ponds are inhabited by mirror carp and, apparently, they’re all descended from carp the monks used to rear in their monastery pond hundreds of years ago.

According to local legend the monastery was burned down when a cruel abbot refused fish to starving villagers after a failed harvest. In doing so the abbot bought death and a terrible curse upon himself. Now he’s doomed to patrol Old Monastery Pool day and night, making sure no villagers try to take his precious fish.

This picture is of the Burrell Arms back in its heyday (last orders was 1953) as well as an old snap of me with a local monastery-descended mirror carp. I once visited Old Monastery Pool in the daytime and I can report that it was weedy, murky and surrounded by twisted trees and thorny undergrowth. It was certainly an eerie, unsettling place. I don’t mind admitting that I was too creeped out by the pool to stay for very long. On top of that I’ve always been too scared to visit at night or to throw in a fishing line like Young Charlie did. In fact, I don’t know of anyone in the village who’s ever fished the pond or been up there at night. I think you’ll agree, that’s probably for the best!

JC

Mythology Ignited is a server dedicated to the discussion of mythology, whether you're a complete beginner, a folklore guru, or somewhere in between!

Aside from discussing world mythologies, we also have a variety of clubs, including gaming, philosophy, cooking, and even a collaborative creative writing project in making our own fictional mythology! We hope to see all of you mythology fans join us in Mythology Ignited!

https://discord.com/invite/RAWZQDp6aM

I just want to mention this resource I happened upon, it’s a little folklore school run by two best friends who are scholars of folklore and fairy tales. They run courses, book clubs, groups etc. I’m in no way associated with them just sharing it as a resource because I was interested in the courses etc.

Their insta : https://www.instagram.com/carterhaugh.school?

Their website ; https://carterhaughschool.com/about-2/

Hi, I’m a dungeon synth artist who recently made an album about the Witches of Benevento, and now I’m developing a follow-up with an original story. The story is about a strega who fled Benevento during the witch hunts and now lives in the woods alone. She’s known as La Strega del Bosco—the Witch of the Woods—and rumors about her spread around Italy; some say she’s a wicked witch who eats kids, while others say she’s probably just practicing her magic in the woods and doesn’t want to bother anyone.

Even though I am of Italian descent on my father’s side, my old man wasn’t really in the picture growing up, so I’ve had to learn about my heritage for myself, including Italian folklore. However, I don’t want this story to end up totally misrepresenting streghe, so if anyone here knows more about Italian folklore than I do, any help is appreciated.

Hi everyone! I’m currently a fine art student in the U.K. and I’ve just started a new module where I’m interested in exploring folk takes and old wives tales, particularly those surrounding Cornwall. I’ve created a short survey and would really appreciate if anyone had a spare few minutes to answer some questions! If anyone would want to go into any further discussions or would be up for participating in an interview that would be so appreciated, thank you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIIReMJ1KdCII3ND_E3iKj2h39015Hm1z-f7zR6yTBo8mM_w/viewform

Hi! I'd like to know how folk patterns are structured around the world by asthetic. Is there a system like the language family, where every culture's folk patterns are assigned to a group and you can see a sort of map of them? Also does someone know which are the major stylegroups, like chinese and nordic and indian and the likes? Or is it more or less unrelated to continents and more connected in the sense of close to the poles or the equator?

Hi, I wanted to share with you a folk song from Bulgaria whose lyrics touched my heart. It’s basically about a sick girl who is being taken care of by a falcon bird because everybody else has left her. The song is from the Western Rodopi mountains where the local Bulgarian population is Muslim, that’s why the name of the girl is the Slavic version of the Arabic name Fatima - Fatminka. Bulgarian Muslims have adopted many Arabic Muslim names and transformed them into Slavic sounding ones, other examples are Aisha - Aishinka, Rufie - Rufinka, Yusuf - Yusufcha and etc… Here is the translation of the song:

The beautiful young girl Fatminka got sick. There was nobody to take care of her. Only one wild bird, a little falcon, who gives her water with its beak and makes shadow with its wings over her head. Fatminka was telling the bird to go away: [Fatminka talks]: -Go away, you wild bird, you wild falcon bird who gives me water with its beak and makes shadow with its wings over my head! Are you waiting for me to die and to drink my eyes (“drinking eyes” here is used in the meaning of eating her eyes), and to make a nest out of my blonde hair and to peck out my white face? Then the little falcon bird answered: -Hey you, beautiful Fatminka, do you remember when the enemies (it doesn’t mention who are the “enemies”) burnt the forests of Pirin mountains? All the birds got burnt alive and my wings too. Everybody who passed the road and saw me didn’t do anything. You were the only one who put me in your lap and took care of my wings. I didn’t forget your kindness!

Does anyone know any academic research that might reference or analyse what TV Tropes calls “It was with you all along” - i.e. the trope of a hero’s quest in which they had the object or power they sought from the beginning, but didn’t realise it and/or have the capacity to use it? Many thanks!

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ItWasWithYouAllAlong

I'm scoring a short film based around the tale of Old Crockern. I want it to sound as authentic and faithful to the tale as possible, so I was wondering if there are any musical instruments/music in general associated with Old Crockern or Dartmoor in general? If so, are there any sources I should read/watch/listen to?

Have you ever had a moment, odd encounter, that just made you think of a specific folkloric tale or myth. To clarify, I'm not here to collect any outlandish cryptid stories. Both easyl explained stories as well as stranger ones are welcome though.

For example, mine is very vague and unspectacular. I remember hiking with my family in the alpine woods and being slower than everyone. Eventually I lost sight of them and just stood alone in this quiet forest full of moss and overgrown by lichen, looking up and seeing the treetops sway in the wind. And I remember thinking that I kinda get now how people believe/used to believe in all these tales of witches and demons and forest people and little men and giant lizards.

What can you guys tell me abt fae and celtic folklore? I know this is kind of vague but what do you guys know?

I'm trying to remember the folktale where an imposter dressed as a monk or priest is found out by the spurs poking out from.under his habit. Does anyone else remember this or have I misremembered?

In a distant era, there lived a tyrant king named Shaddad ibn ‘Ad who ruled over the lands now known as southern Saudi Arabia. Shaddad inherited a vast kingdom and immense influence from his father, and his people, the people of ‘Ad were renowned for their towering structures and unparalleled strength.

As time passed and Shaddad’s rule continued, he heard tales of Janna ( Paradise ) and its endless delights. Driven by arrogance and ambition, he decided to challenge allah by building a city that would rival Heaven itself. He named this city “Iram”

Shaddad ordered the gathering of gold, silver, rubies, and emeralds. Thousands of men and laborers were summoned to construct the city. Towering palaces were built with majestic columns, lush gardens adorned the landscape, and gold glistened in every corner. The construction took many years to complete, but eventually, Iram stood as a symbol of Shaddad’s arrogance and grandeur.

During this time, God sent Prophet Hud to the people of ‘Ad, calling them to worship the One True God and abandon the idols they had created. Hud warned them of the consequences of their arrogance and disbelief, but Shaddad and his people dismissed him with disdain. They said:

“Who is mightier than us in strength?”

(Surah Fussilat: 15)

They refused to heed Hud’s message, and their hearts remained hardened with pride and disbelief.

Once the construction of Iram was complete, Shaddad set out with his entourage to witness the splendor of his creation. As they journeyed through the desert Shaddad’s eyes caught sight of a magnificent gazelle. Overcome by his love for hunting, he decided to chase the gazelle. He galloped after it through the endless dunes until it disappeared from his sight.

When he stopped, he realized he was lost—alone in the vast, unforgiving desert. Meanwhile, God’s judgment descended upon the people of ‘Ad

God unleashed a howling, furious wind upon the people of ‘Ad. This windstorm raged for seven nights and eight days, destroying everything in its path. The once-mighty people of ‘Ad were wiped out, and their great city, Iram, was buried under the sands forever.

As for Shaddad, he perished alone in the desert, never to see the city he had so arrogantly built.

The Qur’an mentioned about Iram:

“Iram, who had lofty pillars, the like of which had never been created in the land.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 7-8)

Guardians of directions, Dikpala, Bacab, Four Heavenly Kings, Four sons of Horus, Nordri, Sudri, Austri and Vestri.

Osiris is the god of underworld and death. He is the son of sun god Ra. He is the judge of the dead in afterlife. He is depicted as either green or black in complexion. His wife and sister Isis flooded the Nile river with her tears while mourning the death of Osiris. Yama is the god of underworld and death. He is the son of sun god Surya. He is the judge of the dead in afterlife. He is depicted as either green or black in complexion. River Yamuna was created from the tears of his wife and sister Yamuna or Yami when she mourned his death.

The pronunciation of god Ptah is similar to Pitah meaning father in Indian language. Ptah being an architect is similar to Vishwakarma. Brahma who was born from the lotus flower is similar to Nefertem who was born from the lotus.

Iusaaset is described as the shadow/wife of Atum. Atum is the finisher of the world. Iusaaset is associated with tree of life. Atum is associated with snake, bull, lion. Parvati is the other half of Shiva in Ardhanarishvara form. Shiva is the destroyer of the world. Parvati is associated with Kalpavriksha, tree of life.

In the Lost Books of Merlyn: Druid Magic from the Age of Arthur there is a chapter known as Bindu suspension which is similar to Patanjali’s yoga process and meditation. In meditation, focusing on the bindu can help bring the mind into a state of stillness and concentration.

Rama, the ideal king. Rama lifts the bow which no one else can. Menaka seduces Vishwamitra, teacher of Rama. Shanta, estranged sister of Rama. Ravana abducts Sita. Lakshmana and Shatrughna, twin brothers of Rama. Lakshmana the loyal companion of Rama. When the people questioned Sita’s relationship with Ravana, instead of keeping her and doing what was best for the two of them Rama listened to his people. Sita had to enter the fire. Vishwamitra was originally a warrior who became a sage. A witch or Yakshini named Takata used to trouble Vishwamitra. Maricha transformed into a deer and imitated the sound of Sita.

Arthur the ideal king. Arthur lifts the lifts the sword which no one else can. Nimue seduces Merlin, teacher of Arthur. Morgause, estranged sister of Arthur. Meleagant abducts Guinevere. Lancelot and Mordred, twin brothers of Arthur. Lancelot the loyal companion of Arthur. When the whole city found out that Guinevere was cheating on Arthur with Lancelot. Instead of keeping her at the City and doing what was best for the two of them he listened to his towns people. They wanted Guinevere to face her acts of unfaithfulness and die in a fire. Merlin was originally a warrior who went crazy, wandered in forests and gradually became a wizard. A witch named Madam Mim used to trouble Merlin. Morgana used a powerful glamour enchantment to turn Guinevere into a deer.

Beli Mawr also called Beli, Belin, Belinos, Belinus, Bellinus, Belenos. Some say Balder of Aesir is also Beli Mawr. Lleu Llaw Gyffes who cannot be killed during the day or night, nor indoors or outdoors, neither riding nor walking, not clothed and not naked, nor by any weapon lawfully made is similar to Hiranyakashipu. Lleu Llaw Gyffes is the nephew of Beli Mawr (Beli the Great). Hiranyakashipu is the grandfather of Bali Maharaj (Bali the Great).

Shukra was the teacher of Asura. He had one eye. He was the son of Bhrigu and grandson of Brahma. Shukra is considered as a poet. Odin was the father of Aesir. He had one eye. He was the son of Burr and grandson of Buri. Odin is considered as a poet. Odin was swallowed by wolf Fenrir. Shukra was swallowed by Shiva. Sirius dog star is associated with Rudra. Tyr lost his hand to Fenrir. Savitr lost his hand to Shiva. Both Odin and Shukracharya hung upside down from a tree over a fire. Both had a head as an assistant, head of Rahu for Shukra and head of Mimir for Odin.

In the Asura-Deva war (Asuras led by Shukra and Bali and Devas led by Brihaspati and Indra) at Ocean of Milk, Rahu tricked the Deva's and was about to drink Amrita, Elixir of immortality. Deva's spotted Rahu and cut off his head. His head became immortal and chief advisor of Asura's.

At the conclusion of the Aesir-Vanir War at Well of Magic, fearing trickery from the Aesir, the Vanir beheaded Mimir and returned his head to Asgard. Odin preserved the head of Mimir with magic so Mimir can be his advisor.

Goddess Deh₂nu, Danu, Don, Danava, Danaans, Dan, the Danes.

Goddess Athena is like goddess Saraswati. In Roman mythology, the Dragon constellation represents the dragon killed by the goddess Minerva (Athena) and was tossed into the sky. Goddess Saraswati killed or assisted Indra in killing the dragon Vritra.

Dagda's Cauldron and Akshayapatra never ran out of food, although Akshayapatra had a condition applied to it that it gave food for the day until Draupadi ate.

The thunderbird and horned serpent fight in Native American myths is similar to the Garuda Naga fight. The underwater horned serpent has a crystal located on its head. The hood of the Naga is decorated by a jewel, a source of light of which illuminates this realm. Vanaras, Howler monkey gods, the twin brothers Vali and Sugriva and Hun Batz and Hun Chowen.

Apep is embodiment of chaos. He is shown as a giant serpent. Apep was the greatest enemy of Ra. Apep tries to swallow the sun. Rahu is the embodiment of chaos. He is shown as a serpent. Rahu was the greatest enemy of Surya. Rahu tries to swallow the sun.

Dhanvantari was the physician of gods and god of Ayurveda. He emerged from the Ocean of Milk when the ocean was churned by a rod (Mount Mandara) entwined by a serpent (Vasuki). Asclepius was the god medicine. The rod of Asclepius, a snake-entwined staff is a symbol of medicine.

Manu is a title accorded to a progenitor of humanity after the great flood at the end of each Manavantara. The current Manu, Vaivasvata is similar to Noah. Swayambhu born with the body of his father Brahma like Adam was created in the image of god. Swayambhu and Shatarupa are the first humans like Adam and Eve.

Ahasuerus/Ashwathama, the cursed wandering immortal.

Thor slayed the serpent Jormungand. Indra slayed the dragon Vritra. Indra did penance for the sin of slaying Vritra. Appolo slayed the serpent. Killing of serpent was considered a sin according to the laws of Mount Olympus and Appolo had to purify himself.

Heimdall was the son of 9 mothers. He was the watchman of gods. His statue is accompanied by a rooster. He is shown with a rainbow. Skanda/Kartikeya was the son of 6 mothers. He was the commander of gods. His flag is rooster symbol. He is shown with a peacock/rainbow. If we include Arundhati and Parvati too who were two other main ladies though not directly involved in the circumstances of the birth of Skanda, we get nine mothers. The child was born after Rudra entered Agni or Rudra possessed Agni, so he is considered the son of Rudra and Agni. Pleiades nakshatra is associated with Agni god of fire. Pleiades in Greek religion is associated with The Seven Star-nymph Sisters (like Svaha and the six ladies).

Gods and demons pulled the Rope of Time as outlined in the Egyptian tomb. Gods and demons pulled Vasuki, the serpent king as rope. Vasuki's elder brother Shesha is a symbol of time. When Sheshanaga uncoils, time moves forwards and when he coils, world ceases to exist.

Demeter is the goddess of harvest and grains. Known as Europa, one with broad eyes. Annapoorna is the goddess of food, grains and nourishment. Known as Visalakshi, one with large eyes.

Bellerophon rode Pegasus, the winged horse. Ballerophon lost the battle at Mount Olympus. Bali rode Uchchaihshravas the winged horse. Bali lost the battle at Mount Meru. Both Ballerophon's and Bali's downfall was caused by their hubris. Zues and his son Ares, god of war, fought for Hector against Achilles in battle for Helen. Bellerophon's grandsons fought the Trojan war. Achilles dies shot in the ankle at the end of the war. Helen means shining light. Shiva and his son Skanda, god of war, fought for Banasura against Krishna in battle for Usha. Bali's son Banasura fought in this war. Krishna dies shot in the ankle soon after this war. Usha in Sanskrit means dawn. Uttara ran away from the Kaurava army. Paris ran away from the Greek army. Achilles comes alone in his chariot to challenge Hector. Krishna comes alone in his chariot to challenge Kalayavana. Karna entered the battle on the 12th day and Achilles on the 11th day. Patroclus had to lead the army instead of Achilles. The death of Patroclus enraged Achilles. Abhimanyu had to lead the army instead of Arjuna. The death of Abhimanyu enraged Arjuna.

Goddess trinity. Athena is goddess of arts, crafts, wisdom. Athena is known for her calm temperament. Saraswati is goddess of knowledge, arts, wisdom. Saraswati is known as a gentle goddess. Aphrodite is goddess of love, beauty, pleasure. Associated with Venus. Lakshmi is goddess of wealth, beauty, fortune. Associated with Venus. Lakshmi and Aphrodite were born as adults and had no childhood. They rose from the ocean. Hera is goddess of women and marriage. Parvati is goddess of women, life, family.

Garuda is younger brother of Aruna. Garuda associated with Garuda Purana, book that deals with soul after death. Horus is associated with Egyptian book of the dead. Garuda often acts as a messenger between the gods and men and is called the ranger of the skies. Anzu steals the tablets of destiny. Anzu is the servant of chief sky god Enlil. Ninruta chases Anzu with his thunderbolts. Garuda steals the elixir of immortality. Garuda is the servant of chief god Vishnu. Indra chases Garuda with his thunderbolts. Both Anzu and Gardua are bird-like figures.

Apkallu, the seven wise men, and Enki; and Saptarishis, the seven sages and Shiva.

Artemis is the goddess hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth. Daughter of Zeus and Leto. Artemis is considered as a tree goddess. Aranyani is the goddess of forests and animals. Considered a symbol of fertility. Daughter of Shiva and Parvati. Aranyani was created from the divine tree called Kalpavriksha. Enki’s daughter is lady greenery. Shiva’s wife is “daughter of the mountain” and Enki wife is “lady of the mountain.” Shiva’s daughter is Ashoka Sundari/Aranyani (goddess of forests). Enki’s daughter is lady greenery. 

Eight-pointed star of Inanna and Lakshmi.

How far can you go O king, asked the priest to Alexander the Great at Kurukshetra. How far can you go O king, asked the priest to Bali the Great at Kurukshetra. - from the book Murder of Alexander the Great: Book 1 - The Puranas.

The “Pillar of Fire” is described in the Holy Books of three major world religions, Buddhism of course in the Maha Ummaga Jataka as the “Aggi Khanda”, in Hinduism as the “Anala Stambha” in the Shiva Purana, and in the Torah (Exodus 13:21-22) of Judaism a The Lord is described as guiding the Israelites as a Pillar of fire at night.

Achilles dragged the body of Hector. Krishna dragged the body of Kansa around the arena and a narrow trench was made by the body ploughing the ground. Zues and his son Ares, god of war, fought for Hector against Achilles in battle for Helen. Bellerophon's grandsons fought the Trojan war. Achilles dies shot in the ankle at the end of the war. Helen means shining light. Shiva and his son Skanda, god of war, fought for Banasura against Krishna in battle for Usha. Bali's son Banasura fought in this war. Krishna dies shot in the ankle soon after this war. Usha in Sanskrit means dawn. Uttara ran away from the Kaurava army. Paris ran away from the Greek army. Achilles comes alone in his chariot to challenge Hector. Krishna comes alone in his chariot to challenge Kalayavana.

Hermes is a messenger of god who can move freely between worlds. He is a trickster who outsmarts gods. God of music, poetry, roads, travellers, robbers etc. God of enticement. God of merchants, trade etc. Narada is a messenger who travels different Lokas at will. Narada is a trickster. He is regarded as foremost of singers. There are stories of Narada's encounters with robbers on the roads. Narada is a trikster. There are regulations of law, commerce, economics etc. attributed to Narada.

Atlas holds up the sky. Atlas tried to drive away Perseus who tried to steal golden apples from his orchard. Shesha holds up the universe. Balarama was an avatar of Shesha and he tried to chase Arjuna who abducted Subhadra from Dwaraka.

Shani, the son of Surya, is considered lame and limps. His mother was the daughter of Vishwakarma (god of artisans). Haphaestus (god of artisans) is considered lame and limps.

Varuna abducted his niece Bhadra. Bhadra’s husband Utathya ordered the earth to become barren. Hades abducted his niece Persephone. Demeter forbids the earth to reproduce.

Skoll chases the Sun and Hati chases the Moon. Rahu swallows the Sun and Ketu swallows the Moon. Rahu is blue is color and Ketu is brown in color. Coincidentally, the artist drew Skoll and Hati as blue and brown.

https://preview.redd.it/pt38by5mxkce1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=5fd8a04f086c80eca6ca5cdbd94b66adaa6e5c5a

I study folklore of the Philippines, and am particularly interested in the manananggal, a kind of monster with precolonial origins (it was first recorded by the Spanish in 1582). The manananggal appears as a beautiful woman during the day, but at night she transforms into a monster. She separates at the waist leaving her bottom half behind, spreads wings, and prowls the night to hunt pregnant women. She has a long proboscis-like tongue that she can use to suck out the fetus, often poking the tongue through the roof of the house or through the floor.

It's such a specifically-defined monster, with some notable features:

• It appears female
• Its body segments or splits when hunting
• It hunts pregnant women
• It has a long feeding tongue

There are several variations on this monster in neighboring societies, most notably the penanggalan in Malaysian folklore. The penanggalan, by comparison, is just the monster's head flying around with all its organs attached. (I have this theory that early Filipinos were like, "That's total nonsense, it has to at least be her top half," and that's where the manananggal came from.) This is the most common variation -- I think the mananggal is probably the outlier here, as the only variant in which the monster has the complete top half of its body when hunting.

Here is a brief list of the variants I've found:

• Philippines: Manananggal
• Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia: Krasue
• Malay Peninsula: Penanggalan
• Bali: Leyak
• Vietnam: Ma Lai
• Japan: Rokurokubi (possibly)

I'm interested in this monster-type specifically as it might relate to migrations in the Pacific, i.e., how these stories may have changed/evolved during the Austronesian Expansion.

Do you know of similar folklore in southeast Asia/India/Pacific island cultures? If you know of ones with a specific tie to pregnancy, please let me know. Thanks!