World Folklore tag:americanfolklore.net,2008:/world-folklore/1 2008-08-23T01:02:23Z Hey there folks! Welcome to World Folklore. This folklore site contains retellings of folktales, myths, legends, fairy tales, superstitions, weatherlore, and ghost stories from all over the world. Learn the answers to those pesky folklore questions that keep you up at night, such as: "Why is a black cat unlucky?" and "Who the heck is Paul Bunyan?" So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a comfy chair, and stay awhile. -S.E. Schlosser Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 Myths tag:americanfolklore.net,2008:/world-folklore//1.5 2008-08-23T01:01:12Z 2008-08-23T01:02:23Z Traditional, typically ancient stories dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society.... schlsa ]]> Griffins tag:americanfolklore.net,2008:/world-folklore//1.3 2008-07-19T16:46:30Z 2008-07-19T16:49:33Z schlsa A griffin is a mythical creature possessing the body of a lion and the head, wings and forelimbs of an eagle.   Griffins are considered majestic being since they are composed of both the king of the beasts (the lion) and the king of the birds (the eagle.)   Griffins are typically known as the guardians of treasure troves, and are also considered a symbol of divine power.  In the Minoan civilization they were depicted as protectors of the throne room. 

According to Scythian mythology, Griffins guarded the Scythian steppes (grasslands), a rich source of gold and many gem stones.  If visitors tried to gather up the precious gems, the griffins would descend upon them and tear them to pieces. 

Griffins are also found in the mythology of ancient Egypt, Persia and Greece.  In the Middle Ages, early Christians used the Griffin as a symbol of Jesus Christ – who was both human (like the terrestrial lion) and divine (like the aerial eagle). 

]]> What is folklore? tag:americanfolklore.net,2008:/world-folklore//1.1 2008-07-14T20:40:22Z 2008-10-21T23:48:54Z The term folklore is generally used to refer to the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people which have been disseminated in an informal manner -- usually via word of mouth, although in modern times the Internet has... schlsa The term folklore is generally used to refer to the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people which have been disseminated in an informal manner -- usually via word of mouth, although in modern times the Internet has become a pivotal source for folklore. The term folklore may also be used to define the comparative study of folk knowledge and culture.

The term "folklore" was first coined by William J. Thomas in 1846. Thomas was a British antiquarian who wanted a simple term to replace various awkward phrases floating around at the time to discuss the same concept; phrases such as "popular antiquities", "the lore of the people", and "the manners, customs, observances, supersitions, ballads, proverbs etc, of the olden times".

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