World Folklore

Myths

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:01:12 -0500

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. Also, popular beliefs or stories that have become associated with a person, institution, or occurrence, especially one considered to illustrate a cultural ideal

Griffins

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:46:30 -0500

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?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:40:22 -0500

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".