While writing my new book, The Treasury of Folklore, co-authored by Willow Winsham, I wanted to celebrate the diversity of global cultures while highlighting the shared humanity that binds us all – I'm a firm believer that folklore, and our cultural heritage in general, always has the potential to do this, if we approach it in the right way.
We carefully selected stories that resonated with us, but we tried to do more than that: we were dedicated to representing the authentic original essence and language of each tale. By doing so, we hoped to address the critical issue of cultural appropriation and honour the traditions and heritage of the communities from which these stories and customs originate. This collection is a testament to the living traditions of these cultures and their relevance in today's world.
Despite the unique details of each story, we discovered common themes of fear, dreams and wonder that resonate across the cultural heritage of people across the world. Through exploring similar tales from around the globe, we found the themes our global tales contain are universal, and the way each community relates to the landscapes around them is uncannily similar. For the series, we explored how humans interact with three different types of landscape they live in: waterlands, our seas and rivers; wooded worlds, our woodlands and forests; and finally, starry skies, our skies and heavens. Each landscape holds its own unique place in the lives of communities across the globe.
Waterlands
The sea has always been a central element in human life, shaping the existence of coastal and island communities. It is a force of nature that is both majestic and formidable, capable of giving life and taking it away. Folklore is rich with tales of daring adventures on the high seas, where heroes and heroines encounter gods, monsters, and mysterious lands. These stories capture our fascination with the ocean's vastness and its capacity to symbolise the unknown.
In our folklore, the sea often represents human desires and fears, embodying the allure of adventure and the perils of the unseen and unknown. Legends and folk tales frequently speak of ghostly remnants of sunken towns, where the haunting sounds of bells can sometimes be heard ringing from beneath the waves. One such legend is the Breton tale, the Lost City of Ys, where the town is threatened with a great flood, and the people beseech the king to sacrifice his demon daughter to fix the disaster she is accused of causing. The king does just this, then flees on a magical horse as the only survivor. Since then, versions of the tale have been found as far as Cornwall in the UK. Similar tales are found across the world. Whether hailing from the icy, turbulent waters of the Northern Hemisphere or the warm, exotic seas of the South, our water tales reflect a deep respect and fear of the ocean.
Rivers, too, hold profound symbolic meanings in folklore. They often serve as boundaries between different worlds or spiritual realms, guiding souls to the afterlife and providing paths to otherworldly encounters. Rivers symbolise opportunities for transcendence and enlightenment, urging us to rise above our mortal limitations.
Together, seas and rivers teach us about the dual nature of water as a source of life and a powerful, sometimes perilous force, challenging us to confront our deepest fears and desires.
Wooded worlds
Trees are fundamental to life on Earth, their roots weaving through the soil to support ecosystems and provide oxygen, food, shelter and fuel. Ancient cultures recognised the vital role of trees, viewing them as sacred beings that connect the heavens and the earth in tales of World Trees from many cultures: from the Norse Yggdrasil, the Hungarian Sky-High Tree to the Yaxche of the K'iche people of Mesoamerica. Trees were seen as homes to spirits and gods, integral to the cycles of life and death. Today, we continue to depend on trees, transforming them into books and other tools of communication.
Our relationship with trees is profound and enduring, shaped by both cultural traditions and personal experiences. From pine trees, seen as a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japan, to yews, linked to the Otherworld in Celtic mythology, trees hold a special place in our hearts and histories. They symbolise strength, resilience, and continuity, standing as living testaments to the natural world's ability to nurture and sustain life.
In folklore, trees often serve as bridges between different realms, vessels of divine presence, and symbols of our connection to nature. In Finland, bears' skulls are sometimes placed at the tops of pine and spruce trees, linked to the tale of Otso, the sky bear, said to have come down from the heavens and cradled in the boughs of a tree. Hunters place these skulls in the branches to return them to the stars, honour them and ensure their reincarnation, continuing the cycle of life. Trees remind us of our roots and the timeless bond we share with the earth and its myriad forms of life. Through their stories, we gain insight into the profound relationship between humans and the natural world.
Starry skies
The sky has always captivated human imagination, inspiring awe and wonder as we gaze upward. From rainbows and constellations to weather patterns, the sky connects us to the cosmos and to each other. Throughout history, the sun, moon and stars have guided travellers, influenced agricultural cycles and shaped religious beliefs. The heavens have been seen as the dwelling place of gods and the canvas for countless myths and legends.
Stories about the origins of celestial bodies, the movements of planets, and the forces of nature reflect our quest to understand the universe. As we journey through the folklore of the skies, we encounter tales of divine battles, and the eternal dance of light and darkness. Four thousand years ago, in ancient China, solar eclipses were believed to be caused by a dragon eating the sun. This is a common theme, and similar beliefs exist as far as Armenia. For the Moroccan Berbers, the culprit is a winged jinni who lurks in an underground lair. Yet, the tale tells the sun is too hot; the jinni regurgitates the sun, which always returns to the sky.
These stories offer a glimpse into the human spirit's desire to reach beyond the tangible world and connect with the infinite. They remind us that while we may never fully grasp the mysteries of the universe, we are united in our awe and reverence for the skies above.
Conclusion
As we conclude this journey through folklore with the publication of this collection of tales and traditions from across the series, we reflect on the profound truths we have uncovered about humanity. Folklore, with its rich tapestry of myths, legends and traditions, reveals the shared wisdom of our communities across the world. These stories, encoded with symbolic meanings, make the complexities of life easier to understand and pass down through generations, and to the people around us today.
Throughout this book, we explored diverse landscapes and the traditions that arise from them, discovering both unique customs and universal themes. From the sacred rivers and mythical creatures of our waters to the majestic trees that connect the earth and sky, we see how deeply intertwined we are with the natural world. The skies above remind us of our place in the universe, offering both guidance and inspiration.
Our journey through our shared cultural heritage has shown us that folklore is more than just stories; it is a way of seeing the world anew, appreciating its magic and wonder. As we return to our daily lives, let us carry with us the wildness of the forests, the mystery of the seas, and the timeless wisdom of the skies. These tales remind us of our shared humanity and the enduring connections that bind us to each other and to the world around us.
The Treasury of Folklore, co-authored by Willow Winsham and illustrated by Joe McLaren, was released by Batsford Books in August 2024. As the Treasury of Folklore series was originally planned as a single volume, this book is a compilation of our favourite tales from three previous books.
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About the Author
Dee Dee Chainey is an archaeologist by training, and co-author of The Treasury of Folklore book series. She is founder of The Cultural Futures Hub, a digital community space, and co-founded #FolkloreThursday, a popular website and online community.
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