#Nepalese folklore

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

WILD MAN IN A WILD WORLD -- EARTH YETI.

PIC INFO: Spotlight on the Yeti of Nepalese folklore, watercolors by the late, great Eric Carle (1929-2021), from the children's book "Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were" (1988).

"The Yeti is a manlike beast, Unless, perchance, he doesn't exist. He walks like a man and has hair on his face, And rumors persist That in forests and caves where no one goes, Or high in the Himalayan snows, He may still be living. Nobody knows. If you meet him and ask him, "Are you a Yeti?" All he can say is, "Maybe.""

-- JOHN GARDNER (1933-1982)

Source: www.fairyroom.ru/?p=56315.

[mecthology]

Bhakunde Bhoot from Nepalese folklore.

The Bhakunde Bhoot is a ghost known for its round shape, similar to a ball (bhakundo in Nepali), and is often associated with dustballs or garbage sites. This faceless and limbless spirit is said to follow people, especially children, in the dark from a distance and can cling to the lower part of their body. To remove it after it clings to the body, special lines from the Hanuman Chalisa are needed.

The only way to get the spirit to detach from the trash and leave is to put it in a larger jute bag, hammer it to the floor repeatedly, and curse at it.

Follow @mecthology for more haunted tales and mythologies.

Pic: Generated by AI.

Source: youtube, honeyguideapps

[roseoftrafalgar]

Happy International Snow Leopard Day! ❄️ Ft. Law helping a snow leopard cub with a minor arm injury.

-> for some snow leopard facts, click the readmore!

Snow leopards are sometimes referred to “ghosts of the mountains” for their elusiveness and solitary nature.

They are found in the icy mountainous regions of Central Asia (i.e Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, etc.), South Asia (i.e. Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, etc.), Russia, Mongolia, and China.

In northern Dolpo Nepalese folklore, it is sometimes believed that snow leopards carry the sins of their past lives & whoever kills them “inherits” their sins.

Often opportunistic hunters and less aggressive compared to other big cats when it comes to hunting their prey, as they will retreat from a kill if another predator threatens them. However, they are able to kill prey 3 times their own weight.

They’re more related to tigers than leopards.

They can jump 6 times their body length.

They typically have blue, green, or grey eyes & can see 6 times better than humans.

Their short nasal cavity warms the air they inhale before entering their lungs.

Their tails can serve as scarves & they sometimes like to nom on them.

-> Visit Snow Leopard Trust to learn more about snow leopards & conservation efforts, as there is less than around 10,000 in the wild!

[dross-the-fish]

What if Johnathan was Indian?

Before you go the route of making this character Anglo-Indian consider the implications of that and how it would have affected him in Victorian England.

Britain and India's historical relationship isn't a thing you can just handwave and I'd caution you to do a little research before you racebend this character out of the oppressor class and into the oppressed. That is a change that needs to be done CAREFULLY because it would fundamentally change everything about Johnathan's background and it absolutely would affect the writing of his character.

It would be way too easy to make him a racist caricature if you're only reason for making Johnathan Indian or Nepalese would be so you can emphasize the folkloric elements of his weapon.

[thechangeling4]

need some help with reseach, please.

finally started writing some of the fanfics in my head down! only took me 20 years🙃. don't have a profile on ao3 or ffn yet, working up to that. kinda wanna have something more then a rough layout finished first.

problem is they have a lot of POC and cultures that i know little to nothing about. ufortunately, i don't have anyone in my 8 person social circle that i can ask and i really wanna write these characters and their cultures as right as i can! if i insult or misrepresent someone i want it to be on purpose, damn it.

so if you guys could point me to some reliable books/articles/documentaries/posts that can give me some insight, that would be a huge help!

1. got some atla stuff. they're pretty open about where they got inspiration from:

water= inuit, siberian, mongolian, polynesian(boats) and native amercan(facepaint) cultures, han dynasty, taoism, t'ai chi (ch'uan) and chi na.

earth= china and korea, tang dynasty, manchu and qing dynasty and baijing(ba sing se), vietnam(swamp tribe), song and ming dynasty(military), japan- ainu people(kyoshi), last emperor of china(puyi) and the forbidden city, the Chinese Nationalist Secret Police/qing imperial guards, the great wall, laogai prison camps, hung gar and chu gar.

fire= iceland, hawaii, polynesia, mayan and indian cultures, confucianism, hinduism, buddhism, han dynasty, imperialism propaganda in wwII japan, northern shaolin kung fu and baji quan.

air= Tibetan, Bhutanese, Nepalese cultures, shaolin, seven chakras, buddhism, gender segregation in monesaries, nomad cultures, baguazhang

but that's a lot litterature, so if anyone can narrow it down....

also - shinto, what's-it-called-when-spirits/gods-can-inhabit/see/hear-through-an-image-of-them, arranged marriage (in asian cultures), government monitoring of citizents, propaganda/isolation of population leading up to war/genocide/invation and during, children of two nations/ethnicities, decolonisation after decades/centuries, stabalising a nation and its relationships after war, women more important to society's survival, bodyguard/valet and master relationships.

2. power rangers(2017). i'm not american, i have no idea how US subcultures and regional differences work. all of them are lgbt+, but the experience is different for each. it will definitely be poly-rangers.

tommy- wanna write them as native american(if i can make it work) but that's a lot of cultures. tommy's a dino geek with a least 1 parent who's s geologist....so who's in an area with lots of those? also writing them mtf trans.

trini- latin-american, lesbian(untill she got the rangers) with caring but not very openminded parents, grandma in mexico, thinking mom's a nurse.

kim- desi, at least 1 parent's a doctor, cheerleader culture in high school, bi/omni, genderfluid/non-binary.

zack- chinese, trailer park, long trem/terminaly ill mom, single provider, non-binary, pan, adhd?

billy- black, miner(gold) culture, autistic(pretty sure i'm on the spectrum but it's not the same place as him, so....pointers), pan, asexual?

jason- industrial fishing culture, cronic pain, athlete culture in high school, pan, demi.

haven't seen the series and its movies yet, so if someone can point me to info about the alien cultures in it and the morphing grid and how the rangers's powers/coins work that would be great. also genius children/siblings, california, precautions/clean up after natural disasters.

3. disney descendants. empire cultures/city states/colonies, medieval(late)/renaessance/1700's court politics/etiquette/religions/women, pirates, greek mythologi(some written by a woman, please), voodoo, sharmanism, mermaid/shapeshifter/dragon myths/folklore.

mal- european fairies/fey/magic, matriarch cultures.

evie- middel easten medieval(late)/renaessance court politics/etiquette/religions, european/middel easten(?) witch hunts, european/middeleastern historical witches(NO WICCA).

carlos- black people/women + fashion and fur industry in 1950-60's england/london, black people in medieval(late)/renaessance europe.

jay- muslim, middel eastern myth/folklore/magic, djinn, middel eastern medieval(late)/renaessance relationships with asian cultures.

my OC, child of shan yu's sister and shere khan- hun, xiongnu, mongolian and indian culture/religion/folklore/medicine, tigers/indian nature, the great wall, mulan the original story, india before and during colonisation, medicine women.

[helenetart]

Mythic May Day 16 was a kichkandi, from Nepalese folklore/mythology.

[kellycrawford93]

NEPAL

𝟮𝟭 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗹:

1. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, locally known as Sagarmatha.

2. The flag of Nepal is the only national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape. It consists of two stacked triangles.

3. Despite its small geographic size, Nepal has a highly diverse population, with over 120 different ethnic groups and more than 123 languages spoken.

4. Nepal was never colonized, making it one of the few countries in Asia that has retained its sovereignty throughout history.

5. Kathmandu, the capital city, is known for its historic temples and vibrant street life. The Kathmandu Valley itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing important sites such as the Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares.

6. The Nepalese New Year is celebrated in mid-April and is known as "Bisket Jatra" among other names depending on the specific region.

7. Nepal operates under a federal parliamentary republic. It adopted its new constitution in 2015, which included the change from a Hindu monarchy to a secular state.

8. The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism and is the national animal of Nepal. As a result, slaughtering cows is illegal.

9. Nepal has a significant number of rhododendron species (national flower) that bloom across the hills and mountains of the country, particularly in the spring.

10. The "Gurkhas," known for their bravery and strength, are Nepalese soldiers who have been recruited into the British Army since 1815, as well as the Indian Army, serving with distinction in various conflicts globally.

11. The cuisine of Nepal is varied due to its ethnic diversity and topography, featuring dishes like momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), and gundruk (fermented leafy green vegetable).

12. Lumbini, located in the Rupandehi District, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is a sacred pilgrimage site.

13. Despite its mountainous terrain, only about 20% of the total land is arable in Nepal, making agriculture challenging but a dominant part of the economy and lifestyle.

14. Nepal has a practice of worshipping a living goddess known as "Kumari," considered a physical embodiment of divine female energy.

15. Mountaineering and trekking are significant contributors to Nepal’s economy, attracting adventure tourists from all over the world eager to explore the Himalayas.

16. Nepali music is heavily influenced by the folk traditions of the Himalayan region, featuring instruments like the madal and sarangi.

17. The Indra Jatra festival is one of the exciting and important festivals in Kathmandu during which the living goddess Kumari is paraded through the city in a chariot.

18. Dhaka fabric, known for its distinctive patterns and colors, is a handwoven fabric made in Nepal and used primarily for traditional caps and shawls.

19. The Yeti, often referred to as the "Abominable Snowman," is a mythical creature said to reside in the Himalayas, and stories of its sightings have been a part of Nepali folklore for generations.

20. Nepal uses a unique calendar system known as the Bikram Sambat, which is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

21. Nepal has a relatively young population, with roughly half being under the age of 20, reflecting different challenges and potential for the country's future.

[missionhimalayatrek]

Exploring the Mystical Kanchenjunga: A Trek to the Base Camp

Nepal, a land of towering peaks and pristine landscapes, boasts some of the world's most spectacular trekking routes. Among them, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek stands out as a journey of unparalleled beauty and adventure. Join us as we embark on this unforgettable expedition to the base of the third-highest mountain in the world.

Introduction to Kanchenjunga

Nestled in the far-eastern corner of Nepal, Kanchenjunga is revered as the "Five Treasures of the Great Snow." Its name translates to "Five Treasures of Snow," representing the five peaks that make up the mountain massif. The region is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in folklore and spirituality, making it a destination like no other.

Beginning the Trek

Our journey begins in the bustling town of Taplejung, where we make final preparations and meet our experienced guides. From there, we set off on the trail, following ancient pathways that wind through verdant forests, remote villages, and terraced farmland. Each step brings us closer to the towering peaks that dominate the horizon.

Encounters with Local Culture

Along the way, we encounter the diverse ethnic groups that call the Kanchenjunga region home. From the warm hospitality of the Rai and Limbu communities to the rich traditions of the Sherpas, each interaction offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Nepalese culture. We stop in charming villages, where prayer flags flutter in the breeze and ancient monasteries echo with the sound of chanting monks.

Ascending to Base Camp

As we ascend higher into the mountains, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote. We traverse suspension bridges spanning deep gorges, cross alpine meadows ablaze with wildflowers, and marvel at cascading waterfalls plunging into icy rivers below. Finally, after days of trekking, we reach the pristine wilderness of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, where the towering peaks loom overhead.

Savoring the Moment

Standing at the base of Kanchenjunga, we are humbled by the sheer majesty of the mountains that surround us. The air is crisp and clear, and the silence is broken only by the occasional rumble of distant avalanches. We take a moment to savor the serenity of this remote wilderness, knowing that we are privileged to experience its beauty firsthand.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

Our trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp has been a journey of discovery, adventure, and awe-inspiring beauty. As we make our way back to civilization, we carry with us memories that will last a lifetime. And perhaps, we leave a piece of our hearts behind in the mystical realm of the "Five Treasures of Snow."

[informationalnews]

Sikkim: Exploring the Land of Mystical Mountains and Cultural Charms

Welcome to Sikkim, a land nestled amidst the mystical mountains of the Himalayas, where nature’s grandeur and cultural charms intertwine to create an enchanting experience. Let us embark on a journey to explore the captivating beauty and rich heritage of this remarkable Indian state.

Sikkim is blessed with breathtaking landscapes that leave visitors awestruck. The crown jewel of the state is Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and a sacred mountain for the locals. Its majestic presence dominates the horizon, offering a mesmerizing sight and an opportunity for avid trekkers to embark on an exhilarating journey to its base camps.

As we venture further, we discover pristine alpine forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene glacial lakes that dot the landscape. The ethereal beauty of Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, reflects the surrounding mountains and presents a picture-perfect setting. The spiritual aura of the sacred Gurudongmar Lake, situated at an altitude of 17,800 feet, is believed to possess healing properties and captivates visitors with its serene ambiance.

Sikkim’s cultural tapestry is equally captivating, showcasing a rich blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and indigenous traditions. The monasteries of Sikkim, such as Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery, offer a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region. These architectural marvels house ancient scriptures, exquisite thangka paintings, and ornate sculptures, reflecting the profound Buddhist influence on the local culture.

The warmth and hospitality of the people of Sikkim add to the charm of the state. The diverse ethnic communities, including the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese, coexist harmoniously, preserving their distinct traditions and way of life. Engaging with the locals provides a deeper understanding of their customs, rituals, and folklore. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor traditional Sikkimese cuisine, which blends flavors from various cultures and features delicacies like momo dumplings, thukpa (noodle soup), and gundruk (fermented leafy greens).

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Sikkim offers a plethora of activities. The Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of biodiversity, housing numerous plant and animal species, including the elusive snow leopard. Trekking trails like the Singalila Ridge and Dzongri-Goecha La offer panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, verdant valleys, and rhododendron-filled forests.

Sikkim’s capital city, Gangtok, is a bustling hub that blends modern amenities with traditional charm. Explore its vibrant markets, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to delve into the region’s history, and take a cable car ride to witness the cityscape from a bird’s-eye view. Additionally, the quaint town of Pelling offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and serves as a gateway to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake and the revered Pemayangtse Monastery.

Sikkim’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism is commendable. The state has implemented eco-friendly practices and strict regulations to preserve its pristine natural surroundings. Travelers are encouraged to respect the fragile ecosystem, minimize their environmental footprint, and engage in responsible tourism practices.

Exploring Sikkim is a soul-stirring experience, where the mystical mountains and cultural charms transport you to a world of tranquility and wonder. From the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas to the spiritual sanctuaries and warm hospitality of its people, Sikkim offers a journey of discovery and serenity.

[burnbrighterthanever]

10 & 17 for fanfic asks?

10. I try not to go into writing with too many expectations, but I was a little surprised by how niche some of the SPN corners I write in are. It's such a big fandom that I thought I'd get more responses than I did. That's life, I guess!

17. I've learned about some really interesting folkloric creatures for one of my SPN wips. I wanted to incorporate some monsters that hadn't been done on the show before. Some of my favorites were the kichkanya, a Nepalese ghost that drains men of their life force, and the vorvolaka, a Greek monster that feeds on human livers.

[harvest-moonie]

cheese part 10

Chris Mercer (September 23, 2005). "Australia lifts Roquefort cheese safety ban". ap-foodtechnology.com. Archived from the original on June 27, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2005. Listeria and Pregnancy.Archived February 24, 2006, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 28, 2006. Neupaney, D.; Kim, J.; Ishioroshi, M.; Samejima, K. (1997). "Study on Composition of Nepalese Cheeses, Yak Milk and Yak Cheese Whey". Milk Science. 46 (2). Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017. Nair, Anooja; Choden, Dechen; Pradhan, Monika (April 21, 2022). "Chemical composition and microbial quality of Datshi and Zoety , unripen cottage cheese of Bhutan". Food Science & Nutrition. 10 (5): 1385–1390. doi:10.1002/fsn3.2715. ISSN2048-7177. PMC9094472. PMID35592292. "How to Make Ema Datshi-the National Dish of Bhutan". Inspiria Knowledge Campus. February 26, 2015. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017. Allen, Barry; Allen, Silvia. "Mozzarella of the East (Cheese-making and Bai culture)" (PDF). Ethnorêma. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 2, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017. Buckman, Rebecca (2003). "Let Them Eat Cheese". Far Eastern Economic Review. 166 (49): 41. Archived from the original on September 23, 2005. Retrieved September 25, 2005. "Frequently Asked Questions about Halal Foods". Toronto Public Health. Archived from the original on November 24, 2005. Retrieved October 15, 2005. Mauseth, James D (2012). Plants and People. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 432. ISBN978-0-7637-8550-5. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2020. "Cheese label". Virtualroom.de. Archived from the original on April 4, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2010. Hui YH, Meunier-Goddik L, Josephsen J, Nip WK, Stanfield PS (2004). Handbook of Food and Beverage Fermentation Technology: Food Science and Technology (Marcel Dekker), Vol 134. CRC Press. pp. 392–93. ISBN978-0-8247-5122-7. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2020. Komada, Yoko; Okajima, Isa; Kuwata, Tamotsu (2020). "The Effects of Milk and Dairy Products on Sleep: A Systematic Review". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 (24): 9440. doi:10.3390/ijerph17249440. PMC7766425. PMID33339284. Extance, Andy (December 16–19, 2015). "Brie encounter". New Scientist. 228 (3052–3053): 69–70. Bibcode:2015NewSc.228...69E. doi:10.1016/S0262-4079(15)31866-2. Oates, Caroline (2003). "Cheese gives you nightmares: Old hags and heartburn". Folklore (London). 114 (2): 205–225. doi:10.1080/0015587032000104220. S2CID161962480. Mosley, Dr. Michael (2020). Fast Asleep: Improve Brain Function, Lose Weight, Boost Your Mood, Reduce Stress, and Become a Better Sleeper. Atria Books. ISBN978-1982106928. dictionary.com. "Article to Cheesed". dictionary.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.

[sagemonsters]

This is a complicated question that doesn’t have an easy answer. Although I can’t point you towards a specific resource, I can do my best to tell you how to figure it out for yourself rather than relying on outside sources that might be biased/inaccurate.

For a start, I would recommend looking closely at any creature from a mythological tradition (as opposed to, say, run of the mill cryptids like the Jersey Devil in America) and doing research into them on a case by case basis. Off the top of my head…

Christian demons & angels are okay. People have been writing about and using demons in various pieces of media since time immemorial (example: the character Mephistopheles from Dr. Faustus, a piece of literature from the European Renaissance). Succubi and incubi are also good examples of this.

Jewish demons & angels are not okay to use. Judaism is a closed religion (I would highly recommend looking up the difference between closed and open religious traditions if you don't already know) that has been oppressed and appropriated from for a very long time; nobody with a conscience wants to continue that.

W*ndigo and Sk*nwalkers are both from Native American cultures that are 100% closed to outsiders. Don’t use them unless you belong to those traditions. Likewise, avoid indigenous Australian creatures such as the rainbow serpent unless you’re an indigenous Australian person.

If you are white, anything involving African folklore is probably a bad idea.

Nagas and rakshasas are creatures from Hindu folklore. You’re on shakier ground here if you aren’t Hindu yourself; Hinduism is a semi-open religion, but that doesn’t mean you can cherrypick monsters from it willy-nilly and expect everyone to be cool with it. If you want to use these creatures, I would suggest researching Hinduism and thinking carefully about what (if any) stereotypes you are perpetuating by the way you characterize these creatures in your fiction.

Yetis specifically are part of Nepalese folklore. Again, tread carefully.

Yokai are of course creatures from Shinto, the most famous (in the West) of which is the kitsune. A lot of Western media appropriates and sexualizes kitsune characters when they are featured, which is part of a greater problem involving the fetishization of Asian people and their culture(s).

Dragons, dragonborn, orcs, goblins, drow, kobolds, etc, are fine! A good resource to mine for monster romance creatures would be anything contained in the Open Gaming License published by Wizards of the Coast for Dungeons & Dragons. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from those, and since they’re mostly public domain creatures you don’t need to worry about copyright nonsense.

Creatures from Greek, Roman, Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, and Ancient Egyptian mythology are also fine! Although there are absolutely modern pagans who practice these religions, they aren’t closed traditions. Think about Thor being used by Marvel Comics (and now Disney) and how nobody raised the hew and cry over “disrespectful” depictions of Norse mythology in film. It’s fine.

Slavic mythology is more iffy. I’ve heard people say that Slavic paganism and their creatures (such as the domovoi and bannick from Russia, and the leshiy from Poland) are part of closed traditions due to how heavily oppressed the historical Slavic pagans were during the Baltic Crusades of centuries past, but I’ve also heard others say that that tradition is open. There’s also a problem with white supremacy and Russian/Polish nationalism in those pagan communities, so I’m not wholly sure that the “Slavic paganism is a closed tradition” attitude isn’t just white supremacists trying to keep out POC.

That’s just off the top of my head. Again—research is your friend! When in doubt, ask a few people from that religious/cultural tradition if the creature you have in mind is (for lack of a better phrase) available to the public domain. Own up to your mistakes if you make ‘em, but it’s not the end of the world if you do. You’ve got this! Happy writing <3

Would anyone have any resources or could point me in the direction of some information on supernatural beings that *don't* belong in media? I'm talking like sacred figures like the w*ndigo, or I think the original bigfoot legend is considered a sacred tale to some native groups?

I'm worldbuilding for my next book and I want to include as many cultures' mythologies as I can, but I'd hate to step on any toes out of ignorance

[metalalia]

Mythological Throwback Thursday: Yeti

Welcome! It’s time for another Mythological Throwback Thursday, and this week we venture into the sacred peaks of South Asia, the Himalayas, in search of the elusive yeti. Don’t hold your breath-- the air’s pretty thin.

The word ‘yeti’ is a loanword from Tibetan. The Tibetan term is a compound of the words for ‘rock’ and ‘bear’. Other Himalayan people know the yeti as Kang Admi-- ‘snow man’, or mi-go-- ‘jungle man’. The appellation ‘Abominable Snowman’ was coined in the 1920s by a British officer on an expedition around Everest.

Early anthropologists were told that the Lepcha people native to the Himalayas worshipped a ‘glacier being’, a god of the hunt that looked like an ape and carried a large stone as a weapon.

Most local cultures agree that the yeti is a rare and secretive creature, that leaves little trace of itself behind. Many footprints in the snow believed to have been left by a yeti have been photographed, but these make for unconvincing evidence, and trophies like scalps or hairs have been analysed by experts and identified as belonging to other creatures native to the Himalayas. In 1959 an expedition claimed to have found yeti faeces: on analysis an unknown parasite was discovered within them. Cryptozoologists, who study creatures thought by the wider scientific community not to exist, claim that this is an indication that the yeti may well exist.

In Pangboche, a Nepalese village nearly two and a half miles above sea level, a Buddhist monastery claimed to possess the hand and forearm of a yeti. The story went that a monk seeking to meditate in a cave stumbled across a resting yeti. When he returned to the cave later in life, the yeti had died, so he took some of the remains. The hand was stolen and smuggled out of Nepal by Westerners, and though most of it has disappeared into a private collection, those primatologists who had access to fragments of the sample claimed it is Neanderthal in origin.

In more modern times, explorers and experts have settled upon the explanation that the yeti of legend is nothing more than one or more species of local bear, known to be bipedal at times. In particular, the Asiatic brown bear spends its early life in trees to avoid aggressive older bears, which gives its feet a peculiar shape that means its footprints can be mistaken for human or ape-like tracks.

Regardless of what the truth may or may not be, the yeti remains one of the world’s most famous cryptid legends. The search for the yeti has led to conservation efforts in Nepal and Tibet, protecting the Himalayas for other native species.

Join us next week for another Mythological Throwback Thursday, and follow us in the meantime if you’d like to see more myths, legends, folklore, fairytales, and other fantastic content!

[hjbender]

Following your post on jötunn and yeti. The Swedish word for giant is jätte which is clearly related to jötunn. Language is awesome!

I didn’t know that. How awesome! :D So the ä in Swedish gets a soft E sound? Jätte is pronounced “yetta”? Am I saying that correctly? (I’ll take the word of a native speaker over Google Translate any day.) That would make it even closer to the word “yeti” than jötunn. The intrigue deepens! 

Thank you for sharing this, anon!

[mecthology]

Kichkandi from Nepalese folklore.

They are generally known to be solitary spirits that haunt a particular location. Children often grow up hearing the stories of such tortured souls of women who wander the site of their untimely death. These women while alive were treated unfairly in some manner or died during childbirth or pregnancy. According to sightings, they are supposed to have unusually long black hair, pale and bony complexion and dressed up in a red bridal dress. It is said that they can be identified by looking at their feet, which face backwards.

People usually describe them as an alluring and young female, who lures a lonely male traveler and saps their life force. The victims are said to turn out drained of their life and skinny. According to other tales told by locals and cab drivers, these spirits are also known to hitchhike late at night. When the drivers of the vehicle or motorbike follow her directions, they end up in cremation grounds in a temple or a cemetery.

Follow @mecthology for more folklore and myths. DM for pic credit or removal.

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