#asian myths and legends

[kafkasapartment]

A Chinese Russet White Jade Dragon Plaque, early Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). Carved in high relief and reticulated with a dragon pursuing a flaming pearl, amongst lotus bloom and scrolling foliage.

[overwatchfanskinarchive]

Ifrit Ramattra by eweeppy (twitter)

[rrcraft-and-lore]

I have this exact book: Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India by: Rakesh Khanna & J. Furcifer Bhairav for those curious. And yes, sometimes some stories like these exist because of other cultures creating/attributing myths to other places.

Few famous examples: Griffins and the Indus Valley Worm

So Griffins and the Indus Valley Worm are creatures thought to have existed in India by Greek philosophers and scientists of the time. They made up the creatures but believed their origins to be "far exotic and from/to the east" a lot of storytelling has worked this way.

The Three Princes of Serendip (old name for Ceylon/Sri Lanka) is the first story of Serendipity (where we get the word btw) of just fun adventures (slice of life) about three Sri Lankan Princes. Only, it's not Sri Lankan in origin. It's Persian made up for entertainment ABOUT Sri Lanka.

Copy of the book for those interested:

It's a brilliant collection btw.

[mecthology]

Chiisai Ojisan: The Little Old Man Yokai.

Although some believe Chiisai Ojisan is a singular entity, others speculate there may be multiple "tiny old men." Descriptions vary, but he's often seen in a small green tracksuit, with many accounts humorously referring to him as being "actual size," though he is much smaller than an average person. Typically, he is described as no bigger than a mouse.

Chiisai Ojisan is often reported by children and overworked adults. He offers a comforting presence, like a caring parent, sometimes providing advice or encouragement. Many believe that encountering him brings good luck, especially if he interacts with the person. His most common greeting is a cheerful wave and a soft “take care!” in a tiny voice. However, he also has a mischievous side, occasionally playing pranks or using foul language. Despite his antics, he disappears quickly if anyone tries to photograph or record him.

Follow @mecthology for more lores and legends.

Source: urbanlegend.fandom.com, samkalensky.com, bloodyslab.wordpress.com

[blumoonfiction-blog]

Fairy Tale 101: Myths & Legends (The Fox Wife)

“Sometimes, a fox isn’t just a fox. Sometimes, it’s a mystery, a lesson, or even a lover in disguise.” The story of the Fox Wife is one of the most enduring and captivating tales in East Asian folklore. Originating in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean traditions, the legend of the Fox Wife reflects the intersection of the mystical and the human, blending themes of love, deceit, transformation, and…

[atrumvox]

Did You Know That NINE-TAILED FOXES Are a Common MYTH Across ASIA?

Discover the fascinating world of FOX SPIRITS across Asia! From the benevolent and malevolent HULI JING in China to the trickster KITSUNE in Japan and the heart-devouring NINE-TAILED FOX of Korea, each culture has its own unique tales of these mystical creatures. Watch now to learn how these shape-shifting beings influence local legends and beliefs. Don’t miss out on this journey through the enchanting lore of Asian mythology!

[ambisun]

I’ve been working with my friend Sha to create an Oracle and Book about Stories, Myths and Legends from South East Asia.

The project was just approved on Kickstarter so if you’re interested in south east asian mythology please hit “Notify me on launch” so you’ll be informed when the campaign goes live on the 11th of July 2023!!

[classic-asian-art]

Atsuta no en Uneme, 1842-43 (Farbholzschnitt) von Utagawa Kuniyoshi

(1842, colour woodblock print)

[ijustkindalikebooks]

Review: Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim.

One must fall for the other to rise. Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch, she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent's face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister, Vanna-the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn't see a monster. The only person she loves and trusts. Now seventeen, Vanna is to be married off in a vulgar contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi, who's had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years, can defend her sister against the cruelest of the suitors. But in doing so, she becomes the target of his wrath - launching a grisly battle royale, a quest over land and sea, a romance between sworn enemies, and a choice that will strain Channi's heart to its breaking point. Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast, Helen of Troy, and Asian folklore, Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.

There is something about Elizabeth Lim's writing that I find so hard to put down. Enchanting, enriching and beautifully woven, this story brings us the story of two sisters yes, but brings us a new slice of the world Elizabeth is sharing with us and new characters brought to life by her incredible way with words, which shines here in her new book.

There is something so sumptuous about how Elizabeth Lim writes about her world. Tangling up perfectly, myths, legends and fairytales, this author crafts a universe that really does bring the story to life. Throughout this book it feels like you are there watching the story unfold as you feel taken in by the story from the moment it begins and it's such a pleasure to fall into.

The characters though introduced a little I think in Six Crimson Cranes a little bit, these characters grow so much throughout this book and really become some of my new favourites. Strong, brilliantly developed and leaves you needing an epilogue as long as the book, Chennai is a fantastic character and her story shines out on every page.

I love this author, I don't think she's ever let me down and Her Radiant Curse is another fine example of her incredible writing.

(I recieved an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for honest review).

[sugar-showers-ceramics]

Citra Sasmita

Citra Sasmita, Rite of Passage, 2022.

Citra Sasmita, Lament of the Old Tree, 2022.

CItra Sasmita, Mortal Ground, 2022.

[obsidianandblacksatin]

👻 Unveiling the Mysteries of the Toyol 👻

Step into the eerie world of Southeast Asian folklore with our latest blog post about the Toyol. This mythical creature, believed to be the spirit of a child, is often summoned by sorcerers for its mischievous deeds. Learn more about its origins, stories, and the cultural significance that surrounds this fascinating legend. Read all about it here: https://nonightlight.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/the-supernatural-toyol-southeast-asias-mischievous-spirit/

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"...WHEN... HIS SAUCER BEGINS TO DRY, HE DASHES HOME TO KEEP HIS CARAPACE CUCUMBER-FRESH."

PIC INFO: Spotlight on the Kappa, also known as kawatarō ("river-boy"), a reptiloid kami found in traditional Japanese folklore, artwork by the late, great Eric Carle (1929-2021), from the children's book "Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were" (1988).

"Saucer on his head, carapace on his back, the "river urchin" pulls pranks, tickling your tush in the slimy lake, stealing your bellybutton while you're snoozing.

But water is the source of his life, When, out on land too long, his saucer begins to dry, he dashes home to keep his carapace cucumber-fresh."

-- "Kappa" by HIRO SATO

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

[overwatchfanskinarchive]

Fox Spirit Lifeweaver by Miki (babymiss_t)

[rrcraft-and-lore]

Vimana?

What is it?

Well, put simply, they are the mythical flying "chariots" out of the South Asian epics. Though, interestingly enough, the earliest mentions of them specifically exclude mentions of horses//being horse drawn.

They are entirely self moving. The word means to traverse, traverse/measure out.

In the ancient epics, they were as large as some palaces, and sometimes listed as a palace (for a character in the epics) and interesting is the evolution of the word today from the days of the epics to where it now means airship/craft.

In the Ramayama, the character and villain, Ravana (inspiration for Rahvin for you WoT fans), has a vimana described as: resembling the Sun, and a chariot able to traverse anywhere and everywhere, resembling a bright cloud, and by command, could go into the atmosphere.

Vimana can travel the skies at insane speed, and notably rain down fire and weapons of mass destruction in battles. Idk about you, but that sounds like some space ship level stuff.

Maybe Stargate was onto something. :SG1 MUSIC INTENSIFIES:

Viman can be shaped into many ways, however. One story tells of a flowery Viman shaped like an eagle that Lord Vishnu sent down to carry the soul of one person up to heaven. Important to also note that Eagles are important in the mythos as they are associated with Garuda a deity and divine bird being who is eagle-like (like not 1-1), as well as often related to a kite (the bird) and yes, the toy that flies through the air is derived in name from the bird. Anyways, Garuda is the mount of Lord Vishnu, and so through him eagles also have a level of high prominence - another example is Shyena, the divine eagle associated with Agni (god of fire).

Anyways circling back to Vimana, some could go invisible (cloaking engaged). But, yeah, read the South Asian epics and myths, there is mind blowingly cool stuff in them.

[melaniem54]

Review:  Mammoths At The Gates (The Singing Hills Cycle Book 4) by Nghi Vo

Rating: 5🌈 Through four incredible books, we’ve been with Cleric Chih as they have journeyed through the country, on their mission of collecting stories and memories of those they encounter. Enduring much, Chih has ventured through vast stretches of plains, traveling through haunted woods and eerie misty swamps to meet, or listen of mythical beings, whether it’s a  Pig Man, ancient royal ghostly…

[all-turkic]

Who is “Ak Ana” in Turkic Mythology?