Author name: Joseph Campbell

At a yearly festival in a quaint Japanese town, it's hard to miss the bright red Tengu masks sported by revellers. These intriguing masks are a nod to the longstanding cultural importance of the Tengu, mythical beings often portrayed as part bird, part human. Rooted deeply in Japanese folklore, the Tengu's image and role have […]

As we journey through the lush landscape of Irish legends, one character always seems to steal the show – the leprechaun. These mysterious creatures, often dressed in shades of green, are much more than festive mascots of a lively St. Patrick's Day. They're a crucial piece of a rich tapestry of myth that's as layered

In my time looking into Norse mythology, I've come to find Valkyries quite fascinating. Valkyries are legendary female figures who choose who lives and who dies in battle. On one hand, they're often depicted as gorgeous, blonde-haired women, but on the other hand, they're primarily serving Odin, the god of death and war. This mixture

Reflecting on the legendary tale of Rabbi Loew's creation of a golem back in the 16th century in Prague, one can't help but marvel at how this story has deeply influenced Jewish folklore and more. It's not just about a clay creature brought to life by a holy inscription. The golem, in essence, represents complex

While studying the detailed designs on old Greek pottery, I noticed the picture of a Chimera. This strange but interesting beast, combining aspects of lion, goat, and snake, has been a source of both fear and fascination for people across hundreds of years in the world of myths. The Chimera, as an emblem of the

Unraveling the rich lore of the basilisk, a mythical creature known for its lethal reputation, can be a thrilling journey. Known for striking fear in the hearts of many, this beast is one of the most deadly creatures in mythology. Just one look into its eyes is believed to be fatal. In this exciting exploration,

Let's take a step back in time. Imagine, if you will, that we're medieval scribes unrolling an old scroll, diving into the fascinating story of the Loch Ness Monster. Now, this isn't just any monster. This is Nessie, a creature that's been the centre of folk tales and rigorous scientific investigation for hundreds of years.

The supernatural world seems to be all around us, and there's one ghostly figure that really stands out – the Wendigo. This chilling tale comes from the Algonquian indigenous cultures of North America, where it spins a web of folklore and warnings, overflowing with layers of meaning that go well beyond its spine-tingling story. The

In our modern world of quantum physics and cutting-edge tech, the concept of beings made of smokeless fire from ancient Islamic tales might appear out of place. Yet, I find myself looking at the similarities and differences between the Jinn, a supernatural entity from Islamic stories, and similar beings in other cultural folklore. Islamic tradition

On a dream trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia this year, I was mesmerized by a detailed stone carving of a Naga, a mythical creature with snake-like features. This isn’t just a Cambodia or Buddhist thing; Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain myths also weave Nagas into their stories. These half-human, half-snake beings offer an intriguing mix