folklore

Archive / Historical Sources

Herodotus: The Histories – Herodotus – Various editions available; Penguin Classics (1996) translated by Aubrey de Selincourt is a popular choice.

Herodotus’ The Histories is a foundational work of historical inquiry, offering a broad and detailed account of the Greco-Persian Wars and the cultures of the ancient world.
It blends historical narrative with ethnographic observations, folklore, and mythological elements.
It provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek worldview and the development of historical writing.

Read More Herodotus: The Histories – Herodotus – Various editions available; Penguin Classics (1996) translated by Aubrey de Selincourt is a popular choice.
Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

Individualism and collectivism – Harry Triandis – 1995

Harry Triandis’s work explores the psychological and cultural differences between individualistic and collectivist societies. It examines the impact of these orientations on human behavior, communication, and values.

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Archive / Cultural References

Grimm’s Fairy Tales – Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm – 1812-1857

Grimm’s Fairy Tales is a collection of folk stories that offers insights into the human condition, cultural history, and the power of narrative. The tales, while seemingly simple, are rich in symbolism and explore universal themes.

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Archive / Cultural References

Greek Gods, Heroes and Monsters – Mary Lefkowitz – 1986

This book provides a comprehensive and culturally contextualized overview of Greek mythology, examining gods, heroes, and monsters through their literary sources. It is ideal for both newcomers and those already familiar with classical civilization.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gods and Myths of Japan – Dorothea Saltonstall – 1972

This work provides an accessible overview of Japanese mythology, exploring the key deities and narratives that shape its cultural landscape.
It contextualizes the myths within Japanese history and belief systems.
It’s a good starting point for those new to Japanese mythology.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gods and Fighting Men – Augusta Gregory – 1904

Augusta Gregory’s “Gods and Fighting Men” presents retellings of Irish myths, specifically those relating to the Tuatha Dé Danann, within the context of the Irish Literary Revival. It is a culturally significant work for understanding the re-imagining of Irish identity in the early 20th century.

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Archive / Cultural References

Gathering Moss – Robin Wall Kimmerer – 2003, Oregon State University Press

Robin Wall Kimmerer’s ‘Gathering Moss’ blends botanical science with cultural history and Indigenous knowledge, revealing the hidden world of bryophytes and prompting a reassessment of our relationship with nature.
It offers a unique perspective on how we perceive the natural world and the symbolic significance of often-overlooked organisms.

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Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

Germanic Mythology – Jacob Grimm – 1835

Jacob Grimm’s Germanic Mythology provides a scholarly exploration of the myths, legends, and beliefs of the Germanic peoples, drawing upon a range of historical sources. It remains a foundational work for understanding the roots of Northern European traditions.

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Archive / Books & Scholarly Works

Genes, Memes, Culture by Susan Blackmore – Susan Blackmore – 1999

Blackmore’s work examines culture as a self-replicating system of information, akin to genetic evolution, introducing the concept of “memes.” It offers a provocative perspective on how ideas and behaviors spread and shape human societies.

Read More Genes, Memes, Culture by Susan Blackmore – Susan Blackmore – 1999
Archive / Cultural References

Folk-Lore and Mythology – Andrew Lang – 1882

Andrew Lang’s *Folk-Lore and Mythology* provides a wide-ranging comparative study of myths and folktales globally. It offers a comprehensive overview of recurring themes and motifs in diverse cultural narratives, contextualized within Victorian-era anthropological interests.

Read More Folk-Lore and Mythology – Andrew Lang – 1882