C. C. Harper - Author

  There’s something delightfully magical about a garden gnome. Isn’t there? Standing quietly in a flowerbed or nestled between shrubs, they seem to simply watch over their surroundings—innocent, stationary, perhaps even ordinary. Or are they? I’ve always been deeply fascinated by these little figures, especially after watching The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain . There was something so whimsical about the idea of a garden gnome secretly traveling the world, sending postcards to its unsuspecting owner. It made me wonder—what if these gnomes have lives of their own when we’re not looking? During one of my trips to Finland, I noticed that many cabins had their own resident gnomes. They stood in gardens, watching over homes as if they had always been part of the landscape. And for the first time, I began to imagine what sort of stories these gnomes could tell if they came to life. What world do they belong to when the stars come out and the humans go to sleep? In European folklore,...

  Pixies, those small, mischievous beings of English folklore, have long captured our imagination with their playful nature and mysterious charm. Originating primarily from the West Country of England, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, pixies are often depicted as tiny, elf-like creatures with pointed ears and a sprightly demeanor. Their origins are believed to be ancient, possibly linked to pre-Christian beliefs in nature spirits or even the remnants of Celtic deities. The Guardians of Nature Pixies are intrinsically tied to the natural world, and are often seen as guardians of the earth, as they embody the untamed spirit of the wild countryside. They inhabit secluded places like woodlands, glens, and ancient stone circles, where they live in harmony with the environment. It is said that they are particularly fond of dancing in the moonlight, creating fairy rings—circles of mushrooms that appear overnight in fields and forests. While pixies are generally benevolent, guiding lost...

  Happy folklore Friday people! Usually I post a bit earlier, but unfortunately my work life took the best of me today. However, for the sake of some consistency, let me quickly dive into the mystical world of water sprites since they decided to crash into my thoughts today.  Unbeknown to many, these watery wonders have been making a splash in folklore and mythology for ages, hanging around rivers, lakes, and springs like enchanted party guests. From their beauty to their mischief, water sprites have been soaking up attention worldwide, showing us the deep connection between humans and the aquatic realms they call home.  In European tales, these freshwater guardians are quite the celebrities, flaunting their beauty, frolicking nature, and occasional mischievous streak. Back in ancient Greece, for example, they went by the name naiads - freshwater nymphs in charge of fountains, wells, and the whole H2O gang. Often seen as youthful and exquisite maidens, naiads symbolize th...

  Today, on folklore friday, I'm going to tell you a bit about werewolves. After all, they are characters in my book, so might as well explain a little about them.  The myth of werewolves, or lycanthropy, is a widespread and persistent part of folklore in many cultures, and the concept of humans transforming into wolves dates back to ancient times. The term "lycanthropy" comes from the Greek word "lykánthropos", meaning "wolf-human", and one of the earliest known accounts is the story of King Lycaon in Greek mythology.  According to the myth, told in Ovid's "Metamorphoses", Lycaon, king of Arcadia, doubted the divinity of Zeus and decided to test the god's omniscience. So he decided to invite Zeus to a banquet and served him a dish made from the flesh of a sacrificed boy, which was either one of his own sons or a hostage, depending on the version of the story. This heinous act was intended to mock Zeus and test whether he would recogn...

  Long before fairies mass invaded contemporary literature, they were already widely featured in classical works such as William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," as well as numerous fairy tales and legends from different cultures worldwide. It is evident that fairies and their magical escapades have long been integral to folklore and mythology in various societies, with some cultures holding notably robust traditions and beliefs concerning these mystical entities. Examining, for example, the Celtic cultures, Fairies play a significant role in their folklore, particularly within Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Breton traditions. In Celtic mythology, they are often referred to as "sidhe" or "aes sídhe" and are believed to inhabit hills, mounds, and natural landscapes. In contrast, Scandinavian folklore depicts fairies known as "huldufólk" in Iceland, "huldre" in Norway, and "h...

  My earliest obsession, as I like to refer to it, in the realm of literature was with the myths and legends of ancient Greece. This particular passion took hold when I was sixteen years old, right after I finished reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's book 'The Firebrand'. Over the years that followed, I delved into everything related to ancient Greek myths and legends. I devoured books, watched documentaries, and absorbed as much information as possible to expand my knowledge. It all began with the Trojan War and its characters, leading me to explore other wars, characters, the complete pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, demigods, mythological creatures, and their captivating stories. Among these tales, one that stood out to me was about Heracles and the tragic murder of his friend Iphitus. This tale, like many others, offers multiple interpretations. However, my preference lies with the version narrated by Robert Graves in his book 'Greek Myths'. As we know, the narrative...

  In Finland, a country which I hold most dear, one of the most popular and iconic folklore tales is the epic poem known as the "Kalevala”. This work, compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century, is a collection of traditional Finnish oral poetry that celebrates the mythology, heroes, and cultural heritage of the Finnish people. Furthermore, and as a mere curiosity, although there is no direct evidence to suggest that J.R.R. Tolkien was directly inspired by the Kalevala in the creation of Middle-earth, the fact is that it is possible to establish some parallels and similarities between elements of Tolkien's work and Finnish mythology. But back to the matter at hand, because if I start talking about the parallelism between these two works, I’ll get carried away and will end up just losing myself in it. So, about the Kalevala… The Kalevala is composed of 50 songs or ‘runes’, which tell the stories of legendary heroes such as Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen, as well as...

  ‘The Mists of Avalon’, by Marion Zimmer Bradley were the first books I ever read about the Arthurian Legends, after that I developed an uncontrollable passion for the theme and read everything I could possibly lay my hands on the topic. It wasn’t my first love. My first love was the Trojan War and began when I was reading the ‘Firebrand’ by the same author. Then, of course, I developed an immense crush on all the characters of the story. It was so great that I ended up reading the Iliad, and then the Odyssey and everything in between from fact to fiction. Yet, today, folklore friday is about the mystical island of Avalon, where the legendary sword Excalibur was forged and King Arthur was laid to rest.   Avalon is often depicted as a separate realm or a hidden land beyond the mortal world, therefore its precise location is an ongoing  matter of debate and interpretation, with numerous legends placing it in different locations such as England or Wales. This mystical ...

  In the annals of ancient history, the name Boudicca resonates as a symbol of fierce resistance and indomitable spirit. The Queen of the Iceni tribe, Boudicca, etched her place in history through a rebellion that shook the foundations of Roman occupation in Britain. So today, join us as we delve into the life and legacy of this remarkable Celtic queen who dared to challenge the might of Rome. Boudicca emerged as a prominent figure in the 1st century AD, a time when Britain was under Roman rule. Married to Prasutagus, the ruler of the Iceni, Boudicca found herself thrust into a tumultuous period marked by Roman encroachments and disregard for Celtic autonomy. The death of Prasutagus served as a catalyst for rebellion. In an attempt to secure a semblance of protection for her people, Boudicca faced the Roman disregard for her husband's will, which left half of his wealth to the Roman Emperor Nero and half to their daughters. The ensuing mistreatment of Boudicca and the Iceni fueled ...

  In the annals of mythology, few tales captivate the imagination as profoundly as the enigmatic legend of Atlantis. A tale shrouded in mystery and speculation, it speaks of an advanced civilization, a utopian society that met a tragic end, leaving behind whispers of wonder and intrigue. The Tale of Atlantis: According to ancient accounts, Atlantis was an island civilization of unparalleled beauty and technological advancement. It was described as a thriving society ruled by benevolent kings, boasting architectural marvels and an enlightened populace. The philosopher Plato brought this legend to light in his dialogues, "Timaeus" and "Critias." The myth speaks of a society blessed by the gods, flourishing in knowledge and wealth. Yet, a series of misfortunes, moral decay, and arrogance led to its downfall. Atlantis met its ultimate fate, disappearing into the depths of the ocean in a catastrophic event, leaving behind only echoes of its grandeur. Scholars, historians...

  In the vast tapestry of Arthurian legend, amidst the tales of knights, quests, and Camelot's glory, lies the mystical and often overlooked land of Lyonesse. Shrouded in mystery and steeped in folklore, Lyonesse is a fabled land that captivates the imagination with its enigmatic history and tragic fate. The Legend of Lyonesse: Lyonesse is said to have existed off the coast of Cornwall, a kingdom of great beauty and prosperity. With its lush landscapes, magnificent castles, and vibrant culture, it was a realm steeped in riches and enchantment. Some accounts suggest it was ruled by Queen Melusine or King Tristan. Yet, Lyonesse's story takes a tragic turn. Legend has it that the land was swallowed by the sea in a cataclysmic event, possibly due to a great flood or a series of storms. Overnight, the kingdom vanished beneath the waves, leaving behind only whispers and echoes in folklore. The tale of Lyonesse has inspired numerous writers, from Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Thomas Hardy,...