C. C. Harper - Author

  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...

  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 the tapestry of Greek mythology, the Trojan War stands as an epic chapter, replete with heroes, gods, and timeless conflict. Yet, woven into the fabric of this narrative are the enigmatic figures of the Amazons, fierce warrior women whose presence adds a layer of complexity to the saga. Today, feel free to join us on a journey as we delve into the Myth of the Trojan War and unravel the intriguing role played by the Amazons in this legendary tale.  The seeds of the Trojan War were sown with the infamous apple of discord, a seemingly innocuous fruit that catalyzed a divine quarrel. As Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite vied for the title of the fairest goddess, the decision fell into the hands of Paris, a Trojan prince. His choice, influenced by the promise of love, set in motion events that would lead to the grand stage of conflict.  At the heart of the Trojan War was the ill-fated love affair between Paris and Helen, an alliance orchestrated by the goddess of love, Aphrodite...