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...

  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...

  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 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...