Aesop's Fables

"Aesop" is the name given to an unknown Greek storyteller who lived in the sixth century B.C. Legend has it that Aesop was a slave, but nobody really knows much about him. What we do know is that, over the years, the stories called Aesop's Fables have become one of the most beloved of our literary traditions. As you read these very short stories, you will see many recognizable themes and morals, such as The Hare and the Tortoise ("Plodding wins the race"), Mercury and the Woodman ("Honesty is the best policy"), and The Fox and the Goat ("Look before you leap").


Web:

http://classics.mit.edu/Aesop/fab.html
http://www.dusklight.com/aesop/


Atlantis

It all started with the Greek philosopher Plato (427-347 B.C.). He wrote two dialogues, Timeaus and Critias, in which Socrates, Hermocrates, Timeaus and Critias are sitting around having a conversation. Timeaus and Critias want to tell Socrates a story, a tale of a great city, a story which they say is absolutely true. And ever since, people have been racing around the planet looking for this long-lost city of Atlantis.


Web:

http://www.atlan.org/
http://www.atlantishistory.com/
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/atlantis.html
http://www.spiritweb.org/spirit/atlantis-mu-lemuria.htm...

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.legend.atlantis
Google Newsreader alt.legends.atlantis


Bermuda Triangle

Take a look at a map of the east coast of the United States, and picture an imaginary triangle joining Miami, Bermuda, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1964, a writer named Vincent Gaddis wrote an article for Argosy magazine in which he claimed that, over the years, an abnormally large number of ships and planes had disappeared in that part of the Atlantic Ocean. He called the area the Bermuda Triangle and set off a flurry of speculation, which took years to attenuate. Today, it is accepted that there is nothing mystical about the Bermuda Triangle, and like many similar beliefs, this one was based on poor data and wishful thinking.


Web:

http://www.bermuda-triangle.org/
http://www.greatdreams.com/bermuda.htm
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq8-1.htm
http://www.parascope.com/en/bermuda0.htm


Bigfoot

Bigfoot, sometimes called Sasquatch, is a creature of legend in the United States and Canada (especially in the U.S. Pacific Northwest). Bigfoot is supposed to be a tall, hairy apelike creature that has been sighted by isolated hikers and campers. The idea and legends of the North American Bigfoot are similar to that of the Abominable Snowman in parts of Asia. The Native American peoples have many different Bigfoot-like legends. Maybe, next time you go camping, you can start a legend of your own.


Web:

http://www.bfro.net/
http://www.bigfootinfo.org/
http://www.bigfootmuseum.com/
http://www.theshadowlands.net/bf.htm

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.bigfoot


Charms and Amulets

There are days when something special is about to happen, and you want an extra boost to make things turn out perfectly. For example, on the day you go in to ask your boss for a raise, wouldn't it be nice if you had a well-crafted spider amulet like that used by the ancient Europeans when they wanted to attract money? You don't like spiders? How about a magnetic lodestone, a horseshoe amulet, or a Snow Globe Pyramid of Luck?


Web:

http://www.lib.umich.edu/pap/magic/def1.display.html
http://www.mojomoon.net/amulets.html
http://www.tryskelion.com/amulets.htm


Computer Folklore

Over the years, the world of computing has developed its own traditions, literary and otherwise. Like all traditions, these tend to start with stories, discussion, tall tales and general talk. You can watch it all develop by following the discussion in these Usenet groups. When you need a reference, try one of the Web sites. Hang around long enough and when you get old, you'll be able to tell your grandchildren, "I was there when Bill Gates told the real story of why he made everyone use DOS and Windows for so long."


Web:

http://wilson.best.vwh.net/faq/
http://www.cs.utah.edu/~elb/folklore/
http://www.psc.edu/~ecf/work-humor/comp.folklore.html

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.folklore.computers
Google Newsreader alt.folklore.internet
Google Newsreader comp.society.folklore


Cryptozoology

Cryptozoology is the study of mysterious animals -- such as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster -- whose existence is a matter of dispute. (The term "cryptozoology" was first used in the 1950s by Bernard Heuvelmans, author of "On the Track of Unknown Animals".) If you don't have enough to worry about in your life, and you want to concern yourself with things that don't actually exist, try reading some of the cryptozoology stuff at these sites. There is information about monsters, bugs, invertebrates and legendary lifeforms that nobody can prove are real.


Web:

http://www.cryptozoology.com/
http://www.cryptozoology.fsbusiness.co.uk/
http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bz050/HomePage.cryptoz.html...
http://www.pibburns.com/cryptozo.htm


Dragons

I was in the bookstore the other day, and I happened to go to the section that has my books. As I turned the corner, I encountered a dragon, holding a copy of this book and breathing fire. I said to him, "Don't you know this is a non-smoking area?" And he said, "I know, but I can't help it. This is a very hot book." As you can see, it's always good to know what to say to a dragon, just in case you happen to meet one unexpectedly. So read up on dragons, learn about their personalities (such as why they have such good taste in books), and enjoy their legendary stories.


Web:

http://www.bestiarium.net/select.htm
http://www.draconian.com/links/links.htm
http://www.igolddragon.com/species.htm
http://www.polenth.com/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.fan.dragons


Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends

High in content and easily searchable, these sites offer a wealth of information about mythology, legends and folklore. Read about all sorts of creatures, gods, goddesses, and their origins and history.


Web:

http://www.clubi.ie/lestat/godsmen.html
http://www.pantheon.org/


Faeries

Fairies (or if you want to be cool and use the Middle English spelling, faeries) are tiny imaginary beings, except that they aren't always tiny, and some people think they are real, and maybe they aren't really beings. The nice thing about faeries (you can see I am cool, because I use the Middle English spelling) is that they can be just about anything you want as long as there is some enchantment involved. When I was younger, I lived in Berkeley, California, for awhile. In one of the apartments nearby was a mild, gentle young fellow who was into "Fairy Consciousness". I was never really sure what he meant, but I bet, whatever it is, you can find it on the Net.


Web:

http://www.faeries.org/site/lore/
http://www.magickalworlds.com/f_basics.html
http://www.open-sesame.com/fairy.html
http://www.wildmuse.net/faerie/


Fairy Tales

A fairy tale is a legendary story involving imaginative characters and unusual adventures. Use the Net to enter the wonderful world of childhood magic. There are a variety of fairy tales for you to read to children and enjoy on your own.


Web:

http://members.aol.com/surlalune/frytales/
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/storfolk.html
http://www.cln.org/themes/fairytales.html
http://www.hca.gilead.org.il/
http://www.inform.umd.edu/edres/readingroom/fiction/fai...
http://www.legends.dm.net/fairy/


Folk Tales from Around the World

Various cultures around the world have created tales to teach people and to modify the behavior of the community to suit specific needs. Out of these needs are born gods and goddesses, heroes and villains, magical objects, and mythical animals. It's fun to read folk tales from a variety of countries. Occasionally, I will light a nice fire, put the cat in my lap and read him a Syldavian folk tale. He really appreciates the cultural exposure and, as you know, a well-rounded cat can catch more mice. If you too would like to be more culturally refined, take look at these folk tales from around the world. What's my favorite folk tale? The one about the tired Internet writer who fell asleep exhausted in front of his computer, only to awaken in the morning to find that a group of elves had magically finished writing his book during the night.


Web:

http://oaks.nvg.org/lg4ra2.html
http://www.darsie.net/talesofwonder/
http://www.dragonrest.net/romanian/fairytales.html
http://www.g-world.org/magictales/
http://www.lacquerbox.com/tales.htm
http://www.nsc.ru/folk/
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~oban/
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html


Folklore and Mythology Resources

A myth is a traditional, ancient story involving supernatural beings or other types of heroes. Myths are often used to explain natural phenomena and to demonstrate the customs and traditions of a particular society. A legend is an apocryphal (unverified) story that is handed down from one generation to the next. Myths and legends are important because they represent aspects of human nature and cultural evolution that form the basis of what we think and do today.


Web:

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze33gpz/myth.html
http://www.cybercomm.net/~grandpa/gdsindex.html
http://www.loggia.com/myth/myth.html
http://www.pibburns.com/mythfolk.htm


Gems and Mineral Folklore

Some people believe there is magic and power locked inside the stones of the Earth, and that these stones can be used to channel energy from one place to another. (Of course, there are also people who believe the Easter Bunny is going to mysteriously fix all the bugs in Windows.)


Web:

http://www.cedarseed.com/air/gemstones.html
http://www.jewelrysupplier.com/mythology_links.htm
http://www.octagamm.com/gemcache/gemlore.htm
http://www.pearyhs.org/bdayclub/lore.htm

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.folklore.gemstones


Germanic Myths, Legends and Sagas

Do you ever have one of those days when you come into the house, all bundled up and covered with snow, and someone hands you a big mug of hot chocolate and says, "Here, sit down by the fire and let me relate an old Germanic legend my mother used to tell me." It doesn't happen to me, because I live near a beach in California, but it could happen to you, especially if you have this Web site in your bookmark list. This site has information about Germanic (Scandinavian and Teutonic) mythology, culture, ancient beliefs and deities.


Web:

http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/mythlinks.html


Ghost Stories

Kids, do you want to have a lot of fun? The next time your parents go out, invite your best friend over for a visit. Then, get some wood (anything will do, an old chair, a dresser, an antique desk), turn out the lights, and start a fire in the living room. As the flames glow in the dark, take turns telling ghost stories. I guarantee you will have a scary experience.


Web:

http://www.alienufoart.com/ghoststories.htm
http://www.ghosts.org/stories/stories.html
http://www.hotlyps.com/ghostories.htm
http://www.theshadowlands.net/ghost/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.folklore.ghost-stories


Gnomes

A gnome is an imaginary dwarflike creature that lives underground and is often depicted as guarding a treasure. The traditions and mythos of gnomes are well-developed. You can read about their history, appearance, activities, and so on. Gnomes are cute, and it can be fun to look at their pictures and read about them, but, of course, they don't really exist (or do they?).


Web:

http://study.haifa.ac.il/~hyavnai/index2.htm


Greek Mythology

The Greek gods and goddesses are more than mere mythical curiosities. Even today, the myths are part of our culture: our literature, customs, words, even our comic books and cartoons. Moreover, like all timeless myths, learning about the players and their stories helps us understand ourselves and our times. Explore a bit on the Net, so the next time you are at a party and someone asks, "Who was Agamemnon's wife?" you'll be the only one who will be able to answer Klytaimnestra. (Then you can add that their children were Orestes, Elektra and Iphigenia, and it won't be long until your friends start looking upon you as a god.)


Web:

http://web.uvic.ca/grs/bowman/myth/
http://www.classicsunveiled.com/mythnet/html/
http://www.princeton.edu/~rhwebb/trees/treesindex.html


Griffins

A griffin (also known as a griffon or gryphon) is a mythological beast with the body of a lion, and the head, forelegs and wings of an eagle. As you can imagine, this would be enough to cause the poor animal to be refused admittance to the more fashionable night clubs. Still, despite their odd features, griffins have been extremely popular over the centuries and are portrayed as having great intelligence and powerful strength (much like writers of Internet books). Griffins have appeared in numerous starring roles, as pets for the god Zeus, in a singing scene in Alice in Wonderland, and on many science fiction book covers.


Web:

http://gryphonguild.critter.net/
http://members.aol.com/alicorn14/firegryph.html
http://www.dragonweave.com/gothos/html/gryphons.html
http://www.enteract.com/~tirya/gallery.html

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.mythology.mythic-animals.gryphons


Imaginary Creatures

There are a great many mythological creatures in the world. You may not be able to see them in the forest or in the zoo; they live in our imaginations and in our hearts. If you like the land of make-believe, you will have a great time exploring the sites on the Net that are devoted to strange imaginary creatures.


Web:

http://www.mysticrealms.com/rules/bestiary/
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/bestiary/articles.html
http://www.webhome.idirect.com/~donlong/monsters/monste...


King Arthur and Camelot

Arthurian legend contains many stories based in medieval times about King Arthur of Britain and his Knights of the Round Table. The legend can be traced back as far as the sixth century, although the stories have been expanded and modified throughout the years. The basic story, however, has always remained more or less the same. Arthur is the illegitimate son of King Uther Pendragon. After the king's death, Arthur distinguishes himself by successfully pulling out a sword that is embedded in a huge stone. Arthur becomes king and, from Camelot, reigns over the land of Britain. The stories involve the familiar characters of King Arthur, his knights (including Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram), his wife Guinevere, Merlin the Magician, the Lady of the Lake (who gives Arthur his special sword Excalibur), and his enemies Morgan le Fay and Sir Mordred, all of whom appear in Arthur's many adventures. Eventually, Arthur is wounded by Sir Mordred and -- as he is dying -- is carried away to Avalon, from which he will one day return.


Web:

http://www.kingarthur-online.co.uk/
http://www.kingarthursknights.com/
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/cphome.stm
http://www.panix.com/~wlinden/arthur.shtml

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.legend.king-arthur

Listserv Mailing List:

List Name: arthurnet
Subscribe To: listserv@morgan.ucs.mun.ca


Mermaids

A mermaid is a legendary sea creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the lower anatomy of a fish. Sightings of mermaids have always been popular among sailors who have spent long days at sea, without female companionship, in the company of other sweaty sailors (and the odd fish). These sites have pictures of mermaids, as well as classic and modern tales.


Web:

http://www.mermaid.net/
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/water.html


Mythology Talk and General Discussion

Myths are traditional stories, passed down from one generation to the next. Myths arise in all time periods, and they most always involve supernatural events. (Myths are different from folklore in that folk tales are generally more entertaining and believable.) If you like any type of mythology, these are the places to hang out and discuss the who, what, when, where and how-high-did-he-jump aspects of this entertaining and telling area of human culture.


Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.mythology


Native American Myths and Legends

Native storytellers created sacred myths to explain the origin of humans, to answer the question of why we live as we do, and to record lessons that have been passed down through years of living. Many of these stories were based on nature and animals. Aside from being teaching tools, the legends were often used to entertain. Here are a variety of traditional stories from various native tribes.


Web:

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~skywise/legends.html
http://www.bluecloud.org/myth.html
http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/loreindx.html
http://www.indians.org/welker/chippewa.htm
http://www.ocbtracker.com/ladypixel/legend.html


Pirates

Pirates are the ultimate seafaring bad guys. They wear cool clothes, they pillage, and they can stay up as late as they want to watch Letterman. Yes, the pirate life is the life for me. If you want to be a pirate, or you want to just see what it was like to be a pirate (back in the days when pirates were allowed to have fun), take a look at these sites. You'll see pictures of ships, read about the pirate way of living, and have a chance to learn about the history, legends and myths of famous pirates of antiquity.


Web:

http://www.inkyfingers.com/pyrates/
http://www.ocracoke-nc.com/blackbeard/
http://www.piratesinfo.com/main.php


Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a legendary 13th-century English hero who robbed the rich and gave his stolen goods to the poor and oppressed. Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest (in central England, north of Nottingham and west of Lincoln) with his band of merry followers who assisted him in his heroic endeavors. Read about the life and times of Robin Hood and why he is popular to this day.


Web:

http://www.cadana.com/
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.stm
http://www.robinhood.ltd.uk/robinhood/
http://www.webspan.net/~amunno/rhood.html

Majordomo Mailing List:

List Name: robinhood-l
Subscribe To: majordomo@ats.rochester.edu


Scientific Urban Legends

There are all sorts of nasty rumors flying around about science. And we know just where they are coming from. Check out the latest outlandish tales of science, which often sound like they come straight from the set of a 1950s science fiction movie. Help discern the truths from the myths by reading up on what the folks on the Net have to say.


Web:

http://www.urbanlegends.com/science/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.folklore.science


Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters

I have been swimming in the ocean for many, many years and I have never seen anything out of the ordinary or unexplainable. However, there are people all around the world who say they have seen oddities in oceans and lakes. Some of these people even have pictures. If you want a nice overview of what creatures you might be missing, take a look at this site. There are pictures, explanations and background information about various legendary creatures such as the Loch Ness monster, the Lake Champlain monster, the megamouth shark, giant squids, Ogopogo and others. And if you are insatiable for unusual marine animals, there are links to other water creature sites.


Web:

http://www.lochness.co.uk/
http://www.lochness.scotland.net/camera.cfm
http://www.nessie.co.uk/
http://www.theshadowlands.net/serpent.htm


Superstitions

There are far too many real problems to worry about in life. Sometimes, just for fun, why not worry about something silly? For example, once you cut a slice from a loaf of bread, you should never turn the loaf upside down. Why? I'm not sure, but what's the point in tempting fate? How about this: If three people are photographed together, the one in the middle will die first. Aren't superstitions fun?


Web:

http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/scary.html
http://www.doghause.com/super.html
http://www.islandnet.com/~luree/silly.html
http://www.meow.net/superstitions.html
http://www.weddings.co.uk/info/tradsupe.htm


Tree Lore

Trees are perennial woody plants, characterized by having branches and twigs that extend from a single main stem to form a well-defined crown or canopy. The essence of the tree is its large size, long life, and slow approach to reproductive maturity. Trees are silent, sturdy, strong and mysterious, and they play an important part in a variety of legends and folklore. For example, in the druid tradition, the birch tree is associated with the herald of new beginnings, while the rowan tree protects one's house from lightning. Clearly, it behooves us to learn more about the spiritual life of our perennially woody friends (not to mention the benefits of a slow approach to reproductive maturity).


Web:

http://www.druidry.org/obod/text/trees/trees.html
http://www.mystical-www.co.uk/treemyth.htm
http://www.taliesin.clara.net/treelore2.htm
http://www.tarahill.com/treelore/


Urban Legends

An urban legend is a story that is widely believed to be true, even though no real evidence exists. Urban legends generally offer a measure of humor or horror, and seem to take on a life of their own, regardless of how true they really are. Urban legends are famous for being retold as if they happened to "a friend of a friend" (FOAF). For example, are there really gangs of kidnappers at Disneyland who abduct children, change their clothing and hairstyles, and then smuggle them out the gates into a waiting getaway car?


Web:

http://www.spiffo.co.uk/urban.html
http://www.urbanlegends.com/
http://www.warphead.com/urbanlegends/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.folklore.urban


Vampires

A vampire is a "living" corpse that, for nourishment, sucks blood from people. In many stories, vampires enslave people and turn them into vampires themselves. Traditionally, you can ward off a vampire by using particular charms. To kill one, you have to drive a stake through its heart. The most famous vampire is Dracula, from the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker. Why are vampire stories so popular? There are a number of reasons, the most important of which is the implied sexuality of the vampire experience. (The penetration of the fangs, a male image, and the liquid-filled mouth, a female image, create an undercurrent of male/female sexual tension.) Are vampires real? I'm not saying one way or the other. However, I do caution you to look under the bed tonight before you go to sleep. If you are really worried, try garlic-flavored pajamas.


Web:

http://www.csn.ul.ie/~egnarts/vampire/
http://www.net4u.ro/dracula/
http://www.niteworld.net/
http://www.pathwaytodarkness.com/
http://www.zyworld.com/vampirelore/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.books.anne-rice
Google Newsreader alt.culture.vampires
Google Newsreader alt.vampyres

IRC:

#vampirehall (EFnet)

#vampires (Undernet)

#vampyres (EFnet)


Werewolf Folklore

On those days when you are not feeling quite like your old self, when you would rather have a midnight walk and howl at the moon than watch TV, you should know where to turn. Check these sites to see if you have any of the symptoms.


Web:

http://www.furnation.com/lobo/mc/ahww/
http://www.lycanthrope.org/
http://www.swampfox.demon.co.uk/utlah/
http://www.were.net/

Usenet:

Google Newsreader alt.horror.werewolves