Embrace the power of the divine in this beginner's guide to some of mythology's fiercest females and most legendary ladies Across thousands of years and countless civilizations, goddesses have been a powerful presence. Whether as leaders, mothers, warriors or lovers, these indomitable divinities have always been able to fascinate and seduce us. This pocket guide offers readers an engaging and accessible introduction to a selection of the most powerful and influential goddesses throughout ancient and modern history, retelling their stories and celebrating their awesome abilities. Each profile includes a concise history of the goddess and her origins, a summary of her main powers, a look at the goddess in myth and popular culture and an exploration of her best attributes. Learn about the Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war; Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of pleasure and protection; the beautiful Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, and many others. Let yourself be inspired and empowered by tales of feminine power, strength and wisdom in this pocketbook of dazzling deities.

Enchanting tales of the gods, kings, and monsters that populated the Anglo-Saxon world. An atmospheric collection of 30 folk tales exploring stories of cosmology, monsters, conflicts and courtship from the Seven Kingdoms to Middle Earth. This is an entertaining portal into a world overflowing with mythology, magic and all manner of beguiling creatures, which has inspired everything from the Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones. The book is divided into 3 parts: * Scop is a set of stories told by the Anglo-Saxon storyteller Scop, from the creation to the destruction of the world. It explores what remains of the gods and monsters of the Anglo-Saxon cosmology. * Wreccan is pagan stories exploring self-discovery and development through exile. Variations of these tales would have told by the Anglo-Saxons themselves, including Sigemund's rebellion and the trials of Beowulf. * Bretwalda stories revolve around Bretwalda the chief Anglo-Saxon king who ruled over the majority of the Seven Kingdoms. These stories reflect a period when both the old gods and Christianity existed simultaneously. Remarkable illustrations by Jesus Sotes breathe new life into these tales of the past.

Women and Folklore concerns itself with the growing body of English-language literature on women's folklore and culture. . . . There are 1,664 bibliographic citations, with a combined subject and name index containing some intriguing topics and names. A significant interdisciplinary bibliographic addition for high school, college, university and public libraries." Choice

Monsters have preoccupied mankind from the earliest times: even cave art includes animal-human monsters. Certainly monsters were present in the ancient religions of Egypt and Mesopotamia; the Old Testament describes the giant land and sea monsters Behemoth and Leviathan, while in the world of Classical mythology, monsters embody the fantasies of the gods and the cruellest punishments of human beings. While we may no longer worry about being eaten by trolls on the way home, there remains a fascination with these creatures who have shadowed us throughout history. This book explores monsters down the ages and throughout the world. It provides a dark yet engrossing visual history of the human mind, lit up by flashes of wild and unearthly inspiration.

Legend tells of a fearsome wolf who stalks the forest. Red is well versed in the stories of the beast who preys on unsuspecting travellers and yet she pays them no mind. But then, Red has always been different. Suddenly whispers of the wolf become more frequent and townspeople are attacked in their homes. It seems this is no ordinary wolf. Rumours run wild and people begin suspecting one another. But when you don't know who to fear, how can you protect yourself? This story might not end happily ever after . . . A thrilling whodunit with a twist that readers won't see coming until the very end. Perfect for fans of Dark Unicorns, and Disney's Twisted Tales and Villains series'. A dark and irresistible twist on a classic fairy tale.

To primitive man the whisper and movement of leaves and the silent unfolding of flowers were proofs of life and power, and their regeneration was a promise of nature's continuity. Cures, magic, divination and portents were all connected with the rich variety of available plant life, especially in verdant Britain. Some of these beliefs were astonishingly long-lasting and, even if an altered or faded form, have survived the sophistications of modern life, as this book sets out to show. This volume is arranged in alphabetical order and is illustrated with engravings from old herbals.'

'Spooky and absorbing. I was gripped from the first page!' CASS GREEN There's a stranger in your house... When her stepmother dies unexpectedly, Caro returns to her childhood home in Derbyshire. She hadn't seen Elizabeth in years, but the remote farmhouse offers refuge from a bad relationship, and a chance to start again. But going through Elizabeth's belongings unearths memories Caro would rather stay buried. In particular, the story her stepmother would tell her, about two little girls and the terrible thing they do. As heavy snow traps Caro in the village, where her neighbours stare and whisper, Caro is forced to question why Elizabeth hated her so much, and what she was hiding. But does she really want to uncover the truth? A haunting and twisty story about the lies we tell those closest to us, perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Cass Green. If you love CUCKOO, don't miss Sophie Draper's brand-new mystery MAGPIE, available to order now! Readers love CUCKOO: 'A remarkably, taut and chilling debut. I absolutely loved it. Brilliant writing. All the creepiness. A heart-stopping ending' CLAIRE ALLAN 'Sophie Draper is a remarkable new voice, combining beautiful writing with a gothic creepiness and a level of suspense which will keep the reader gripped to the end' STEPHEN BOOTH 'A brilliant, sinister debut that creeps under your skin and keeps you hooked until the shocking ending' ROZ WATKINS 'Wow! This is what a horror story is supposed to be! Super spooky and absolutely wonderful in all its gothic glory' NETGALLEY REVIEWER 'The ending was amazing. Psychological fiction at its best. Five Stars' NETGALLEY REVIEWER 'I never use the term "jaw-dropping" but it best describes the rest of this spectacular read!' NETGALLEY REVIEWER 'The ending BLEW. ME. AWAY. I feel like I'm going to have a book hangover now. SO, SO GOOD' NETGALLEY REVIEWER

Mysterious vanishing hitchhikers, travelers beset by headless dogs, and long-dead moonshiners come alive in this collection of ninety-six Appalachian folktales. Set in coal mines and remote farm cabins, in hidden hollows and on mountain tops, some of these stories look back to the days when West Virginia was first settled; others reflect the rancor and brutality of the Civil War. But most of these tales guide us through the recent past of the uncommonly rich folk heritage of West Virginia. This ghostly collection, with source information and bold illustrations, will thrill longtime lovers of supernatural lore.

'Impossible to summarise and delightfully absorbing, Hadley's book is comfortably the most unexpected history book of the year' Sunday Times A luminous journey through a thousand years of folklore and English history. Once upon a time in a Hertfordshire field, an ancient yew tree hid a dragon hunted by a giant named Piers Shonks. Today, the dragon and its slayer are the survivors of an 800-year battle between rural legend and national record, storytellers and sceptics. In this brilliant and lyrical history, Christopher Hadley journeys from churches to tombs to manuscript margins, to explore history, memory and legend, and the magical spaces where all three meet.

Integrating original texts with explanations, interpretations, and theory, Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths, Fourth Edition, introduces students to a wide range of myths drawn from sources all around the world and approached from various critical perspectives. FEATURES An innovative pedagogical structure helps students discern the complex web of literary allusions that characterize mythological texts A global locator map at the beginning of each chapter situates the myths in their geographical context Running margin notes provide cross-references and explanations of terms A glossary of deities, an illustrated timeline, and suggested readings offer additional resources A vibrant art program features more than 200 illustrations, photographs, and maps

A CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC. This in-depth study of the minor planet Chiron traces the development of the archetype of the Shaman, or Wounded Healer, which accompanies the soul's journey of awakening. It also demonstrates how this theme is reflected in the astronomical picture, and in turn revealed in the individual horoscope. Chiron's story in Greek mythology is explored and illuminated with skilled interpretation, and there are two large sections detailing Chiron's symbolism and meaning through the signs and houses, and aspecting the planets. The chapter on transits describes the profound process which Chiron signals as it moves around the horoscope over time. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to shed light on the astrological symbolism and meaning of Chiron. Chiron was discovered in 1977 as a celestial anomaly, but is now in a class of its own. In the early 1990s, exciting discoveries within astronomical science revealed a new category of objects, named the Centaurs'. Chiron is considered the major representative of this group which comprises short-orbit comets that cross the paths of the planets from Jupiter to Pluto. The symbolism of this is perfect, as Chiron stands for that luminous thread of consciousness which links the inner and outer dimensions of our human experience, helping us to make sense of our suffering in a deeply personal way, and thus to release our attachment to it. This book is a classic of original thinking, inspiration, depth of astrological experience and careful research. It has more than stood the test of time, and is appreciated by an ever-growing number of astrologers who focus on the soul's unfoldment through life experience, bitter or sweet. This book has addressed and accompanied the healing journey of many thousands of people all over the world. REVISION This edition of 'Chiron and the Healing Journey' represents a major revision of the best-selling previous editions, first published in 1989 and 1999 by Arkana, and in April 2010 in paperback by Starwalker Press. Changes include an entirely new section on the astronomy of Chiron, and how it is reflected in the mythology. The final section 'Spirit of the Age' has been rewritten to address more precisely our contemporary concerns. There is much new case material illustrating Chiron in the horoscope, and the reader is also briefly introduced to other Minor Planets in the same category as Chiron. The mythological base has also been expanded, and there is an in-depth exploration of the 'Chiron Return' which occurs at age 50, representing a major 'rite of passage' for everyone.

Combining the concepts and methods of classical ethology with those of social-cultural anthropology, "Navajo Infancy" describes the major sources of change and continuity in Navajo infant development as a vehicle for discussing the relationships between human nature and culture. The theoretical framework includes adaptation and natural selection as key background variables, but in the important context of recent advances in evolutionary biology, which argue for a high degree of developmental plasticity in human ontogeny and the unique adaptive value of human epigenetics and socialization.

A complete collection of beloved tales, myths and legends from around the world, bound into a beautiful new edition. Whether you're ready to sail the high seas with Sinbad the Sailor, or fight alongside brave warrior Hua Mulan, you're guaranteed to find all of your favourite legends right here. And no matter how the story starts, you'll always find your happy ending. Including: Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, Hua Mulan and many more.

From Alice Hemming, the bestselling author of The Midnight Unicorn, comes a brand-new unicorn fairytale. An evil king, a fearsome warrior, a fight for freedom. If you were granted three wishes, what would you wish for? For Marie, that dream becomes a reality when she stumbles across a magical unicorn deep in the forest. But when Marie - who is so kind and trusting in nature - decides to tell her father Jacob about the wishes bestowed upon her, he tricks her into giving the wishes to him. Driven by greed, he enslaves the unicorn by demanding for never-ending wishes. Unable to say no, the unicorn submits... Years later, the Kingdom of Quessia has slowly fallen into poverty and ruin under the rein of King Jacob. A spiteful and careless king, Jacob is disliked by all of his subjects, but little does he know that a revolution threatening his throne and his life is not too far in his future... Will King Jacob keep the Blazing Unicorn enslaved forever and retain his throne? Will Marie ever be able to right the wrongs of her past? As exciting as it is gripping, this unicorn fairy tale from Alice Hemming will be your next favourite read. Enchanting dark fairy tales with magical unicorns, fearsome villains and inspiring heroines Perfect for fans of SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF Great for people who love fairy tales, Disney and unicorns DARK UNICORNS - COLLECT THEM ALL! The Midnight Unicorn Paperback eBook The Darkest Unicorn Paperback eBook The Cursed Unicorn Paperback eBook The Blazing Unicorn Paperback eBook Coming Soon: The Frozen Unicorn Paperback eBook

Once in Old Hawaii, in the days when anything was possible, supernatural kupua roamed the islands, challenging kings and chiefs, tricking men, women, and boys. The Hawaiian people would tell and retell tales of kupua exploits, and of the men who challenged them. Some of the tall tales included in this volume are of shape-shifters like Shark Man of Ewa, who could change from man to shark, from shark to rat, from rat to a bunch of bananas. Others are of kupua with extraordinary powers like Kana, who could stretch himself as tall as a palm tree, as slender as a bamboo, as thin as a morning glory vine, as fine as a spider web. And there are men with rare and special weapons, such as Ka-ui-lani, whose talking spear could pick the winner of a cock fight before the birds were even in the ring. As in all tales told by word of mouth, change and exaggeration crept in, and perhaps this is how the kupua tale developed - through exaggeration. That they have survived, and continue to entertain, in present-day written form, is an indication of their universal appeal.

After a terrible storm, the Kingdom of Birds is looking for a leader. Will it be the bird with the loveliest song, or the brightest plumage? The fastest in the air, or underwater? The bird who flies highest, or those who stick together and work as a team? All across the sky, birds are flocking together. Nightingales and robins, barn owls and blackbirds. The eagle, the flamingo, the birds of the moor. Curlews and cuckoos and herons and hoopoes. And Wee Jenny Wren. Let the contest begin!

This book offers a detailed exploration of the plot genotype, the functional structure behind the plots of classical fairy tales. By understanding how plot genotypes are used, the reader or creative writer will obtain a much better understanding of many other types of fiction, including short stories, dramatic texts and Hollywood screenplays.

The definitive reference book on Ireland's cultural and religious heritage. Ireland has one of the finest cultural heritages and a standard reference book combining the related subjects of folklore, myth, legend and romance is long overdue. There are 350 substantial entries, in alphabetical order from Aban, a 6th-century saint, to Weather, all with full references to sources, a synopsis of relevant stories, and discussion of their origin, nature and development. These are complimented by a genre-list of material under various headings, such as Mythical Lore, Fianna Cycle, Ulster Cycle, King Cycles, Peoples and Traditions, Religious Lore, and Folk Custom and Belief. There is also a wealth of genealogical detail, indicating how historical and social circumstances have influenced the growth and spread of Irish lore. DAITHI O HOGAIN, Associate Professor of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin, was an international authority on folklore and traditional literature.

A delightful translation of one of the finest, and most beautiful, examples of a medieval Bestiary. Bestiaries are a particularly characteristic product of medieval England, and give a unique insight into the medieval mind. Richly illuminated and lavishly produced, they were luxury objects for noble families. Their three-fold purpose was to provide a natural history of birds, beasts and fishes, to draw moral examples from animal behaviour (the industrious bee, the stubborn ass), and to reveal a mystical meaning - the phoenix, for instance, as a symbol ofChrist's resurrection. This Bestiary, MS Bodley 764, was produced around the middle of the thirteenth century and is of singular beauty and interest. The lively illustrations have the freedom and naturalistic quality ofthe later Gothic style, and make dazzling use of colour. This book reproduces the 136 illuminations to the same size and in the same place as the original manuscript, fitting the text around them. Richard Barber's translation from the original Latin is a delight to read, capturing both the serious intent of the manuscript and its charm. RICHARD BARBER has written many books on the history of and life in the middle ages, from his Somerset MaughamAward-winning The Knight and Chivalry, by way of biographies of Henry II and the Black Prince, to an anthology of Arthurian literature from England, France and Germany, Arthurian Legends, and an account of the historical Arthur, King Arthur: Hero and Legend.

'A coming-of-age story filled with magic in language and plot: beautiful and devastating' Observer, Books of the Year 'I felt consumed by this book. I loved it, you will love it' Daisy Johnson, author of Sisters 'A page-turning Appalachian coming-of-age story told in undulating prose that settles right into you' Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times 'Vivid and lucid, Betty has stayed with me' Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies 'I loved Betty' Fiona Mozley, author of Hot Stew 'Breahtaking' Vogue 'A GIRL COMES OF AGE AGAINST THE KNIFE' So begins the story of Betty Carpenter. Born in a bathtub in 1954 to a white mother and a Cherokee father, Betty is the sixth of eight siblings: the world they inhabit in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, is one of poverty and loss, of lush landscapes and blazing stars. Despite the hardships she encounters, Betty is resilient. Her curiosity about the natural world, her fierce love for her sisters and her father's brilliant stories are kindling for the fire of her own imagination, and in the face of all to which she bears witness - the horrors of her family's past and present - Betty discovers an escape: she begins to write.