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Witch? Which?
Leaving old Japan for a bit, though still in folklore. I did a summary/meditation on the fine lines between Witches, Cunning Women, and Fairy Doctors in old Ireland. Quite often it was a distinction without a difference, except for intent and, of course, perception. With examples. Witches, Cunning Women, and Fairy Doctors
Bad Omens
Something a little more cheerful this time, because that’s the kind of guy I am. Writing research in myths and legends always leads to this subject sooner or later. If I have to deal with it, why not share the joy? So…Omens and Portents and things to look out for. Not that anyone can escape fate, but sometimes knowing what’s coming can delay it a little. Dark Omens.
Monstrous Assistance
This is more overflow from the Yamada Monogatari series. Tons of research, only a fraction of which I used in the series. So not to waste it, here’s another YouTube Video. There will likely be more, so sign up over there if you don’t want to miss any.
And for those curious about the final book in the Laws of Power series, it’s actually coming down to the wire. Marta is very close to finding the Seventh Law. She’s going to feel very silly when she realizes just how close she’s been and for how long.
From Adorable to Deadly
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This week on YouTube I did a deep dive into the shapeshifting cats of Old Japan. I mean, I did a lot of research into Japanese folklore for the Yamada Monogatari series and I couldn’t use all of it at the time. Waste Not, Want Not!
Arguing With Yeats
I was working on an essay about a character from Irish/Scottish/Manx myth, the “Leanan-sidhe,” translated as “Fairy Mistress,” “Fairy Lover,” and sometimes “Fairy Wife.” It wasn’t just academic to me because I’ve written stories from both sides of the issue, which was: “Did she really exist (in folklore) or did William Butler Yeats” make her up? I think I know the correct answer now, though research is ongoing. Regardless, I thought the script would make a decent YouTube video, so that’s where I went with it.
Here’s the opening.
“There’s a line between folklore and simply making things up. William Butler Yates likely crossed it.”
For anyone interested the title is, as above, “The Deadliest Muse,” the link is here.
Richard Parks 