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Long Meg and the Summer Solstice

As summer comes to an end, we have a story from the summer solstice that we recounted last year. Our story delves into the history of one of Britain’s oldest and largest prehistoric stone circles, known as Long Meg and Her Daughters. Located near the village of Little Salkeld, there are 66 stones that form a circle, with the largest being slightly away from the others- this is Long Meg. The folktale associated with the stones is tied to witches being turned to stone! This connection was first mentioned by the topographer William Camden in the 17th century and later expanded…
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The Shamans and Swords of K-Pop Demon Hunters

The Shamans and Swords of K-Pop Demon Hunters Welcome to Tales from the Box Office where Fox and Sparrow moonlight as TV and Movie reviewers who focus on the myths and monsters behind the fictional folklore fanfare! In this part, we will focus on Shamanism and Huntr/x. K-Pop Demon Hunters is the blockbuster of the summer and it was only just released in June! The movie which was produced by Sony Pictures Animation and co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans features a fictional K-Pop girl group called Huntr/x who just so happen to also be demon hunters. This post…
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The Little Girl and the Whirlwinds

Bulgaria, 7 minute read A wicked Winter Witch decides to prolong winter forever and casts a spell to hide the sun from the Earth. No one volunteers to go seek help from the Frost Wizard- no one except a brave little girl with a warm heart. The Bulgarian tale of the “Little Girl and the Whirlwinds” or “The Little Girl and the Forever Winter” is hard to pinpoint. Our research led us to various retellings and other Bulgarian folktales, but no clear link to where this tale came from. Other versions are closely tied to the Russian story of the…
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How the Moon was Made: New Zealand

New Zealand, 10 minute read We found this story in a book titled Maoriland Fairy Tales (1913) by Edith Howes. With all that said, it’s unclear if this story is an exact retelling, if it’s changed slightly or if it was just inspired by Māori folklore. There are some more popular stories regarding the moon including Rona and the Moon where Rona curses at the moon after it disappears behind a cloud while she is carrying water, causing her to spill it. Incensed, the Moon shakes the ground and causes such a storm that it lifts Rona off the ground.…

