In folklore, a mirror is a doorway or portal through which spirits, including ghosts and demons can gain access to the physical world where demonic infestations and hauntings occur. In prehistory, any shiny surface was regarded as a spirit doorway and used to summon spirits into the world. They also are used for seeing visions… Continue reading Mirror Folklore
Category: Writing
Dullahan
The Dullahan is a headless rider on a black horse carrying carries his own head under one arm. Usually, the Dullahan is male, but there are some female versions. The mouth of the head has a rictus grin and the eyes move constantly. The Dullahan also has the power to see across the countryside even… Continue reading Dullahan
Conflux 16 2022 Convention
A very late post on the October 2022 Conflux 16 Speculative Fiction Convention held in Canberra. Aside from being an invited panelist for 4 seperate panels, I ran my first Dealers Table for the four days and officially launched Bluebells. I was also an invited panellist on 4 panels - each exciting to engage with… Continue reading Conflux 16 2022 Convention
Scottish Kelpie
In Scotland, a kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit living in lakes and pools. They’re defined as demons appearing specifically in the shape of horses. However, some legends say they can also assume human form. In human form, the kelpie still retains its hooves. Thus, the kelpie is seen as a malevolent entity. Almost every… Continue reading Scottish Kelpie
Norse Witch: Gullveig
Gullveig is an important female figure mentioned in two stanzas in the Völuspá, one of the poems in the Nordic Poetic Edda. Her prominent role describes the events leading to the Aesir-Vanir War, the war between the two main tribes of deities in Norse mythology, the Aesir and the Vanir and the destruction of the… Continue reading Norse Witch: Gullveig
The Tengu
Kidomaru and the Tengu - Utagawa Kuniyoshi In Japanese folklore, many stories include spirits, supernatural creatures, and demons called yokai. And of all the yokai, the tengu is the one that might seem most familiar to a modern Westerner. At first glance, it's a lot like a superhero: the ability to fly, great physical strength,… Continue reading The Tengu
Dark Beira: Queen of Winter
In Scottish mythology, Beira or Dark Beira is the great mother of the gods and goddesses. She’s also known as the Cailleach, or the Cailleach Bheur in the Gaelic traditions of Ireland and the Isle of Man. Donald Alexander Mackenzie usually described her as being very tall and very old but could be terribly fierce… Continue reading Dark Beira: Queen of Winter
The Mari Lwyd
In the darkest months of the Welsh year, a white horse appears at your front door. It is mysterious and menacing Mari Lwyd. The Mari Lwyd has a horse skull for a head and lights or baubles for eyes. Her mane is made of colourful streamers, sometimes made of holly and ivy. She is covered… Continue reading The Mari Lwyd
Year Four Release
Year Four Year Four, an anthology of dark drabbles was published on January 6th by Black Hare Press. Three of my dark folklore drabbles are featured and a flash fiction piece. If you’re interested in purchasing an ebook or paperback copy of Year Four, more details are available here
The Finnish Joulupukki
Ilari-Grohn-Art on DeviantArt Joulupukki translates to “Yule Goat.” Yuletide, is a pre-Christian pagan festival which was held as a midwinter celebration with feasting and sacrifice taking place across many Germanic cultures. There is no certain answer as to the relate between goats and Yule. One concept links it to the Norse god Thor. He was… Continue reading The Finnish Joulupukki

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