Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

Category: Folktale

Folktales are stories passed down through generations, usually through word of mouth, within a community or culture. These stories originate in popular culture and contain a society’s memories, ideals and philosophies.

  • Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore

    Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    We organize Taiwanese folklore into nine broad and overlapping categories. Four based on ethnic origin, and five on folkloric genre!

  • Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake

    Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    The moon rabbit is a folkloric character linked to Chinese Moon Festivals. In Taiwan, Korea and Japan, it’s also associated with rice cakes!

  • Tiger Aunt: Beware of Strangers

    Tiger Aunt: Beware of Strangers

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    This classic Taiwanese folktale—with the infamous “hóo-koo-pô” or “tiger aunt”—teaches children to stay alert and beware of strangers.

  • Taiwanese Bigfoot: The Tale of a Giant

    Taiwanese Bigfoot: The Tale of a Giant

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    This is the unfortunate story of a Taiwanese Bigfoot who terrorized his neighbours and the real-life giant footprint he left behind.

  • The Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan’s Mount Banping Got Its Shape

    The Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan’s Mount Banping Got Its Shape

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    Visitors to Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City will notice an oddly shaped mountain called Mount Banping. This folktale reveals how it got its distinctive shape!

  • The Bunny Girl

    The Bunny Girl

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    The ancient Chinese tale of the lady who became the Goddess of the Moon.

  • Ice Jelly

    Ice Jelly

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    A refreshing treat that brings an icy coolness to Taiwan’s sub-tropical summer heat.

  • The Food Taster

    The Food Taster

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    The story of a chieftain who died to give his people lifesaving knowledge.

  • Fire and Water

    Fire and Water

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    A catastrophic battle between two elements forces the Mother Goddess to take action.

  • The Mother Goddess

    The Mother Goddess

    Island Folklore
    Taiwanese Tales & Traditions • An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

    The story of the mother goddess who created the first humans.