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.

  • In the Beginning

    In the Beginning

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

    The tale of the giant born at the beginning of time and subsequently shaped the world.

  • The Great Race

    The Great Race

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

    A race that determined the 12 signs of the zodiac and forever pitted cats against mice.

  • The White Stag

    The White Stag

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

    A mysterious, otherworldly guide leads unsuspecting Thao hunters to a new homeland.

  • Sun Moon Lake

    Sun Moon Lake

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

    The indigenous folktale on the origin of the name of Taiwan’s beautiful Sun Moon Lake.

  • Sundown

    Sundown

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

    An ancient Atayal tale that tells of two suns in the sky and the hero who shot one down.

  • The Ghost and the Fisherman

    The Ghost and the Fisherman

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

    Ghost stories are not always scary. This is one characterized by joy, friendship and kindness.

  • Under the Hala Tree (II)

    Under the Hala Tree (II)

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

    Part II of the tragic, bloody tale of the Lady of the Hala Trees.

  • Under the Hala Tree (I)

    Under the Hala Tree (I)

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

    Beneath the Hala Tree, a tragic maiden’s spirit lingers. This is her tale.

  • Martyrs

    Martyrs

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

    Memories of martyrs help a struggling people find their identity in a brave new world.

  • Bear and Leopard

    Bear and Leopard

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

    Black Bears and Clouded Leopards were not always black and spotted. This is their tale.