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Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

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

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Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore
Austronesian Folktale History Indo-European Japonic Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionMarch 16, 2023March 16, 2023

Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore

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

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Is "Underfoot" a Nice Thing to Call Your Friend?
History Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionJanuary 27, 2022April 25, 2022

Is “Underfoot” a Nice Thing To Call Your Friend?

“Underfoot”—a bizarre ancient Chinese endearing form of address between friends. As with most odd folk expressions, there’s a story behind it.

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How It All "Bi Gan": A Surname Origin Story
History Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 1, 2021June 12, 2021

How It All “Bi Gan”: A Surname Origin Story

Two extremely common Taiwanese family names share an origin story that dates back over 3,000 years to a sage named Bi Gan.

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Taiwanese Bigfoot: The Tale of a Giant
Folktale Legend SiniticNovember 5, 2020April 25, 2022

Taiwanese Bigfoot: The Tale of a Giant

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

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From Far Formosa: A Canadian-Taiwanese Story
Austronesian History Indo-European Legend SiniticDecember 5, 2019March 14, 2023

From Far Formosa: A Canadian-Taiwanese Story

How Canadian George Leslie Mackay built Taiwan’s Presbyterian Christian Church and brought healthcare to thousands.

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Demon Birds and Fine Ceramics
Legend Mythology SiniticMarch 28, 2019February 28, 2020

Demon Birds and Fine Ceramics

What do a giant stone demon bird and fine ceramics have in common? Both are found in a quiet, scenic town near the Taiwanese capital!

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The Bunny Girl
Folktale Legend Mythology Sinitic TraditionSeptember 20, 2018February 28, 2020

The Bunny Girl

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

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Ice Jelly
Folktale History Legend Mythology SiniticJuly 12, 2018February 28, 2020

Ice Jelly

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

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Rice Dumplings
History Legend Sinitic TraditionJune 14, 2018February 28, 2020

Rice Dumplings

More than just a festival treat, rice dumplings are a tasty snack that the Taiwanese have loved for centuries!

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The Old Chieftain
Austronesian History LegendFebruary 1, 2018February 28, 2020

The Old Chieftain

The story of an old Taiwanese chieftain who dared to march against the Empire of Japan.

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The White Stag
Austronesian Folktale Legend MythologyJanuary 18, 2018April 25, 2022

The White Stag

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

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Red Cloak
Austronesian History Legend SiniticDecember 7, 2017February 28, 2020

Red Cloak

As newcomers settled in Taiwan, they faced the terror of the island’s notorious headhunters.

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