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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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Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake
Folktale Japonic Mythology Sinitic TraditionSeptember 2, 2021April 25, 2022

Moon Rabbit and Rice Cake

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

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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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The Dumpling Sage: How Taiwan's Mount Banping Got Its Shape
Folktale Mythology SiniticAugust 6, 2020April 25, 2022

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

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

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Holy Cow: Taiwan's Bovine Folklore
Austronesian History Mythology Sinitic TraditionJuly 4, 2019August 20, 2020

Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

Taiwanese traditions that centre around the island’s cows, oxen and buffalos.

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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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The Food Taster
Folktale Mythology SiniticApril 26, 2018February 28, 2020

The Food Taster

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

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Fire and Water
Folktale Mythology SiniticApril 12, 2018February 28, 2020

Fire and Water

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

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The Mother Goddess
Folktale Mythology SiniticMarch 29, 2018February 28, 2020

The Mother Goddess

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

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