Mythology – Island Folklore | Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

Holy Cow: Taiwan’s Bovine Folklore

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairies, genies and demons—Eurasian hinterlands are home to mythical beings, like Taiwan’s “mô-sîn-á.”

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

A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.

From the Holy Bible to Taiwan’s aboriginal tales, flood myths feature widely in ancient literature.