Category: Mythology
The primary function of mythology is to provide explanations for certain natural or social phenomena. These traditional stories typically feature supernatural beings or occurrences and can concern a people’s early history or origin.
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In the Shadows
Fairies, genies and demons—Eurasian hinterlands are home to mythical beings, like Taiwan’s “mô-sîn-á.”
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Bear and Leopard
Black Bears and Clouded Leopards were not always black and spotted. This is their tale.
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Seventh Eve
A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.
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The Great Flood
From the Holy Bible to Taiwan’s indigenous Formosan tales, flood myths feature widely in ancient literature.
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All Eyes and Ears
The Sea Goddess has two loyal attendants who are “all eyes and ears.” This is their story.
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Dwarves Who Fell
From pygmies to dwarves, legends of “little folk” exist all over the world, including Taiwan.
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Paiwan Origin Myths
The Paiwan people have many origin myths. Here is a sampling of these Paiwan origin tales.
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Tattooed Faces
The Atayal are an ancient Austronesian tribe indigenous to Taiwan. This is their origin story.
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The Rooster’s Crow
Why do roosters crow? Why do stags have antlers? Why are dogs good deer-hunting companions?