Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

The Old Chieftain

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The seventh lunar month is widely known in Taiwan as Guǐyuè, literally “Ghost Month.”

Under Tung blossoms, a new folk festival spearheads Taiwan’s modern Hakka cultural revival!

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