Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

Paiwan Origin Myths

The Paiwan people have many origin myths. Here is a sampling of these Paiwan origin tales.

This is the legendary tale of a petty criminal who became an outlaw and a folk hero in Taiwan.

The Atayal are an ancient Austronesian tribe indigenous to Taiwan. This is their origin story.

In the late 1600s, the pirate king, Koxinga, ruled over the island of Taiwan. Today, he is a Taiwanese folk hero and this is his story.

Why do roosters crow? Why do stags have antlers? Why are dogs good deer-hunting companions?

From a children’s tale: On the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, the mice welcome their brides.