Publisher's Synopsis
Explore the wildwood and uncover the origins of famous--and not so famous--cryptids, ghosts, goblins, and other supernatural creatures and phenomena.
For the intrepidly curious comes an essential guide to the archetypes and tropes behind some of your favorite urban legends, superstitions, and ghost stories. Guided by the horned god Pan and his trusty raven Bran, take a step into the wildwood and traverse the world's folklore from the comfort of your own home! Sarah Powell, author and spooky thrillseeker behind the podcast The Whispering Woods, curates a collection of thirty concepts, themes, and tropes related to the supernatural and paranormal, including:- The Wild Hunt: a term to describe a motif in European folklore of a group of ghostly or supernatural beings in search of souls to chase and steal away. It is said witnessing a Wild Hunt is an omen of disaster.
- El Silbón: a legendary figure in the countries of Colombia and Venezuela and known for his eerie whistle, he represents the superstition common across many cultures of what happens when you whistle at night.
- The Baubas: originating from Lithuanian folklore, the Baubas is yet one example in a long line of creepy bogeymen intended to scare children into correcting their bad behavior.
- Werewolves: iterations of these creatures appear everywhere, from ancient Mesopotomia to Viking-era Scandinavia
Each chapter provides possible explanations for why these creatures, stories, and superstitions came to be. Just looking for frights? This book has got you covered, with stories of possibly true encounters with the creature or phenomenon in question. For the truth seeker, the horror-story connoisseur, or anyone in between, Tales from the Whispering Woods is sure to have something for everyone.
