Reflections on Myth and Media
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Hey, Tolkien, Where’d You Get Those Elves? Part 2: Build an Elf
The road goes ever on…especially when you dig into the origin of Tolkien’s Elves! At this point, I’ve pretty much concluded that there is no single model for the Elves of Middle-earth, but rather that Tolkien incorporated bits and pieces from a variety of influences. And some elements, of course, were original inventions. In Part… Read more
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Hey, Tolkien, Where’d You Get Those Elves? Part 1: Stars and Swans
J. R.R. Tolkien’s tales of Middle-earth have had a profound impact on the fantasy genre, especially his Elves. Rather than the tiny, mischievous sprites found in cookie commercials and some children’s media, his Elves are near human-sized. Immortal and possessing an ethereal beauty, they are generally shown as wiser, more sensitive, and more in-tune with… Read more
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March 2021 Updates
Spring is here! I hope all of you are getting a chance to enjoy some sign of new life and returning light. I’ll admit my hay-fever gives me mixed feelings about spring flowers, but so far things haven’t been so bad. I even got to enjoy some lovely spring rain, which tends to put me… Read more
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Of Cu Chulain and Cowboys: Reflections on an Irish Epic and Westerns
It’s the week of St. Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time for an Irish-themed post! I’m part Irish and feel a strong connection to that heritage. So every March, I’ll be covering a topic related to Irish mythology, history, or media—or even all three. Erin go bragh! What would you do for a cow? Probably… Read more
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Red Thread Reblog: Oh, Maya Gods! — VoVatia
Welcome to Red Thread Reblog, a feature that pairs a post about media inspired by mythology with a post about the mythology shown in the media. Gods of Jade and Shadows draws inspiration from the Mayan Popol Vuh. In addition to the Mayan creation story, this collection includes a tale where the Hero Twins face… Read more
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Red Thread Reblog: Fall in love with a Maya Death God in Gods of Jade and Shadow — Living in Libros
Welcome to Red Thread Reblog, a feature that pairs a post about media inspired by mythology with a post about the mythology shown in the media. Let’s start off with a tale of stars and gods, bones and roads. In Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings 1920s Yucatan together with the Mayan underworld… Read more
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Sunshine Blogger Award from Lotus Laura, Second
I received my 6th Sunshine Blogger Award nomination from Lotus Laura! It’s always fun to stop by Laura’s wonderful blog and see what she’s pondering and sharing. She recently started her Crystal Aura blog, which pairs with her YouTube and Etsy shop tarot readings. If you’re interested in her insights, stop by and take a… Read more
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Quarterly Bestiary: Tomte: A Legend of Many Categories
It’s tricky to pin down wee folk, and not just because of their size. Small humanoid beings appear in mythology around the world, and they are especially numerous in European cultures. However, many of the most well-known names are treated as somewhat interchangeable. Research a brownie and you’ll end up with fairies and hobgoblins and… Read more
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Vincent Ehindero Blog Award
I’ve received a nomination for a Vincent Ehindero Blog Award from Lotus Laura! If you haven’t already checked out her awesome blog, I recommend stopping by. She recently made some design updates while continuing to post on a variety of personal, spiritual, and cultural topics. Thank you, Laura!
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New Year’s Updates 2021
Well, we made it. It’s 2021. I know it’s a bit late, but Happy New Year, everyone! I was hoping to get this posted last week, but then things got a bit crazy. How about you? How has 2021 been for you so far?
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