Fables and Folklore

Here are some possible explanations for the origin of the "stork story" for where babies come from:

Storks are fertility symbols and are associated with springtime and birth. Children throughout Europe and America are taught that the stork delivers newborns to their mothers. In some areas, it is thought that the stork can cause a woman to become pregnant merely by looking at her. If the presence of a stork could be believed to induce pregnancy in a woman, it's not much of a stretch to suggest that the stork "brought" the baby. It was believed that the souls of unborn children lived in watery areas such as marshes, wells, springs, and ponds. Since storks frequented such areas, they were thought to fetch the babies' souls and deliver them to their parents. In Germany, storks found human infants called "stork-children" dwelling in caves hidden in rocky steeps called "Adeborsteine" or "stork-stones," and carried them to their expectant parents. Children who wanted a baby brother or sister were encouraged to sing their desires to the stork. Naughty little boys were carried in the bird's bill while nice ones rode upon its back.

Also, in Scandinavia, storks - gentle birds with strong family ties, habitually nested on top of peoples chimneys. So when Scandinavian parents needed to explain to youngsters how babies arrived, the stork was a handy answer. This traditional tale was spread in the 1800s by Hans Christian Anderson, in his fairy tales.

The Dutch once believed that if a stork was encouraged to nest on a house it would leave one of the young ones for the owner. The returning of the mated pair of storks made them a symbol of fidelity and it was thought that when a stork became old, it was cared for by one of its offspring. Storks were sacred to Venus in Roman mythology. If a stork builds a nest on your roof, you have received a blessing and a promise of never ending love from Venus. Aristotle made killing a stork a crime, and Romans passed a stork law, saying that children must care for their elderly parents.

According to Filipino myths and legends, the Philippines was believed to have been made by different gods and goddesses from floating islands or mystical creatures. One popular legend is the story of Bathala, the supreme god, who created the world and all living beings including humans. Another legend involves the giant Sarimanok bird transforming into the islands that now make up the Philippines.

Myths and legends often derive their names from the characters, themes, or events central to the story. In some cases, the name may reflect a key attribute or characteristic of the myth or legend, helping to distinguish it from others in the culture or region where it originated. Additionally, names can be influenced by the language or oral traditions of the people who first shared the story.

The Sinbad stories were part of the collection "One Thousand and One Nights," also known as "Arabian Nights." The original author of these tales is unknown, as they were passed down through oral tradition before being compiled into a written work in the 9th century.

King Arthur's armor was typically described as being made of chain mail or plate armor, often adorned with symbols of his rank and position. It would have been designed to protect him in battle and reflect his prestigious status as a king and leader. The specifics of his armor varied depending on the legend or depiction.

In the fable "The Tortoise and the Birds," the tortoise convinces the birds to carry him up to a feast in the sky, promising to share the food with them. However, once they reach the feast, the tortoise eats all the food himself, betraying the birds' trust.

Gnomes tend to be shy creatures and shun the company of Biguns.

So to say they are used for something makes me wounder what they could be used for.

I have a couple in my garden that keep moving the little statues (of Gnomes) around, and the last time I caught one at it the little statue was all he could carry.

Society during the time of King Arthur was typically organized into a feudal system, with the king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, clergy, and common people. Knights swore loyalty to the king in exchange for land and protection, while commoners worked the land and served their lords in exchange for protection and shelter. The clergy held spiritual authority and played a significant role in guiding the moral fabric of society.

Robin Hood is typically depicted wearing traditional medieval-style clothing such as tunic, cloak, and tights. As an outlaw in Sherwood Forest, he is said to have hunted game like deer and rabbit for food, as well as foraged for fruits, nuts, and herbs.

Fae is just another word for fairy. I guess their blood could be poisonous to vampires if they made there fairy dust enter the vampires blood stream, or something like that...

Depending on what folklore and fiction you read or "see", fairy blood has been known to be intoxicating and drug-like to vampires. According to the Southern Vampire Mysteries (what True Blood is based on) Fairy blood or "fae" blood is very potent and addictive. It's literally like heroin to vampires. Also keep in mind that these fairies aren't tiny Tinker Bells with wings . They're life sized and look kinda like goblins in their true form.

The wizard at the court of King Arthur is known as Merlin. He is a powerful sorcerer who plays a significant role in Arthurian legends and is often portrayed as Arthur's advisor and mentor.

1. Eating carrots doesn't actually improve your eyesight, but they are still a healthy snack.
2. Cracking your knuckles doesn't cause arthritis, it's just gas bubbles in the synovial fluid being released.
3. You don't swallow spiders in your sleep; they are unlikely to intentionally crawl into your mouth.

"The man, the myth, the legend" is a colloquial phrase often used to describe someone who is highly regarded or famous for their exceptional abilities, achievements, or reputation. It doesn't refer to a specific individual but rather a general expression of admiration or awe.

Greek myths were not created by one single person. They evolved over time as a way for ancient Greeks to explain natural phenomena, human behavior, and their connection to the gods. Many authors and poets contributed to the development of Greek mythology, including Homer, Hesiod, and other storytellers.

Baucis and Philemon pleased the gods by showing kindness and hospitality to Zeus and Hermes, who were disguised as travelers seeking shelter. Despite their impoverished state, the couple shared their humble home and meager provisions with the strangers, demonstrating their selflessness and generosity. This act of hospitality earned them the favor of the gods and a reward for their virtue.

The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is an example of metamorphosis in nature. During this process, the caterpillar undergoes dramatic changes in its body structure and form as it develops into a completely different organism with wings and a different way of life.

Myths are typically based on cultural beliefs, traditions, or stories that may not have concrete evidence to support them. While some myths may have elements of truth or historical basis, they are often considered to be more symbolic or metaphorical rather than provable facts.

If vampires were proven to be real, it would fundamentally change our understanding of biology and the supernatural. There would likely be intense scientific study and ethical debates surrounding their existence and impact on society. The discovery could also lead to new laws and regulations to protect both humans and vampires.

Paris's fatal flaw is his lack of integrity and moral character, particularly in his actions towards others. He is willing to deceive, betray, and manipulate for his own gain, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

I think you're referring to the Swedish tale of the three wishes. That tale is about gaining wisdom through making big mistakes. As the old saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for; you might get it." In the tale, a man receives three wishes as a reward for a good deed. He goes home and tells his wife. They can't agree on how to use the wishes. One of them wishes absent-mindedly for a sausage, and it appears. That sparks a heated argument about how stupid it was to waste a wish. In anger, one of them wishes that the sausage was on the end of the other one's nose. (I'm not being specific because I've heard this story told in different ways). Poof! The wish is granted. The distressed couple tries everything, but the sausage won't come off the nose. Their only option is to use their third and final wish to wish the sausage off the nose.

Trolls are a common theme in Scandinavian folklore, known for their large size, strength, and often mischievous behavior. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of trolls, they continue to be a prominent part of Scandinavian culture and storytelling.

It is a mythical creature, which is supposed to be part owl, and part fox.

In the story, Er lays on the battlefield for ten days before his body is collected, and tells a story about a near-death, or post-death, experience, which is a way that Plato instructs his students about the immortality of the soul. It also teaches that philosophy (embracing the virtues of wisdom, justice, moderation, courage, etc.) can break the cycle of reward and punishment present with the continued life cycles described in the story.

In folklore and mythology, vampires are generally believed to have predated werewolves. The concept of vampires has been around for centuries in various cultures, while werewolves became more prominent in European folklore in the Middle Ages.