Unifying Ancient Echoes: ‘The Treasury of Folklore’ Compendium Illuminates Shared Human Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

London, UK – July 23, 2024 – A decade-long journey into the heart of global myth and legend culminates this August with the release of The Treasury of Folklore: Waterlands, Wooded Worlds and Starry Skies. This monumental new compendium from authors Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham, published by Batsford Books, brings together the most captivating tales and traditions from their acclaimed Treasury of Folklore series into a single, beautifully bound volume. Far more than a mere collection, this hefty tome is a testament to the enduring power of human storytelling and our shared connection to the landscapes that shape us.

Conceived from an original vision for a singular, comprehensive exploration of folklore across physical environments, the sheer volume and richness of material initially necessitated a three-book series: Seas and Rivers, Trees and Woodlands, and Stars and Skies. Now, fulfilling that initial ambition, the forthcoming compendium distills the essence of these beloved works, offering readers a curated journey through humanity’s collective imagination.

"When we first envisaged the Treasury of Folklore book series, we imagined it as one book covering all types of physical landscapes where humans live across the world," the authors reflect. "The material we uncovered greatly surpassed what could be contained within a single book. Yet now, we finally have the opportunity to compile much of this folklore in one special volume: a compilation of our favourite folklore contained within the three original books in the series."

A Decade of Discovery: Charting the Chronology of a Folkloric Vision

The genesis of The Treasury of Folklore series traces back nearly a decade, born from a profound fascination with the #FolkloreThursday hashtag, which ignited a global outpouring of traditional tales and beliefs. This vibrant online community served as a powerful inspiration, revealing a universal appetite for stories that connect us to our past and to each other. Authors Dee Dee Chainey and Willow Winsham recognised a unique opportunity to create something truly meaningful and lasting – a collection that would reflect the unifying universality of folklore across the globe.

Their initial foray into this rich tapestry resulted in three distinct volumes, each delving into the myths and legends associated with specific natural realms. Seas and Rivers explored the mysteries of aquatic environments, from the depths of the ocean to the winding paths of rivers. Trees and Woodlands invited readers into the hushed, ancient spaces of forests, teeming with spirits and secrets. Finally, Stars and Skies looked upwards, charting humanity’s awe and wonder at the celestial expanse.

The popularity of these individual books was, as the authors describe, "both surprising and heartwarming." Their success underscored a deep-seated human need to understand the world through narrative, to find meaning in the natural phenomena around us, and to connect with the timeless wisdom embedded in ancestral tales. The positive reception from readers across the globe not only validated their initial vision but also laid the groundwork for the ultimate realization of their grander ambition.

"When the idea was first suggested to bring out a compendium of the Treasury of Folklore books, we immediately knew that we had to take this opportunity to bring the folklore together as originally envisaged: in one volume," the authors explain. This decision marked a significant turning point, allowing them to revisit their extensive body of work with fresh eyes, curating and refining the material to craft a cohesive and impactful single narrative that spans "our shared landscapes across time and place."

Supporting Data: A Tapestry of Universal Human Experience

At its core, The Treasury of Folklore project embarked "in search of understanding," aiming to "explore how humans across the globe create customs, beliefs and tales around the places they live in." What the authors unearthed was a profound truth: despite the myriad cultural differences in dress, language, or the names given to mythical beasts, humanity shares "primal fears and dreams." This universal commonality forms the bedrock of the compendium, presenting folklore not as disparate cultural curiosities, but as reflections of a unified human spirit.

The new compendium, The Treasury of Folklore: Waterlands, Wooded Worlds and Starry Skies, serves as a physical manifestation of this ethos. It is structured into three sections, drawing directly from the original works and preserving the "wonderful original illustrations of Joe McLaren," whose evocative artwork has become synonymous with the series. While the authors stress that the book contains no new material, its curated selection and magnificent presentation transform it into "a beautiful addition to any book case or coffee table, a conversation starter, a way to connect."

The physical design of the compendium has clearly captivated its creators. "To say we have been blown away by the end result is an understatement, and we are utterly thrilled to be able to share this beautifully bound volume with you," they enthuse. "We love the size and the cover combining everything and the beautiful cream paper: it is a ‘hefty tome’ indeed."

To illustrate the depth and breadth of the compilation, the authors have shared extracts that exemplify the rich narratives contained within. These examples span continents and millennia, demonstrating how diverse cultures grapple with similar archetypes and existential questions.

Water Horses: Majestic and Malevolent Guardians of the Depths

The first extract plunges into the perilous world of water horses, creatures that lurk beneath the surface of lakes and rivers worldwide. These beings embody the duality of nature – majestic beauty intertwined with malevolent intent – serving as both cautionary tales and reflections of humanity’s respect and fear for untamed aquatic environments.

The Scottish kelpie is perhaps the most renowned, though distinct from other water horses like the each-uisge, which prefers lochs. Kelpies, often appearing as beautiful horses, lure unwary travellers to their backs before dragging them to a watery demise. The tales of attempting to tame them, even momentarily with a cross-marked bridle, highlight a fleeting, often illusory control over nature’s raw power. The modern prominence of kelpies, from the colossal 30-metre sculptures near Falkirk to their inclusion in works like J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, speaks to their enduring hold on the Scottish imagination. Interestingly, their absence in English folklore underscores regional variations in myth-making, even within a relatively close geographic area.

Wales, however, offers its own formidable aquatic equine in the form of the Ceffyl Dwr. A staple of Welsh belief well into the 19th century, this spirit displayed regional variations, shapeshifting in the north and appearing as an enchanting, small horse in the south. Known for impossible speed, it would whisk riders away before vanishing, leaving them to drown. A curious exception to its cruelty was granted to clergymen of any creed, who could ride unscathed – a fascinating glimpse into the interplay of ancient folklore and religious belief.

Across the North Sea, Scandinavia presents the bäckahäst or ‘brook horse’. Often appearing in fog, this luminous and majestic creature also entices riders, particularly children, before plunging them into the water. Tales often feature a dramatic escape, such as children saved by the accidental invocation of "Jesus Christ," highlighting the power of sacred names against malevolent spirits. The bäckahäst, like the kelpie, could sometimes be tricked into servitude, demonstrating a universal human desire to exert control, however temporary, over the wild. These stories collectively illustrate humanity’s deep-seated anxieties and reverence for water, a life-giving yet treacherous element.

Lords of the Wild: Shapeshifting Deities of the Forest

Moving from the aquatic to the arboreal, the compendium explores the "Lords of the Wild," powerful spirits and creatures that embody the untamed essence of forests and jungles. These figures range from destructive forces to benevolent protectors, reflecting the complex relationship humans have always had with the dense, mysterious woodlands – a source of sustenance, shelter, and profound fear.

From the ancient forests of Finland emerges Tapio, also known as Metsähine or Hiisi, the king of the forest realm. Depicted as tall, thin, with a coat of ermine or moss, and a back like a gnarled tree, Tapio is both the personification and protector of the forest. Like the Green Man of European folklore, he is a primordial being, demanding respect. Hunters historically sought his blessing, pledging to honour the woods and its creatures, believing Tapio could ensure a plentiful haul or curse them with an empty-handed return. His family, including his benevolent wife Mielikki (or the formidable Kuurikki), and children Nyrikki and Tulikki, further populate this rich Finnish pantheon, highlighting an animistic worldview where every aspect of nature is imbued with spirit and agency.

In Slavic folklore, the leshy (or leshii, lyeshy) stands as a tutelary spirit, a protector of trees and animals, particularly wolves or bears. A shapeshifter of immense power, the leshy can alter its size from a blade of grass to a towering tree, and assume the form of any forest inhabitant. In human guise, they possess tell-tale signs: lack of eyelashes or brows, shoes worn on the wrong feet, clothes reversed, or even a single eye. Their nature is dual – a guardian of the woods who can also be a trickster or malevolent force, luring travellers off paths with mimicked voices, inflicting illness, or abducting women and children. Farmers historically appeased leshies with annual sacrifices of cows to protect their herds. The detailed methods of protection (turning clothes inside out, swearing, the sign of the cross) or even summoning (creating a circle of birch trees) illustrate the intricate web of belief and ritual surrounding these powerful forest entities, underscoring the delicate balance between human and wild domains.

The Hare in the Moon: Celestial Reflections of Sacrifice and Fate

Finally, the compendium lifts its gaze skyward to the moon, a celestial body that has captivated humanity across all cultures and times. The widespread motif of a rabbit or hare residing on its surface, with features like the Sea of Tranquillity forming its head, serves as a poignant example of how diverse societies interpret cosmic phenomena through shared narrative archetypes.

One of the most profound examples comes from the Buddhist Sasa-Jātaka, where a benevolent hare, along with its friends (an otter, jackal, and monkey), pledges to offer food to any beggar on a fast day. When the deity Sakka, disguised as an old man, tests them, the hare, having only grass, nobly offers itself as food by leaping into a fire. Sakka, moved by such selflessness, saves the hare and enshrines its image in the moon for all eternity. This powerful narrative, echoed in similar tales from Sri Lanka and Japan (where the rabbit is known as Tsuki no Usagi), underscores universal themes of altruism, sacrifice, and divine recognition, often told to children during significant celestial events like the Harvest Moon.

In stark contrast, a South African tale offers a more sombre and explanatory origin for humanity’s mortality. Here, the Moon dispatches the Hare to deliver a message to humankind: just as the Moon wanes and returns, so too will humans die and be reborn. However, the flighty Hare misinterprets the message, telling humans they will simply die, without the promise of return. Enraged by this catastrophic error, the Moon attacks the Hare, splitting its lip with a hatchet. The Hare, retaliating, scars the Moon’s face – marks still visible today. This narrative, while different in tone, still utilizes the moon and a familiar animal figure to explain fundamental aspects of the human condition, demonstrating the diverse functions of folklore, from moral instruction to etiological explanation.

Official Responses and Enduring Relevance

The enthusiasm surrounding The Treasury of Folklore compendium is palpable, reflecting not only the authors’ dedication but also the broader cultural appreciation for the preservation and exploration of global folklore. Batsford Books, the publisher, has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to fruition, investing in the quality production evident in the "beautifully bound volume" and "cream paper."

The inspiration drawn from #FolkloreThursday highlights the organic, community-driven nature of this project. It underscores how modern platforms can revive and amplify ancient traditions, fostering a renewed interest in intangible cultural heritage. The positive reception of the initial three books signals a robust market for well-researched and engaging folklore collections, validating the authors’ commitment to "create something meaningful, lasting, that reflected the unifying universality of folklore across the globe."

Implications: Connecting Humanity Through Shared Stories

The release of The Treasury of Folklore: Waterlands, Wooded Worlds and Starry Skies on August 1, 2024, carries significant implications beyond mere literary publication. It represents a powerful statement about the enduring relevance of folklore in a rapidly modernizing world.

Firstly, the compendium serves as a vital tool for cultural preservation. By gathering these tales into an accessible, attractive format, Chainey and Winsham contribute to safeguarding narratives that might otherwise fade from collective memory. It provides a tangible link to ancestral wisdom, beliefs, and ways of understanding the world.

Secondly, the book reinforces the idea of shared human experience. By presenting diverse tales from across the globe that echo similar fears, hopes, and observations of nature, it fosters empathy and understanding between different cultures. It shows that beneath superficial differences, humanity grapples with universal questions about life, death, morality, and the unknown. This unifying message is particularly potent in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

Finally, The Treasury of Folklore acts as a catalyst for connection and conversation. As the authors hope, it is designed to be more than just a book; it is "a conversation starter, a way to connect." It invites readers to explore their own cultural heritage, to discover commonalities with distant lands, and to engage in discussions about the stories that define us. In an era dominated by digital noise, a "hefty tome" filled with ancient wisdom offers a grounding, enriching experience, reminding us of the profound human need for narrative and the timeless magic embedded in the landscapes we inhabit.

The Treasury of Folklore: Waterlands, Wooded Worlds and Starry Skies is now available for pre-order and will be released on August 1, 2024. Readers can secure a 25% discount when ordering directly from Batsford Books using the code NEWFOLKLORE25.