Spirit Beings in European Folklore 1

<p><em>Compendium 1</em> of the <em>Spirit Beings in European Folklore</em>-series covers the northwestern part of the continent where Celtic and Anglo-Saxon cultures meet the Nordic. This book catalogs the mysterious creatures of Ireland the Isle of Man England Wales Cornwall Scotland Hebrides Orkneys Faroe Islands Iceland Norway Sweden and Denmark. For centuries the peoples of these regions have influenced each other in many ways including their mythologies and folklore. The latter is perhaps most evident in the various species of <em>Brook-horses</em> or <em>Water-horses</em>. These semi-aquatic ghostly creatures come in all kinds of varieties and are typical of the English or Gaelic speaking parts of Europe and Scandinavia. Many other ghostly entities occur only in specific areas or countries. Some even became cultural icons such as the Irish <em>Leprechaun</em> the <em>Knockers</em> from Wales the Scandinavian <em>Trolls</em> and <em>Huldras</em> or the Icelandic <em>Huldufólk</em>. England has its <em>Brownies</em> several kinds of <em>Fairies</em> and locally famous <em>ghost dogs</em>. Iceland and Scandinavia seem to specialize in spirit beings who appear fully materialized such as the different species of <em>Illveli</em> (Evil Whales) and <em>Draugr</em> the returning dead.</p><p><br></p><p><em>Compendium 1</em> discusses 292 spirit beings in detail including their alternative names with additional references to related or subordinate beings and a unique selection of illustrations. </p>