research about mythology and folklore

Folklore and Mythology

Undergraduate Program

Folklore and Mythology is a liberal education in and of itself. The program encourages the study of any given society through its language and culture, offering an array of choices for drawing on a variety of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Concentrators conduct independent research on the material, oral, written, or performed forms of folklore and mythology in a variety of cultures, among them African, North and South American, Celtic, Chinese, English, German, Greek, Indian, Japanese, Scandinavian, and Slavic.

Encyclopedia of Mythology

Discover the gods, goddesses, myths, legends and cosmology of ancient civilizations

Aztec Mythology

Celtic Mythology

Chinese Mythology

Egyptian Mythology

Greek Mythology

Japanese Mythology

Norse Mythology

Roman Mythology

Meet the greeks.

Greek Olympians

The primary deities of the Greek pantheon, who ruled from Mount Olympus.

Greek Heroes

Notable or superhuman mortals from Greek mythology

Greek Creatures

Legendary beasts, animals, and humanoids of ancient Greek mythology

Greek Titans

The generation of Greek gods who directly preceded the Olympians

Name Generators

Name Generator

Ancient Worlds

Divine Domains

Solar deities.

Huitzilopochtli

Fertility Deities

Xochiquetzal

Water Deities

Chalchiuhtlicue.

Dragon King

Lunar Deities

Storm Deities

Earth Deities

Trickster Deities

Love Deities

Knowledge Deities

Death Deities

Mictlantecuhtli

Fire Deities

War Deities

“To elevate our understanding of the stories and beliefs foundational to civilizations past, present, and future.”

The Project

Popular pantheons.

Japanese Gods

The gods and goddesses of Japan, primordial creators and incarnations of nature

Celtic Gods

Deities of the Celtic peoples, ruling over both human actions and the natural world

Cu Chulainn

Pantheon of gods and goddesses who held sway over ancient Rome

Chinese Gods

The vast pantheon of gods and goddesses who rule both the heavens and the earth

Jade Emperor

The deities responsible for the repeated creation and destruction of all humanity

Quetzalcoatl

Egyptian Gods

The pantheon of deities responsible for maintaining cosmic order in ancient Egypt

Pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Norse clans

Deities of the Hindu pantheon throughout the millennia

Signup for mythic updates on how the old is new, again.

Classic texts.

The Theogony , composed by Hesiod around 700 BCE, is an early Greek epic. It describes in detail the beginnings of the cosmos, the origins and genealogies of the gods, and the events leading up to the rise of Zeus and the Olympians.

Metamorphoses

The Odyssey , traditionally said to have been composed by Homer, is an epic poem probably written around the middle of the eighth century BCE. It describes the Greek hero Odysseus’ wanderings as he journeys home from fighting in the Trojan War.

Poetic Edda

The Iliad , said to have been composed by Homer, is an epic poem that was probably originally put into writing during the middle of the eighth century BCE. Set during the famous Trojan War, the poem describes the events following a quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon.

Indiana University Press

On The Site

• IU Press Journals

Journal of Folklore Research

An international journal of folklore and ethnomusicology.

Edited by Solimar Otero

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Journal Information

• Keywords: Animals, Cultural History, Cultural Identity, Cultural Studies, Folk Culture, Folklore Studies, Folktales, Material Culture, Narratives, Rituals

Description

The Journal of Folklore Research , provides an international forum for current theory and research among scholars of traditional cultures. Each issue includes articles of theoretical interest to folklore and ethnomusicology as international disciplines, as well as essays that address the fieldwork experience and the intellectual history of folklore. Contributors include scholars and professionals in such additional fields as anthropology, area studies, communication, cultural studies, history, linguistics, literature, performance studies, religion, and semiotics.

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• Additional Information
• Solimar Otero, Indiana University, United States

Managing Editor

• Marisa Wieneke, Indiana University, United States

Editorial Assistant

• Andrew Tompkins, Indiana University, United States

Associate Editor for Ethnomusicology

• David A. McDonald, Indiana University, United States

Associate Editor for Material Culture

• Pravina Shukla, Indiana University, United States

Advisory Editors

• Ray Cashman, Indiana University, United States
• Diane Goldstein, Indiana University, United States

Corresponding Editors

• Katherine Borland, The Ohio State University, United States
• Fernando Fischman, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Michael Dylan Foster, University of California-Davis, United States
• Lisa Gilman, George Mason University
• Greg Kelley, University of Guelph-Humber, Canada
• John Laudun, University of Louisiana, United States
• David Todd Lawrence, University of St. Thomas
• James P. Leary, University of Wisconsin, United States
• Carl Lindahl, University of Houston, United States
• Sabina Magliocco, University of British Columbia, Canada
• Tom Mould, Butler University, United States
• Dorothy Noyes, The Ohio State University, United States
• Elliot Oring, California State University, Los Angeles, United States
• Jill Terry Rudy, Brigham Young University
• Patricia Sawin, University of North Carolina, United States
• Jennifer Schacker, University of Guelph, Canada
• Amy Shuman, The Ohio State University, United States
• Theresa Vaughn, University of Central Oklahoma, United States
• Juwen Zhang, Willamette University, United States

Authors may register with the  Journal of Folklore Research  and submit manuscripts for consideration via the Journal’s online submissions portal:  http://www.jfr.indiana.edu . All submissions should be accompanied by an abstract of no more than 250 words, an author biography of no more than 50 words, and three to five keywords. Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or in Rich-Text (.rtf) format. All text, including quotations and endnotes, should be double-spaced; in style and presentation, text should conform to the 16th edition of the  Chicago Manual of Style . Authors without ready access to the CMS may consult the Submissions section of the website, which includes an abbreviated style sheet, a sample article, and instructions for ensuring blind peer review.

Visual elements should be submitted in digital form. Please scan images (including slides) at a resolution of 300 dpi, in TIF or EPS format. Size all images to no more than 5 inches (12.5 cm) horizontally. All images, tables, diagrams, and figures should be uploaded as supplemental files rather than embedded in the manuscript itself. In the manuscript file, please indicate where each graphic should appear by inserting a “callout” description in the appropriate location (e.g., ). Drawings and maps must be submitted in a form suitable for publication without redrawing. Submit captions for all graphic elements by completing the supplemental file information form during the manuscript submission phase.

Inquiries concerning manuscript submission should be directed to the JFR editorial staff at  [email protected] .

JFR Reviews  ( JFRR )

JFRR  offers timely and concise reviews of recent works (including books, museum exhibits, scholarly websites, DVD and CD-ROM productions, and video and film documentaries) relevant to the discipline of folkloristics, delivered directly and free of charge to individuals through an e-mail subscription list, as well as online at the  Journal of Folklore Research  website, where they are permanently archived. To sign up for this service and to search reviews posted on-line, go to  http://www.jfr.indiana.edu  and follow the links to  JFR Reviews . Inquiries concerning reviews should be directed to the  JFRR  editorial staff at  [email protected] .

The Journal of Folklore Research (JFR) follows best practices regarding ethical matters, including errors and retractions. Preventing publication malpractice is paramount among the editorial board’s responsibilities. Any unethical behavior on the part of editors, authors, or reviewers is unacceptable. JFR does not tolerate plagiarism in any form.

The following responsibilities for editors and copy editors, authors, and reviewers are based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) conduct guidelines.

Responsibilities for Editors

Publication Decisions: Editors accept, reject, or request changes to submissions, taking into account the conclusions of the peer review process.

Manuscript Review: Editors evaluate each submission to ensure that it merits consideration based on originality of content, scholarly excellence, and contribution to the field.

Fair Review: Editors ensure each submission is reviewed on the basis of its intellectual content without regard for the sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship status, religious affiliation, or political affiliation of the author(s).

Confidentiality: Editors ensure that all information submitted by authors regarding submissions remains confidential.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Editors refrain from using unpublished materials disclosed in a submission for their own research without obtaining the written consent of the author(s).

Standards: Editors are responsible for guaranteeing that published materials meet stringent scholarly standards of accuracy, clarity, and originality.

Provision of Guidelines: Editors provide authors with submission guidelines via JFR’s website and upon request.

Responsibilities for Authors

Authorship: The designation of authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the submission. All persons who have made such contributions must be listed as co-authors. Authors must ensure that all listed authors have both seen and agreed to the submission and to the inclusion of their names as co-authors.

Originality: Authors ensure that the work they submit for publication is entirely original.

Acknowledgment of sources: Authors acknowledge and fully cite all sources used and all publications that influenced their research. Fundamental Errors: If at any time authors discover serious errors or inaccuracies in their submissions, then the errors or inaccuracies must be reported to the editors immediately upon discovery.

Review Process: Authors address and respond to the comments and suggestions of editors and reviewers.

Content: Authors eschew racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, ableist, ageist, or otherwise prejudiced or otherwise abusive writing. Such writing will not be accepted.

Concurrent, Multiple, or Redundant Publications: Authors inform editors if the submission has been submitted to, is under review by, or has been previously published in another publication, in English or in any other language.

Consent to Publish: Authors consent to the publication of the final version of their submission by signing an Indiana University Press Consent to Publish Agreement and, if necessary, a Permissions Agreement regarding Illustration and Artwork.

Responsibilities for Reviewers

Objectivity: Reviewers evaluate submissions in an objective manner and express their views clearly with supporting arguments.

Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers disclose to the editor immediately any potential conflicts of interest or competing interests that arise in their review.

Confidentiality: Reviewers keep confidential all information regarding authors’ submissions. Reviewers themselves remain anonymous throughout the review process.

Promptness: Reviewers evaluate submissions in a timely manner, by the deadline agreed to with the editors. If a reviewer feels it is not possible for them to complete their review within the specified time frame, then they must communicate this information to the editor as soon as possible.

Source Acknowledgment: Reviewers ensure that authors acknowledge all sources used in their submissions. If a reviewer finds any similarity or overlap between submissions under review, or with any other published paper of which reviewer has personal knowledge, they must notify the editors immediately.

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• ISSN: 0737-7037
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• Frequency: triannually
• First Issue: Volume 1, numbers 1-2 (1964)
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Folklore & Mythology: Home

Detail of Dante Gabriel Rossetti illustration from Christina Rossetti's poem, Goblin Market , 1862.

Citation & Writing Help

Scholars of folklore may use various citation formats.

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Additional information on research.

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What is Folklore?

Folklore, according to scholar Lynne S. McNeill, is at its core, "informal, traditional culture. It’s all the cultural stuff—customs, stories, jokes, art—that we learn from each other, by word of mouth or observation, rather than through formal institutions like school or the media." As such folklore offers rich insight into human behavior, creativity, and belief systems. Folklore encompasses a wide range of genres that McNeill characterizes as:

• things we say (jokes, songs, folktales, myths, and legends)
• things we do (calendar customs, rituals, games, and rites of passage)
• things we make (handmade objects, collections and assemblages, and folk art)
• things we believe (superstitions, supernatural creatures, and folk religion)

For additional information on folklore genres, see the entries below in  Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Beliefs, Customs, Tales, Music, and Art  :

• Faerie and Fairy Lore
• Material Culture
• Music, Folk

Starting Points: Books

Advanced Search | FAQ | Known Issues

• By Topic  - Type in the keywords that broadly describe your topic. For example: maori legends
• By Title  - Type in the first few words of the book title in quotations. For example:  "folklore rules"
• By Author  - Type in the last name followed by the first name of the author in quotations. For example:  "levaniouk olga"

Starting Points: Journal Articles

The following research databases will help you identify scholarly articles related to folklore. 

Nordic Studies Librarian

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• Last Updated: Jul 29, 2024 2:39 PM
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World Mythology and Folklore

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The websites listed here are broad/general in scope; covering many topics, areas, analysis on legends, folklore, and mythology.  See the options listed to the left (characters and places, Africa, etc.) for more specific websites.

• Encyclopedia Mythica "...internet encyclopedia of mythology, folklore, and religion" The mythology section is divided to six geographical regions: Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. Each region has many clearly defined subdivisions that will ease your search. One can 'jump to' areas such as Korean, Haitian, Latvian, Mayan, etc. The Folklore section contains general folklore, Arthurian legends, and fascinating folktales from many lands.
• Godchecker.com "Discover almost 4,000 gods, goddesses and spirits from around the world"
• Folktexts: Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts worldwide in scope; characters, events, actions, etc.; includes legends, religions, folktales, folklore, myths, etc.
• Project Gutenberg-Folklore Bookshelf Covers books on folklore from Asia, the Americas, and Europe
• Project Gutenberg-Mythology Bookshelf Project Gutenberg contains hundreds of books on mythology, both scholarly and popular works that introduce readers to the wealth of myths, legends, tales, and folk stories among ancient and modern cultures from around the world. In compiling the Mythology Bookshelf, the aim has been to select books that focus on or at least deal with some aspect of creation myths
• Sacred Texts "..the largest freely available archive of online books about religion, mythology, folklore and the esoteric on the Internet"
• Windows to the Universe/World Mythology From the the National Earth Science Teachers Association
• << Previous: Journal Articles and Databases
• Next: Characters and Places >>
• Last Updated: Jul 12, 2023 2:54 PM
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Mythology and Folklore: Online Resources

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Encyclopedias

• Encyclopedia Mythica Encyclopedia that allows you to explore a multitude of mythology and to a lesser extent folklore from all over the world.
• Mythopedia Resource that allows you to explore mythology from all over the world. Included are Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Norse, Japanese, Celtic and Aztec.
• Hawaiian Mythology Reference book that covers not only popular gods and myths in Hawaiian Mythology but also important chiefs and heroes.

Digital/Online Libraries

• The Perseus Digital Library Covers the history, literature and culture of the Greco-Roman world.
• Baldwin Library of Historical Children's Literature (University of Florida Digital Collections) This open access library has collections of fables, fairy tales, folk tales, folklore, and an entire sub collection of Grimm's Fairy Tales.

Mythology and Folklore Research Websites

• Open Folklore (Scholarly Resources) Open Folklore, a partnership of the American Folklore Society and the Indiana University Bloomington Libraries. Here you can search through journals, books, websites and gray literature on folklore.
• Theoi Project: Guide to Greek Mythology Comprehensive guide that delves into the mythology of Greece. Sections on their gods (Theoi), spirits (Daimones) monsters, (Theres) and much more. Sections can include family trees and maps relating to the mythology, a gallery of images from Greek and Roman art, and a bibliography.
• Norse Mythology for Smart People Website that provides a wealth of background knowledge of Norse mythology. It includes gods, creatures, heroes, the viking people, and much more.

Learning Videos

• Crash Course-Mythology This resource allows you to access dozens of fun easy to digest videos on myth and mythology.
• World History Encyclopedia- Mythology around the World A playlist of videos from the non profit organization World History Encyclopedia that includes mythology from all times and cultures around the world.
• TED Talks TED has quite a few easy to digest talks on these topics.. Simply use the keywords "mythology" or "folk tales" to find a wealth of talks.

Folklore Primary Resources

• Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh. FMET has been around since the mid 90s and is a staple source.
• Folklore, Folktales, and Fairy Tales from Ireland Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh. This resource focuses on tales from Ireland.
• Aarne-Thompson-Uther Classification of Folk Tales In this resource, you can read popular folk tales from all over this world, in their original or a translation. The stories have been classified along the Aarne-Thompson-Uther classification, which is the established standard for folk tales

Project Gutenberg & HathiTrust

• Project Gutenberg Project Gutenberg has a collection of folklore free of charge. It also holds small collections of mythology, children's myths and fairy tales. To access these simply go to the book shelves section and find your topic of interest.
• Project Gutenberg- Folklore Project Gutenberg's collection of folklore.
• Project Gutenberg- Mythology Project Gutenberg's collection of mythology.
• Hathitrust Has older content in the public domain on a variety of topics including folklore & mythology.
• Next: Articles & Art >>
• Last Updated: Aug 19, 2024 3:37 PM
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Mythology Research Resources

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Mythology Fundamentals

Ancient and classical mythology, asian and oceanic mythology, african and middle eastern mythology, european mythology, mythology of the americas, additional resources for learning about mythology.

From time immemorial, human beings have attempted to answer their questions about the nature of the universe and life itself through storytelling. Myths unite us across lines of cultural difference, forming the framework by which people identify themselves and understand the wider world around them. As Joseph Campbell writes in   The Hero with a Thousand Faces , no matter how different myths are from people to people and from age to age, they all form “one, shape-shifting yet marvelously constant story that we find, together with a challengingly persistent suggestion of more remaining to be experienced than will ever be known or told” (1). This guide will provide you with websites, books, podcasts, and more that introduce the world of myth and invite deeper exploration into these fundamental stories.

The deceptively simple question, “what is mythology” produces a range of complex answers. Mythology is a category of human expression that defies uncomplicated definitions. While myths rest under the label of tradition or story or legend, they vary in their purpose and the manner in which they are told. Explore mythology’s roots and etymology through the resources below.

Mythology: Origins, Etymology, and Genre

The Wikipedia Mythology Portal

For a look at mythology in its broadest sense, visit the Wikipedia Mythology Portal. This resource links to articles on myths from around the world, and includes fun facts and featured articles and images.

"What Is Mythology?" (ThoughtCo)

This article from ThoughtCo explores the basic questions surrounding mythology, and outlines methods for study and interpretation.

CrashCourse Video: "Mythology" (YouTube)

Mike Rugnetta gives an overview of mythology in this introduction to the CrashCourse series on myth. You'll find many other CrashCourse videos, offering more specific and in-depth information, later in this guide.

Definition and Etymology of Mythology (Merriam Webster)

In this dictionary entry, learn how the roots of the word "mythology," from the Greek  mythos (story) and logos (word), emphasize its ties to oral tradition.

In Search of Myths and Heroes (PBS)

This video documentary series, hosted by Michael Wood, details some of the most well-known myths and heroes around the world. The Queen of Sheba, Shangri-La, King Arthur, and Jason and the Golden Fleece each get their own episode.

Mythology and Folklore Resources ( The Mythology Podcast )

The Mythology Podcast provides a list of resources for all things mythology and folklore, including directories, classic texts, and a blogroll.

Mythology and Folklore: Similarities and Differences

"The Meaning of Myths, Folklore, Legends, and Fairy Tales" (ThoughtCo)

Esther Lombardi parses out generic differences in this article. She explains that myths and folktales share roots in oral storytelling, but the scope of these stories is different. Myths tend to look at big-picture questions, whereas folklore is more localized.

"The Difference Between Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales" (The Poetics Project)

Learn more about the differences and points of connection between myth and folktales, courtesy of this article from The Poetics Project.

Folktexts: Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts (Univ. of Pittsburgh)

This resource provides a repository of texts relating to myth and folklore, from A - Z. Among them, you'll find a Chinese Creation and Flood Myth from the Miao people, Blackfoot creation and origin myths, and Apuleius's Cupid and Psyche .

Before the scientific and technological advances of modern times could help explain natural phenomena, people turned to storytelling to understand the world around them. Famous tales from the ancient world have formed the basis for many works of literature and art up to the present day. From the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, myths from  civilizations of the past have retained cultural relevance well into the twenty-first century. Learn more about myths from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome below.

Mesopotamian Mythology

"Mesopotamian Mythology: The Ancient Gods of Sumer and Babylon" (Godchecker)

Discover the Mesopotamian pantheon ("all the gods" pertaining to a certain culture) via the Godchecker website. Learn about the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discover the connection between Sumerian, Akkadian, and Mesopotamian gods.

"Mesopotamian Mythology" (Ancient-Mythology.com)

Learn more about the interaction between gods and heroes in ancient Mesopotamian myth with this website, which links to articles on Abgal, Nabu, Zu, and more.

LitCharts Study Guide for The Epic of Gilgamesh

This LitCharts Study Guide will help you get to know the most famous piece of writing from Mesopotamia. Among its many sections are resources on context, both quick-reference and detailed plot summaries, and an interactive theme wheel. 

"Great Myths and Legends: Adapa the Sage" (Univ. of Pennsylvania via YouTube)

Dr. Stephen J. Tinney presents a video lecture on flood mythology in Mesopotamia. The information presented is made possible through the recently-published text of ancient fragmentary tablets.

CrashCourse Video: "Ancient Mediterranean Pantheons" (YouTube)  

Learn more about the Sumerian deities in a continuation of Mike Rugnetta’s program on ancient Mediterranean gods.

In Our Time: The Epic of Gilgamesh (BBC)

Melvyn Bragg hosts a radio program on The Epic of Gilgamesh  with guests from leading UK universities. Learn how the tablets containing the story were gradually discovered, reassembled, and translated. 

Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian Collection: Gods and Goddesses (The British Museum)

Discover the ancient Egyptian pantheon through the British Museum’s extensive collection of artifacts devoted to the deities.

"Gods of Egypt" (Tour Egypt)

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism presents a comprehensive web guide to ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. You'll find pages on Aken (Ferryman of the underworld), Mut (Grandmother of the Gods), Wadjet (the serpent goddess), and many others.

The History of Egypt Podcast

This podcast's many episodes allow you to uncover Egypt’s history up to the fall of Rome, and how it intertwines with "pyramids, pharaohs, gods, and mysteries."

"11 Most Popular Myths in Ancient Egypt" (Ancientfacts.net)

This article guides you through the most popular myths of ancient Egypt, beginning with the myth of creation and ending with the Cinderella-like tale of the Girl with Rose-red slippers.

"Ancient Egyptian Mythology" ( Ancient History Encyclopedia )

Joshua Mark outlines Egyptian mythology’s structures and stories as they relate to history and society. He begins with a helpfully detailed "definition" of Egyptian mythology.

Greek and Roman Mythology

Course on the Ancient Greek Hero (edX)

Delve deeply into the myths of Greek heroes in this 17-week free online course, co-sponsored by Harvard and taught by professors from Harvard and Brandeis.

Wikipedia Article on Greek Mythology

This article provides a broad overview of ancient Greek myths, from literary and archaeological sources to modern interpretations.

In Our Time : "The Greek Myths" (BBC)

Melvyn Bragg hosts a radio program on Greek myths, "from Achilles to Zeus," with guests from leading UK universities. Learn about Penelope's shroud, Arachne's presumption, and Cerberus the three-headed dog.

GreekMythology.com  

The first website devoted exclusively to Greek myth, GreekMythology.com has operated since 1997. The site provides resources on nearly every individual god, Titan, or mortal involved in Greek mythology, and includes information on films and books which serve as a broad introduction to the topic.

Class on Greek and Roman Mythology (Coursera)

With this open online course, you can delve into the stories that comprise Greek and Roman myth with Professor Peter Struck of the University of Pennsylvania.

The Roman Empire: "Mythology" (PBS)

This article, which accompanies the PBS series on the history of ancient Rome, outlines ancient Roman myth and religious belief.

Wikipedia Article on Roman Mythology

Wikipedia offers an overview of Roman myths and religious practice. Learn about Rome's founding myth and interactions with foreign gods.

CrashCourse Video: "Greek and Roman Pantheons" (YouTube)

Watch and learn about the deities of ancient Greece and Rome with this CrashCourse video. It addresses origin stories, family relationships, and each god's "specialty."

Myths and History of Greece and Rome Podcast

This podcast overs well over 100 episodes, in which host Paul Vincent discusses the intersection between myth and history in ancient Greece and Rome.

The nations comprising Asia and Oceania are home to diverse peoples with distinct mythologies, grounded in the unique natural landscapes of the region. Some Chinese myths involve floods, while Polynesian legends tell of volcanic eruption and island formation. Further, religion and indigenous spiritual practice have influenced myths from Asia and Oceania. These include Hindu mythology in India and the Aboriginal belief in the prehistoric golden age of Dreamtime.

Indian Mythology

Wikipedia Hindu Mythology Portal

Wikipedia provides a sweeping overview of Hindu and Indian mythology and legend. You can learn about anything from demons to weapons to eschatology.

Hindu Texts (Internet Sacred Text Archive)

Read texts about the Hindu deities in English translation. This archive contains links to each of the four Vedas, the primary texts of Hinduism.

"East vs. West—The Myths that Mystify" (TED Talk)

Devdutt Pattanaik investigates the differences between Indian and Western myths, and suggests how these differences influence belief systems.

Indianmythology.com

Stories of Hindu deities and Indian epics are available in English and Hindi in this repository of mythic stories. You'll also find links to information about Indian temples.

CrashCourse Video: "Indian Pantheons" (YouTube)

Mike Rugnetta continues his exploration of mythic pantheons with this video on Indian gods. He focuses on stories that were written in Sanskrit.

Indian Mythology Archive ( The Mythology Podcast )

Learn more about the Ramayana, the Hindu goddess Kali, and monkey god Hanuman with these Mythology Podcast episodes.

Chinese Mythology

E.T.C. Werner's Myths and Legends of China (Project Gutenburg)

Read Werner’s influential and in-depth volume on Chinese mythology, first published in 1915. Learn about the goddess of mercy, the guardian of the gate of heaven, and many other stories.

Barbara Laban’s "Top 10 Chinese Myths" (The Guardian)

Author Barbara Laban shares her favorite Chinese myths in this article from The Guardian , from Sun WuKong the monkey king to the Chinese zodiac.

CrashCourse Video: "Flood Stories from China" (YouTube)

Mike Rugnetta teaches about Chinese flood stories in this CrashCourse video. He tells the story of Yu, an ancient engineer and mythical ruler.

"Chinese Myths and Legends" (Shen Yun Performing Arts)

The famous Chinese performance troupe Shen Yun provides a website with information on ancient Chinese legends.

"Chinese Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

Explore Chinese mythological views on the ten suns, twelve moons, and story of creation on the Windows to the Universe website.

Japanese and Korean Mythology

"Mythology on the Japanese Main Island" (Shimane Prefecture)

Myths that came from the Shimane area of Japan, which is located on the main Honshu island, are explored on this website.

"Korean Mythological Gods and Stories" (Study.com)

Study.com provides an overview of Korean deities and legends. You'll learn about the mix of "shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and various local myths" that inform the fluid Korean mythology.

"Japanese Mythology: 5 Ancient Myths and Legends" (Takelessons.com)

Explore five essential points of ancient Japanese mythology with this site. Included here are the Japanese creation myth, Amaterasu and the cave, Hare of Inaba, the legend of Emperor Jimmu, and more.

"Yokai" (The Mythology Podcast)

Discover one of the supernatural creatures of Japanese myth— the yokai—with The Mythology Podcast. In this episode, you'll encounter "human-headed trees, fox weddings, a trip to the underworld, and enchanted umbrellas." 

The Dangun Myth and Foundation Day ( Korea Today via YouTube)

Watch this video to learn about the mythical founding of Korea. The Dangun myth stars Korea's legendary founder, the son of the Prince of the heavens and a woman who was once a bear.

Australian and Polynesian Mythology

"Australian Aboriginal Creation Stories" (National Geographic)

This article, which accompanies Morgan Freeman's National Geographic documentary The Story of God , details creation myths of the Aboriginal Australian people.

"The Gods of Aboriginal Australia" (Godchecker)

Godchecker's introduction to the Aboriginal Australian gods includes an A - Z index, a section on the mythological golden age of Dreamtime, and tracks the latest popular Australian deities based on webpage hits.

"Maui and the Creation of the Islands" (PBS)

This video, presented by Tom Cummings of Hawaii's Bishop Museum and featuring the storyteller Kealoha Kelekolio, relays information on the Hawaiian creation myth. 

"Hawaiian Myths Tell A Story About Volcanic Activity at Kilauea" ( Forbes )

Discover how mythology interprets volcanic activity in Hawaii through this Forbes  article. You'll learn about a volcanic fight between two mythological sisters, Pele and Hi'iaka.

"Mythology of the Polynesian Islands" (Window to the Universe)

Explore legends of the Maori people, Hawai’i, and Rapa Nue (Easter) Island via the Windows to the Universe Website. You'll meet the creator god Makemake, the Maori Sky Father Rangi, and many others.

From deserts to jungles, the African continent is composed of vastly diverse geographical climates and landscapes. The mythology of the continent reflects that diversity. The populations of the Middle East, located across the Mediterranean from North Africa, also developed wide-ranging belief systems. In this section, you'll encounter myths influenced by Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.

African Mythology

CrashCourse Video: "African Pantheons and the Orishas" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video introduces you to the deities of the Yoruba people of western Africa. It gives particular attention to the Orisha spirits.

"The Gods of Africa" (Godchecker)

Godchecker provides a list of African deities, tracing similarities and differences among the pantheons of different cultures and tribes across the continent.

Dictionary of African Mythology (Oxford Reference)

Oxford Reference hosts a dictionary of African mythology by Harold Scheub. Though full access to the text requires a subscription, you’ll be able to search abstracts and titles of legends in alphabetical organization, and connect deities and stories to specific tribes and countries.

"West African Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

This webpage offers an introduction to the mythology of the Yoruba and Fon people. Learn about Shango, the Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning, and many others.

"Top 10 African Myths" ( The African Exponent )

African myths, ranging from the story of the Zambezi River God to the creation of the world, are collected in this article from online news outlet The African Exponent .

"Yoruba Myth, Folklore, and the Orishas" (The Mythology Podcast)

Listen to this podcast for an introduction to Yoruba religion and mythology. You'll learn about the culture's connection to divination, and learn about some of the Orishas in the Yoruba pantheon.

Arabian, Islamic, and Iranian Mythology

Radio Programs on Arabian Mythology (BBC)

In a series of radio programs hosted by the BBC, you can listen and learn about touchstones of Arabian myth, from jinn to the One Thousand and One Nights .

Wikipedia Article on "Islamic Mythology"

Wikipedia’s entry on Islamic mythology discusses the supernatural events, beings, and sacred places that figure in the Qur'an.    

"Iranian Mythology: Gods and Goddesses" (Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies)

This post from the Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies offers brief descriptions of each god and goddess in the Persian pantheon, from Agas (demoness of illness) to Zurvan (god of infinite time and space). 

Video on Zoroastrianism (Khan Academy)

This video details the rise of the ancient Iranian religion Zoroastrianism. You'll encounter Zarathustra, Ahura Mazda, and the Avesta.

Jewish Mythology

Wikipedia Article on "Jewish Mythology"

The Wikipedia entry on Jewish mythology provides a good point of departure for further exploration. Learn about the creation myth in Genesis (which is shared with Christianity), and find links to separate articles on Jewish apocrypha, Merkabah mysticism, and more.

"Eight Fascinating Jewish Myths" (BeliefNet.com)

This article provides an overview of mythology associated with Judaism, from golem to Solomon’s vampire. Learn about the many sources for Jewish myth, from the Talmud to Kabbalistic literature.

"Solomon’s Ring" ( Myths and Legends Podcast )

In this podcast, hear the story of King Solomon’s magical ring. Purportedly a gift from God, the ring allowed him to control demons and had quite a few other impressive powers, too. 

"Turning to the Angels to Save Jewish Mythology" ( Ha'aretz )

Read about the legend of the Watchers and the mythology of angels in this article from an Israeli newspaper, which connects Judaic myth with the wider world of the ancient Middle East.

Mythology from the Northern climes features snow queens and fae, cattle raids and golden eggs. Here, you can find information on some of the most influential myths of the European continent and the British isles. You'll discover tensions and continuities between ancient, pagan myths and the Christian tradition which dominated the region from the Middle Ages onward.        

Russian and Slavic Mythology          

"5 Most Popular Tales from Slavic Mythology" (Slavorum)

Familiarize yourself with popular Slavic myths through this article. You'll learn about the god Rod, who came to earth in a golden egg, and why the lord of darkness Chernobog wanted to capture the universe.

"The Gods of Slavic Mythology" (Godchecker)

Here, Godchecker provides information on the pantheons of Russia and Eastern Europe. The A - Z index will introduce you to Baba-Yaga, Mikula, Zorya and more.

"What is Known About Slavic Mythology" (Culture.pl)

This article presents a broad overview of deities and myths from across Eastern Europe. Learn about Perun, the most important god in the Slavic pantheon, and his many incarnations.

"Russian and Slavic Mythological Creatures" (Study.com)

Learn about spirits and creatures featured in Russian and Slavic myths via Study.com. The article introduces both single-figure creatures and spirits.

Celtic Mythology

"The Gods of Celtic Mythology" (Godchecker)

Learn more about the ancient Celtic pantheon through Godchecker. You'll read about the power of the Druids, and meet "megalithic military mother goddess" Morrigan.

"Irish Mythology" (Luminarium)

Let Luminarium introduce you to Ireland’s ancient Celtic deities and heroes, from the legendary heroes Fionn mac Cumhail and Cú Chulainn to the gods Danu and Dagda.

"Celtic Mythology: The Mythological Cycles" (Sacredfire.net)

This webpage offers information about the different mythic story-cycles, along with an introduction to some of the more famous Celtic tales like Tain bo Cualinge.

The Celts Documentary: "Sacred Groves" (BBC)  

The third episode in the BBC's series on the Celts focuses on Celtic mythology and its relation to the pagan religious practice of Druidism.

Norse Mythology

"Viking and Norse Mythology" (History on the Net)

A collection of information on Norse gods and creatures, from giants to land spirits, is available on this website. Learn about Freya and Baldur, along with Yggdrasil and the nine worlds.

CrashCourse Video: "The Norse Pantheon" (YouTube)

Meet the Norse gods Loki, Thor, Freya, Odin and more in this video. CrashCourse recommends that you watch this video before Ragnorok, as it may not be available when the universe ends.

In Our Time : "The Norse Gods" (BBC)

Here, host Melvyn Bragg moderates a conversation on the Norse pantheon. Learn about Valhalla, Thor and his hammer, and an all-important ash tree.

The Norse Mythology Blog

Dr. Karl Seigfried blogs here about Norse religion and mythology. You'll find posts on everything from mythology's influence on current events to shield-maidens.

"Norse Gods and Goddesses" (Mythologian.net)

In this post, delve into stories of Norse gods and goddesses and their rise and fall to Ragnarok (“the twilight of the gods”).

Ancient Native American tribes held many different beliefs about the nature of the universe in North America. Meanwhile, in South America, native peoples such as the Aztec and Inca had their own visions of gods and the wider world around them. Spanning two continents, mythology of the Americas varies as widely as the rainforests, plains, and tundra in which they were formed.

Mythology of the Indigenous Peoples of North America

Wikipedia Article on "Mythologies of Indigenous Peoples of North America"

The Wikipedia portal to Native American mythology is organized by tribe and region for a comprehensive introduction to pantheons and legends.

"Inuit Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

The Windows to the Universe site provides information on Inuit myths. Here, you'll be introduced to the Inuit deities of the sun, moon, and sea.

"Mythology of North American Indians" (Windows to the Universe)

Here, you can find introductions to myths of the Algonquin, Pawnee, Navajo, and Lakota tribes. Learn about the Algonquian tribe's many names for the full moon, and the connection between coyotes and the Milk Way in Navajo myth. 

Native American Mythology Resource Guide (Touro College)

The Touro College library provides an introductory resource guide to Native American myth, including book selections and web resources.

Central and South American Mythology

"Aztec Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

Windows to the Universe lays out Aztec myths related to celestial deities and planets. Learn about the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui and the sun god Huitzilopochtli.       

"Aztec Creation Myth: The Legend of the Fifth Sun" (ThoughtCo)

Did you know the Aztecs believed their world had been created and destroyed four times before? In this ThoughtCo article, read about the Aztecs’ calendar, mythology, and their vision of the world’s creation.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: "The Creation Story of the Maya" (YouTube)

Watch this short Smithsonian video about the Popol Vuh, the book detailing the Mayan creation story. You'll discover tales of the Hero Twins and the creation of the sky.

"Mythology of the Mayas" (Windows to the Universe)

The Mayans’ mythological understanding of the planets and elements is described here. Learn about how the Mayans' detailed astronomical knowledge informed their mythology.

"The Gods of Mayan Mythology" (Godchecker)

Godchecker introduces the Mayan pantheon here. Discover information on Cabrakan (God of the mountains), the hero twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque, and the World-tree.

"Amazon Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

Windows to the Universe uncovers the mythology of the Mamaiurans, an Amazon Indian people living in Brazil. You'll learn about the moon god Iae, and why the Mamaiurans had to share daylight with the king of the birds.

"The Gods of South America" (Godchecker)

Like other Godchecker pages, this introduction to the gods of Brazil, Peru, and Chile includes an A - Z index of gods and a list of the latest popular deities. 

"Inca Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

Explore Incan mythology of the sun and earth on this webpage. You'll find brief introductions to the generous sun god Inti and his wife Pachamama.

"Incan Mythology: The Golden Gods of the Andes" (Godchecker)

Godchecker provides an introduction to the Incan deities. Meet the potato goddess Axomamma, and discover how the health goddess Cocomamma met an unfortunate end.

Resources for Teaching Mythology

Sharing mythology from around the globe with students allows them to appreciate unique stories and connect cross-cultural ideas, and also helps them understand the origins of literature, history, and the arts.  With the following tools, you can create lesson plans and find inspiration for assignments and assessments.        

Teaching Tips from Mythweb

Ideas for creative writing assignments and etymological explorations abound in this aggregated list of lesson plans and activities to teach students about mythology.

"Mythology" (Windows to the Universe)

This resource from the National Earth Science Teachers Association draws comparisons between mythology and the natural world. You can delve into specific myths about planets and astrological phenomena, family trees of deities, and myths by region.

MythFun.com

The Myth Man’s website provides a colorful spin on Greek myth, telling stories of heroes, gods, and creatures alongside a look at mythology’s influence on contemporary life. It also offers two mythology quizzes.

"Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales": Teacher’s Activity Guide (Scholastic)

Well-known publisher Scholastic has collaborated with authors to create resources that inspire students to learn about and write their own larger-than-life stories.

Mythologyteacher.com

English teacher Zak Hamby has compiled a website of teaching materials and sample lesson plans for educators looking to teach Greek, Roman, and Norse myths to their students.

ArtsEdge: "Myths and Heroes" (The Kennedy Center)

Nested under ArtsEdge's "Myths and Heroes" section, you'll find lesson plans about myths for students from fifth through twelfth grades.

"Folktales, Fairytales and Mythology" (National Endowment for the Humanities)

Several back-to-school lesson plans and resources are available courtesy of the NEH, including one on Greek mythology and another on "Navigating Ancient Worlds."

Teacher Resources in Latin, Greek, Mythology and Classics (American Classical League)

The ACL provides information on teaching tools, resources, and links on the classical world for educators and students alike. You'll need to create an account to access the content.

Mythology resources (Teachers Pay Teachers)

Search for lesson plans and assessments on mythology, created by teachers for teachers, for varying grade levels. You'll find entire unit plans along with individual activities.

The resources below will help you delve deeper into the world of mythology, inside or outside of the classroom.  Fundamental texts in the study of mythology are covered here, along with podcasts and encyclopedias to empower you to discover new myths.

A Complete Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends

This alphabetized online encyclopedia contains A - Z entries on characters and tropes from myths worldwide. You'll find entries on trees in mythology, the  Bhagavad Gita , Micronesian mythology, and much more.

Encyclopedia Mythica (Pantheon.org)

Encyclopedia Mythica provides over 7,000 web articles relating to myths from around the globe, organized by geographical region and special interest content areas.

Mythology Podcasts (PlayerFM)

PlayerFM has aggregated an up-to-date list of the best mythology podcasts, including Jason Weisner’s popular Myths and Legends .

LitCharts Study Guide to Margaret Hamilton’s Mythology

Explore Hamilton’s famous 1942 book, which serves as a comprehensive introduction to the Greek, Roman, and Norse gods, with this LitCharts study guide.

Bulfinch’s Mythology Online (Project Gutenberg)  

Access Thomas Bulfinch’s formative work on mythology, first published in 1867. It's available in several electronic formats via Project Gutenberg.

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Myths, Fairy Tales and Folklore

A selection of relevant titles, avery fisher center.

• Encyclopedias and Indexes
• Finding Books
• Finding Articles
• Digital Collections
• Biographies
• Literary Criticism
• Citing Sources

This is a selective guide to some of the resources available for researching Mythology, Folklore, and Fairy Tales. This page will be your gateway to books, journal articles, and web resources.  

Here are a few other subject guides that will be of interest to you:

• Caribbean Studies by NYU Libraries Last Updated Aug 14, 2024 1564 views this year
• Comparative Literature by Amanda Watson Last Updated Aug 14, 2024 1439 views this year
• English and American Literature by Amanda Watson Last Updated Aug 22, 2024 3757 views this year
• Francophone Literature by Scott Collard Last Updated Jul 17, 2024 153 views this year
• French Language & Literature by Scott Collard Last Updated Jul 17, 2024 456 views this year
• Gender and Sexuality Studies by Jill Conte Last Updated Jun 28, 2024 4537 views this year
• Hebrew and Judaic Studies by Guy Burak Last Updated Jul 17, 2024 373 views this year
• Irish and Irish American Studies by Nick Wolf Last Updated Jul 31, 2024 393 views this year
• Italian Studies by Alexandra Provo Last Updated Aug 1, 2024 421 views this year
• Latin American Studies by NYU Libraries Last Updated Jul 31, 2024 693 views this year
• Latinx/e Studies by NYU Libraries Last Updated Jul 31, 2024 256 views this year
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies by Scott Collard Last Updated Aug 1, 2024 1278 views this year
• Middle East and Islamic Studies Guide by Guy Burak Last Updated Aug 14, 2024 2792 views this year
• Russian and Slavic Studies resources by Alla Roylance Last Updated Aug 14, 2024 1641 views this year
• South Asian Studies by Aruna Magier Pulipaka Last Updated Aug 1, 2024 3786 views this year
• Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Literatures by Scott Collard Last Updated Jul 17, 2024 247 views this year
• Yiddish Studies by Guy Burak Last Updated Oct 18, 2023 100 views this year
• East Asian Studies by Beth Katzoff Last Updated Aug 21, 2024 3086 views this year

The Avery Fisher Center for Music and Media (AFC) is located on the 7th floor of Bobst Library. Our collections include over 28,000 videos (with U.S. and foreign cinema, drama and music performances, documentaries, art films, and more) and over 76,000 sound recordings (featuring music from a broad spectrum of classical, traditional, and popular artists and genres, from throughout the world and across history). Our viewing and listening facilities support a variety of analog and digital formats. 

Here is just a sampling of the Mythology and Fairy Tale films available at the AFC:

• Moana by Directed by Ron Clements A mythic adventure set around 2,000 years ago across a series of islands in the South Pacific. The film follows the journey of a spirited teenager named Moana as she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together they traverse the open ocean, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.
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• Last Updated: Jul 31, 2024 1:15 PM
• URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/fairytales

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5 Myth and Folklore

Amy Gazin-Schwartz, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Assumption College, Worcester, MA.

• Published: 18 September 2012
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Folklore and myth intersect with archaeology in several ways. Archaeological sites and landscape features may be the focus of traditional lore and practices. Folklore and mythology about these features reveal cultural interpretations of their meaning, and place those sites in the context of socially understood history. They may also direct our attention to landscape features that are not materially modified, but are the locus of significant cultural meaning. This article first considers the historical relationships between folklore or myth and archaeology, primarily focusing on European and American perspectives. Because issues of authenticity affect these relationships, it addresses how folklorists have dealt with those issues. Next, it examines the folklore of archaeology and myth, looking at how archaeological sites are the focus of traditional stories and practices in different parts of the world. A third section evaluates the use of folklore and myth for archaeological interpretation. Finally the role of folklore and myth in public archaeology is discussed.

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6 Health Myths About Oils

O nline health influencers have plenty to say lately about oils. We should cook with certain oils, banish others from our pantries, swish them around our mouths for flawless gumlines, and lather our bodies and hair with them for everlasting beauty. About the only purposes not suggested for oils are finding lost socks and doing our taxes.

The focus on oils isn’t exactly new; they’ve been praised and debated for eons. The difference today is that scientific research can help separate fact from fiction. But studies are often misunderstood or rejected in favor of personal anecdotes that may be unreliable.

Here are the biggest oil myths going around the internet, according to scientists.

Myth #1: It’s bad to cook with olive oil 

The unrefined version of olive oil—extra virgin, or EVOO—provides significant health benefits , especially in preventing heart disease . However, some online gurus say cooking with EVOO is problematic because of its low smoke point, meaning that, when heated, it may start smoking sooner than other oils. The smoke is viewed as a signal of chemicals developing in food that may eventually cause cancer and heart disease. 

But scientific research doesn’t support this “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” theory. In fact, cooking with EVOO can make both the oil and the food it’s covering healthier, compared to the same food eaten raw, according to recent research . 

Smoke “doesn’t correlate very well with the actual breakdown of the oil,” says Selina Wang, associate professor of food science and technology at University of California, Davis. EVOO is packed with phenols, compounds that support health partly by reducing inflammation. Phenols also protect the oil from deteriorating—regardless of whether it’s smoking. Unlike other oils, “EVOO has the ability to protect itself,” Wang says.

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Oils produce the most smoke during high-temperature cooking processes like frying, which aren’t healthy to begin with. “Smoke point is irrelevant because we shouldn’t cook at those temperatures,” says Mary Flynn, associate professor of medicine at Brown University who studies olive oil.

Wang advises cooking food like vegetables in EVOO at lower temperatures, below 400°F, for just long enough to heat up the veggies—and for their health-giving properties to seep into the oil’s healthy fat. (On a stovetop, this advice may translate to medium heat, though stoves vary in their cooking strengths.) Once transferred to the oil, the beneficial components, such as vitamins and substances called antioxidants that protect the cells from unstable molecules, are absorbed better by our bodies. Antioxidants called carotenoids, for example, help protect against cancer . 

The synergy goes the other way, too: the healthy olive oil components “get sucked into the vegetables,” Flynn says. “In the U.S., we don’t consume our vegetables with fat.” That’s a mistake, because when it comes to getting these micronutrients, “if you’re not cooking vegetables with fat, they’re not getting into your body.”  

Reducing cooking times with EVOO will also ensure a high level of phenols. If cooked longer, their levels decline. Diets rich in phenols are linked to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Myth #2: More expensive oil is healthier

The prices of cooking oils are sometimes inflated to suggest they’re superior to their shelf neighbors. In reality, the cost of EVOO reveals little about its quality. Often, bottles between $45 and $90 are “no better” than more reasonably-priced brands. 

Instead of cost, judge EVOO by whether the bottle was produced in California. Large producers in California must pass the state’s tests requiring purity and authenticity. Olive oil is often fraudulent and mixed with other cheaper oils. 

Freshness matters, too. Look for bottles with “harvest dates” showing they’re relatively new to shelves. After opening a bottle, try to use it within four to six weeks. Secure the cap tightly between uses. “Oxygen will destroy the health components,” explains Flynn, who is also an independent science advisor to the Olive Wellness Institute.

Read More : 5 Dermatologists on the 1 Thing You Should Do Every Day

Most important may be an old-fashioned taste test. “One of the best tools we can give consumers is to know the flavor of good olive oil,” Wang says. A teaspoon of EVOO should taste slightly bitter at first, she says, followed by a pungent, spicy tingle at the back of your throat—a sign of its phenols—perhaps causing a couple of coughs.

Myth #3: Non-olive oils are unhealthy 

Seed oils such as canola are the scourge of several online influencers, who cite studies on the harms of consuming these oils. But such studies are often misinterpreted. Scientists think seed and vegetable oils can be healthy, with some important caveats.

Unlike EVOO, most oils are refined, meaning they’re heat-treated. This process strips some of their healthful properties—reducing their phenols, for example. However, refined oils like canola are still high in monounsaturated fats—though not as high as EVOO—that buoy heart health. 

“I don’t want to stigmatize other oils,” Wang says, because they’re generally more affordable than EVOO. She has friends who understand EVOO’s benefits but buy less expensive seed and vegetable oils to save money.

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These oils are healthy enough for home cooking , but the problem is what happens in restaurant kitchens, Wang says. Trying to keep their costs low, many restaurants cook with cheap oils like canola and reuse the same oil puddle. Over several hours, the fats in these recycled oils become oxidized, producing harmful compounds that can lead to serious health issues for those who dine out often. The same concern applies to many cooked items in the prepared food sections of supermarkets.

Like technology, Wang says, it’s not seed or vegetable oils themselves that are bad, but how they’re made and used.

In theory, avocado oil is another healthy option, but the vast majority of brands are rancid or mixed with less healthy oils , Wang has found . 

Coconut oil, on the other hand, is inherently unhealthy, says Qi Sun, an associate professor of nutrition at Harvard, despite influencers touting the benefits of consuming it, such as curing back pain and boosting energy and cognition. Scant research supports these claims, and coconut oil is high in unhealthy saturated fats; one tablespoon-sized serving has about 90% of the daily allowance recommended by the American Heart Association. Because it raises fats in the blood linked to heart disease—LDL cholesterol and triglycerides—“you can conclude it wouldn’t provide any cardiovascular benefits,” Sun says. “It’s not too different from butter or lard.”

By comparison, the same amount of olive oil has 15% of daily recommended saturated fat. Even this lower saturated fat content is potentially harmful, so limit EVOO to 2-4 tablespoons per day, Wang says. 

Myth #4: Oil pulling beats brushing and flossing

Another coconut oil myth is that swishing it around the mouth is better for oral health than standard dental practices. Advocates of “oil pulling” claim that the lauric acid in coconut oil helps fight harmful bacteria and plaque that would otherwise build up in the mouth. But credible research hasn’t suggested benefits , whereas brushing and flossing are backed by far more evidence.

“Has oil pulling ever reversed periodontitis or gingivitis? The answer is no,” says Mark Wolff, professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Not that oil pulling will necessarily hurt you. “There’s no real reason it would cause harm,” Wolff says, unless it’s substituted for the gold-standard approaches to oral health. “If you want to oil pull, it’s okay, but still brush and floss,” and use doctor-prescribed antibiotics, not oils, to treat oral infections, says Matthew Messina, assistant professor of dentistry at Ohio State University.

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The swishing action of oil pulling may remove debris from between teeth, which could help with preventing dental problems. But flossing, oral irrigation devices like water flossers, and common mouthwashes with specific antimicrobial ingredients are research-supported options for dislodging these food particles. Sesame and sunflower oils are sometimes recommended for oil pulling, based on Ayurvedic medicine practices. However, like coconut oil, they’re lacking in evidence.

Myth #5: Coconut oil transforms hair

Several oils, including coconut oil, contain fatty acid ingredients that hydrate the hair, softening and smoothing it. But claims about the wonders of suffusing hair with coconut oil are exaggerated. These oils may cause more harm than benefit, depending on the person.

Coconut oil could help some who regularly color their hair, heat it, or use potentially harmful products, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. “You want to make sure you’re hydrating the hair shaft, strengthening and protecting it, especially when caring for chemically treated hair,” he says. Coconut oil could serve this purpose by forming a protective barrier. Zeichner compares it to spackling your walls. “It’s kind of filling in the cracks.” 

But use it in moderation, says Dr. Michele Green, a New York City dermatologist—not every night. 

For dandruff relief, coconut oil is a “double-edged sword,” Zeichner says. “If it creates a greasy environment, it encourages yeast to grow,” worsening dandruff in some cases, he explains.

Don’t reach for EVOO as an alternative, Green says. “There’s no evidence that olive oil improves hair health.” Rosemary oil is a hot trend currently for hair growth, she adds; people massage it into the scalp twice daily, in the morning and evening, leaving it in their hair overnight. “There’s a small research literature showing it could work,” although it can irritate the scalp if it’s not mixed with another oil, like argan or coconut, Green adds.

Myth #6: Oils cure acne

Applying oil to the skin, like the hair, may benefit some people while causing trouble for others.

The lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial properties , “so it's thought to decrease levels of acne-causing bacteria and even yeast on the skin,” Zeichner says. However, coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog the pores and increase acne. Also comedogenic are olive, marula, flaxseed, and carrot seed oils. “I would stick with refined, non-comedogenic moisturizers proven not to block the pores,” Zeichner says. “The perception is that natural is better, but that’s not always the case.”

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Green sees value in natural oils for overall skin health for some patients, but they should be used in moderation and combined with moisturizers. “The additional moisture is retained by the barrier the oils offer,” she says.

EVOO, in particular, may enhance the skin’s natural moisture barrier, due to its healthy fat, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, K, and E, according to Green. Jojoba , argan , and almond oils could be beneficial, too. Almond oil is a common allergen, though. Test it on one spot to check for irritation, Green suggests.

“Some data from lab studies support the use of individual natural oils on the hair and skin,” Zeichner says. “But we’re lacking studies on the real-world use of products.”

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Exposing myths about ballot collection on Native American reservations

Third-party collection of mail-in ballots has helped rural residents and those with disabilities to vote, yet the practice has become contentious and the target of laws aimed at restricting it.

Critics claim the process is vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.

But new research from the University of Utah’s College of Social & Behavioral Science tells a different story. Ballot collection is more accurately characterized as a pathway for legitimate voter participation, according to a study published last month . Authors Daniel McCool, a professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science, and Weston McCool, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Anthropology, debunk misconceptions about ballot collection and document its benefits.

“There is considerable controversy regarding the role of third-party ballot collection in elections,” said Daniel McCool , who has testified as an expert witness in Native American voting rights lawsuits. “Our results indicate that ballot collection is a valued service on Indian reservations, and there is no evidence that it leads to voter fraud.”

The research appears in the July edition of the American Indian Culture and Research Journal.

Focusing on Indian reservations in Montana and other Western states, the father-son team assessed the costs and benefits of ballot collection through a blend of qualitative and quantitative analyses. Native American communities often rely on ballot collection due to various socioeconomic and logistical challenges associated with casting votes.

Weston McCool

Sometimes negatively referred to as “ballot harvesting,” ballot collection is the practice of someone other than the voter turning in completed ballots to a post office or ballot box. It has become popular with the rise of mail-in voting, which makes it much easier to vote, but not necessarily for Native Americans who often lack home mail service. Supervised by tribal governments and nonprofits such as Western Native Voice , ballot collectors on reservations deliver tribal members’ ballots to a post office or polling station that can be miles from their homes.

“They collected hundreds of ballots from Native Americans who live in very, very remote places,” McCool said. “The reason why these native voters were taking advantage of the ballot collection service was because it’s very difficult for them to overcome those long distances and the poor transportation.”

Legislatures in Utah and three other Western states have tried to ban the practice in recent years in a move that tribes have denounced as a partisan effort to limit Native Americans’ ability to vote and has led to lawsuits

Many states have adopted restrictions on who can collect another person’s ballot or how many one person can collect. Some forbid ballot collectors from accepting payment, which effectively bans third-party collecting on reservations, according to McCool.

Nineteen states allowed only the voter, a family member or a caregiver to turn in a ballot during the study’s time frame. Of these, four have substantial Native American populations: Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Nevada.

Utah has since banned ballot collection by third parties under an election reform law unanimously passed in 2020 .

By examining trends in vote-by-mail programs, socioeconomic variables, distance to polling stations and mail locations, and U.S. Postal Service delivery efficiency on reservations, the McCools documented how ballot collection improves the voting experience of Native Americans.

Their findings illustrate how ballot collection reduces inequality in the cost of voting for Native Americans. On reservations, where access to polling places and reliable mail services can be limited, ballot collection ensures these community members can exercise their right to vote without undue burden.

The statistical analysis conducted by the McCools found no evidence to support allegations that ballot collection leads to voter fraud, deflating the argument commonly used to restrict ballot collection practices.

“The evidence is actually collected by the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation ,” McCool said. “We use their data to indicate that there’s no voter fraud associated with ballot collection.

The foundation’s database documents 1,850 cases of proven voter fraud, which resulted in convictions, going back to 1980 for all elections surveyed, from president to dogcatcher.

“Political scientists calculated the frequency of voter fraud based on the Heritage Foundation data,” McCool said. “The frequency is .00006%.”

Another way to frame that figure is to say there were six cases of proven fraud for every 10 million votes cast in the United States.

“The problem is not voter fraud,” McCool said. “The problem is the fraud about voter fraud.”

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• Personal Finance

Baby Boomers: Busting Retirement Myths

Published on Aug. 24, 2024

By: Emma Newbery

• 20% of adults aged 50 and above do not have any retirement savings.
• If you're worried, try to cut costs or increase your income to boost your retirement fund.

I read an article in The Economist recently, headlined, "Baby-boomers are loaded. Why are they so stingy?" It isn't a fair headline. Some baby boomers are loaded. But many are struggling to make ends meet and approaching retirement with very little in their bank or brokerage accounts .

Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers are now aged 60 to 78. Some are well into their retirement years, while others are just approaching the door. There are many myths about how boomers have it better than other generations.

Here are three boomer myths, debunked.

Myth 1: Baby boomers are financially ready for retirement

There's an idea that baby boomers are wealthy and have stashed significant amounts of money into their retirement funds over the years. That's only true for some.

Equally, more than half the Americans who turn 65 in the coming years will rely on Social Security to stay afloat. The Alliance for Lifetime Income says 53% of what it dubs "peak boomers" have less than $250,000 in retirement assets.

Indeed, according to a recent Northwestern Mutual study, boomers think they'll need $990,000 to retire comfortably. More worrying? An AARP survey shows 20% of adults aged 50 and above have no retirement savings at all. In short, many boomers are not financially ready to retire.

What you can do:

If your retirement savings are not where you want them to be, start by working out what your spending might look like once you retire. Think about how much you'll get from Social Security and how you will make ends meet. See if you can map out different scenarios and -- if necessary -- plan ways to reduce your living costs.

The difficult truth is that you may have to work more years than you had hoped, whether through a side hustle or continuing in your current career. In the meantime, review your spending and look for ways you can cut back. Put every spare dollar you can find toward your retirement. Even small amounts can help. Make the most of tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s.

Myth 2: Medicare will cover all boomers' healthcare needs

It is true that Medicare covers nearly all Americans over 65. But it is not true to say that it covers all their healthcare costs. According to the Bank of America, Medicare covers about two-thirds of the total cost of healthcare.

That means retirees need to pay for their remaining medical expenses as well as their Medicare premiums. Bank of America notes that a 65-year-old man might need $184,000 and a woman would need $217,000 to be relatively confident of covering their retirement healthcare costs.

See if you can contribute to a health savings account (HSA). HSAs are rare in that they offer a triple tax benefit.

You can make tax-free contributions. Your investments then grow tax free. Finally, you don't have to pay taxes on any withdrawals as long as you use them for health expenses.

If you are under 65 and have a high-deductible health plan, HSAs can be an incredibly tax-efficient way to save. Once you hit 65, you may be able to continue making HSA contributions for longer if you do not enroll in Medicare. There are pros and cons to this, so do some research to work out what will suit you best.

Myth 3: Boomers have paid off their mortgages and are debt free

It is hard to get a foot on the housing ladder today. The combination of record-high house prices and high mortgage rates has contributed to a housing affordability crisis. As a result, millennials and Gen Z tend to look at boomers and think they had it easy.

But high housing costs impact boomers, too -- The Wall Street Journal says older adults make up the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.

In terms of owing money, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows boomers have almost $3 trillion in total debt. That's a mix of credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and other types of debt. Experian data shows the average credit card balance for boomers is $6,642.

Carrying debt can feel as if you're dragging a financial weight behind you. Even more so when you're entering a phase of life when you won't be actively earning money. But some types of debt, such as mortgages, are more manageable than others.

Focus on paying down high-interest debt. There are different approaches, such as the debt snowball, where you tackle the smallest balance first and then move on to the bigger ones. It is difficult to dent your balance alongside all those other financial demands, but try not to give up.

Bottom line

When talking about generational differences in finance, it can sometimes feel like a competition as to who is worse off. The truth is that every generation faces challenges, and baby boomers are no different. Many boomers do not have enough funds to retire comfortably, especially not when you factor in healthcare costs.

If you are approaching retirement with limited funds and a heavy debt burden, don't ignore the problem. Sit down with your finances and look for ways to cut costs or increase your income -- or both. Even if you're not able to stop work as early as you'd hoped, the changes you make in your budget today can still make a difference.

Our Research Expert

Emma owns the English-language newspaper The Bogota Post. She began her editorial career at a financial website in the U.K. over 20 years ago and has been contributing to The Ascent since 2019.

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• REVIEW | Book clarifies myths about Mzilakazi’s flight and fights

Molope's extensive research boosts account about legacy of legendary king

Title: King Mzilikazi kaMashobane Author: Nthebe Molope Publisher: Madibana Publisher Reviewer: Tumo Mokone

The story of a Khumalo crown prince who went on to form a kingdom for himself far from his land of birth is very much part of regional folklore in southern Africa. It is a story of many twists and turns, some of which are fantastic tales by overly enthusiastic storytellers.

There is a thin line between fantasy and reality in history, and that's what prompted Nthebe Molope to set out on his own epic journey of research, albeit by car and plane, to compile as much fact as possible about Mzilikazi.

It turned out to be a great effort as this book has gone far beyond the need to establish facts about Mzilikazi and break a litany of myths around him. This book touches on several historical events which took place in southern Africa in Mzilikazi's lifetime, including those in the years leading to his birth in Mkhuze, part of today's Zululand district in KwaZulu-Natal.

The book also touches on the political framework of the region during Mzilikazi's childhood, including how he met and befriended a young Shaka in the Mthethwa army. Interestingly, both young royals were in exile from their own lands – Shaka being kicked out of his Zulu clan led by his father Senzangakhona and Mzilikazi seeking refuge after his father Mashobane, a Khumalo chief, was assassinated by Zwide. The Ndwandwe king was also Mzilikazi's grandfather as his mother Nompethu, one of Mashobane's wives, was Zwide's daughter.

To cut the long story short, the Mthethwas helped Shaka secure the Zulu throne when Senzangakhona died in 1816. In 1820, an army led by Shaka, with Mzilikazi among his generals, finally crushed the Ndwandwe kingdom. Zwide fled the region and Mzilikazi returned to his Khumalo people to claim his crown. 

In 1823, following a personality grief by Mzilikazi against Shaka, the young Khumalo chief left his homeland with some of his people to begin what is believed to be the most intense march by a group of indigenes in southern Africa. 

Some of the immediate untruths Molope outlines about this trek is that it began smoothly without any adversity from Shaka. The book reveals that Mzilikazi, holding out in the rugged mountains in Ngenetsheni area (today part of Abaqulusi municipality), fought off a Zulu battalion sent to intercept him. His hideout was exposed by his half-brother Nzeni, but eventually, Mzilikazi was "allowed" to escape by his pursuers.

Secondly, Mzilikazi did not start his flight in a northwesterly direction towards the Transvaal but moved northeasterly towards southern Mozambique. From there, he led his people through Eswatini to finally reach Transvaal, where he lorded over Sotho-Tswana tribes for 15 tumultuous years – starting with Pedi-speaking communities.

He established three capitals, in Pretoria (Kungwini), Hartbeespoort (Dinaneni) and Magaliesberg (Hlahlandlela), from which he interacted, befriended or fought with various groups and individuals such as Christian missionaries like Robert Moffat and hustling mavericks like Englishman Henry Hartley. Mzilikazi habitually tormented Tswana tribes and despised the Griquas for being mercenaries for both Tswana chiefs and the Voortrekkers whom he mistrusted.

He had a good reason; a series of battles from 1836-1838, starting with the Battle of Vegkop (October 6 1836) in present-day Heilbron, Free State, finally pushed Mzilikazi over the Limpopo River and left Transvaal forever. His eventual conqueror was Andries Potgieter (whose forces included guns-for-fire Griquas and a sprinkling of Barolong of Chief Matlaba), a commander of Voortrekkers at Vegkop.

Three months later, in  January 1837, Potgieter was on Mzilikazi's case again, destroying the settlement of  Mosega and capturing thousands of cattle. The Battle of Gabeni in November 1838 was the final straw, and the following year Mzilikazi left the Marico area (as Molope points out, the name is bastardisation of Madikwe) in a northwest direction through Botswana until he settled in Zambia.

And what pushed him out of the swampy Zambezi valley into Bakalanga land, it's all in Molope's well-written book. The author outdid himself with the quality of research work he incorporated and authenticated with pictures, geolocations and extracts from contacts and existing literature on the topic.

All this served to produce work with a dual purpose: an intriguing read for literature lovers and a reference volume for students of southern African history.

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2024 ANU Migration Update Countering Myths and Delivering Facts

Mon, 2 Sep 2024

Half the world’s population votes in 2024 and many elections hinge on migration issues, but disinformation is rife. The 2024 ANU Migration Update will counter myths and deliver facts to help inform the public and raise the standard of migration debates in the ‘year of democracy’. The event convenes senior migration scholars, policymakers and practitioners to showcase the latest migration research and policy priorities at the local, national and global levels. The event is held in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) on 2 September at the Shine Dome in Canberra. It is timed to synergise with the 2024 Pacific Migration Workshop (3 September) and the State of the Pacific Conference (4-5 September).

0830 Coffee and Networking

0900 Keynote Panel Welcome to Country,  Paul House (ANU), Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian Prof Genevieve Bell, Vice-Chancellor of The Australian National University or Delegate Dr Marie McAuliffe, Head of Migration Research, International Organization for Migration (IOM)

0945 Panel 1: Global trends Chair: Ms Sanushka Mudaliar, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab Dr Ryan Edwards, Deputy Director, Crawford School DevPolicy Centre, ANU Prof Philip Martin, Global Migration Centre, University of California, Davis Dr Rasika Jayasuriya, Consultant to UN Network on Migration Secretariat, Geneva; Visiting Fellow, ANU Migration Hub

1045 Coffee Break 1115 Panel 2: Data innovations Chair: Mr Justin Douglas, Chief Economist, Australian Department of Home Affairs Ms Denise Carlton, Program Manager, Population Statistics, Australian Bureau of Statistics Prof Robert Breunig & Dr Peter Varela, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU Dr James O’Donnell, Lead Investigator, Scanlon Foundation Social Cohesion Study, ANU

1230 Lunch 1330 Panel 3: Emerging challenges Chair: Dr Bulent (Hass) Dellal AO, Chair of the Review of Australia’s Multicultural Framework Ms Violet Roumeliotis, CEO, Settlement Services International Mr Joseph La Posta, CEO, Multicultural New South Wales Mr Michael Copland, Chief Child Protection, UNICEF Pacific & Prof Litea Sewabu, University of the South Pacific Ms Liz Collett, Global Fellow, MPI, and Chair of Expert SubCommittee on Skilled Migration

1445 Coffee Break 1500 Panel 4: How to counter myths, deliver facts, and improve the migration debate Chair: Damián Cardona Onses, Director, United Nations Information Centre for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Dr Marie McAuliffe, Head of Migration Research, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dr Abul Rizvi, Former Deputy Secretary, Department of Immigration & Citizenship Mr Tom McIlroy, Political Correspondent at The Australian Financial Review

1615 Closing remarks: Prof Alan Gamlen, Director of the ANU Migration Hub; Prof Fethi Mansouri, Director, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship & Globalisation (TBC) 1630 Vote of Thanks: Prof Helen Sullivan, Dean of the College of Asia & the Pacific, ANU

Additional Information

Please be advised this event will be photographed and recorded. 

“Journalists are welcome to register their attendance for the event by emailing [email protected] ”

• Harvard Library
• Research Guides
• Faculty of Arts & Sciences Libraries

Library Research Guide for Folklore and Mythology

• Databases & Bibliographies
• Theory and Methods
• Searching HOLLIS

What is a database?

Resources at harvard, databases, bibliographies & indices of folklore materials.

• Encyclopedias
• Dictionaries
• Tale-Type and Motif Indices
• Archives & Special Collections
• Material Culture
• Audiovisual Materials & Musical Scores
• Requesting & Accessing Materials
• Organizing and Managing Your Resarch
• Learning With the Library

A  database is a collection of resources which have been collected together because they relate to a certain area of knowledge. 

Some databases will be full-text databases, and will provide access to the actual resources themselves. Other databases are bibliographic databases and only provide the citation references for resources. There can be several reasons for this, ranging from the intended purpose of the database to copyright restrictions.  

A bibliography  is a collection of citation references for resources. They are arranged by a single feature, such as by author or title.

An  annotated bibliography  is a collection of citation references which have annotations. An  annotation   is a brief review of a resource's subject matter and usefulness.

An  abstract  is a concise summary of the content of a resource.

A reference  or  citation  is a description of a resource which enables it to be located. It most often includes the following information: creator, title, date, version, publisher, and format. Citations are standardized using different style manuals, like Harvard, Chicago, MLA, MHRA, and APA, to ensure that the necessary information is captured and to make it easier to organize and retrieve information.

An  index  is, in its most basic form, a list which provides access to the content within a resource. In a back-of-book index, it is a list of keywords or concepts found within the resource and location information as to where in the resource those words or concepts can be found. For a database, an index is a set of preferred vocabulary keywords under which resources can be found. Looking at the index or thesaurus for a database can be helpful in knowing which search terms to use to find information on a given topic. Information about the index can sometimes be found on the main search page of a database, somewhere near the search engine box.

A  bibliographic index  is a bibliography which is organized according to a list of keywords or concepts.

DASH is a central, open-access repository of research by members of the Harvard community.

There are a number of databases which contain materials relevant to research in Folklore Studies. Some of these databases are general collections of scholarship. Some are collections of materials from a single repository or related materials from multiple repositories. Some of these databases are collections of data gathered from research projects. Some are digitized collections of texts. All are intended to bring together related materials and to make them accessible.   

JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization with a dual mission to create and maintain a trusted archive of important scholarly journals, and to provide access to these journals as widely as possible. Content in JSTOR spans many disciplines, primarily in the humanities and social sciences. It includes approximately 17 folklore journals, all in full-text format. Simply check the "folklore" box near the bottom of the Advanced Search form. Coverage for each journal goes from volume one to within circa five years of the most recent issue. These journals are also indexed by the MLA International Bibliography, with coverage beginning later than JSTOR’s but continuing through the present.  

Project Muse

Full-text versions of peer-reviewed journals from many of the world's leading university presses and scholarly societies, as well as thousands of ebooks, with emphasis on humanities and social sciences. Subscription access to journals are made available to libraries in six collections: Premium Collection - Standard Collection - Basic Research Collection - Basic College Collection - Humanities Collection - Social Sciences Collection.  

MLA International Bibliography

The MLA International Bibliography, produced by the Modern Language Association, consists of bibliographic records pertaining to literature, language, linguistics, and folklore, and includes coverage from 1963 to the present. The MLA International Bibliography provides access to scholarly research in over 3,000 journals and series. It also covers relevant monographs, working papers, proceedings, bibliographies, and other formats.  

Anthropology Plus

Anthropology Plus combines Anthropological Literature from Harvard University and the Anthropological Index Online, Royal Anthropological Institute from the UK. Anthropology Plus provides worldwide indexing of journal articles, reports, commentaries, edited works, and obituaries in the fields of social, cultural, physical, biological, and linguistic anthropology, ethnology, archaeology, folklore, material culture, and interdisciplinary studies. The index offers coverage of all core periodicals in the field in addition to local and lesser-known journals. Coverage is from the late 19th century to the present.  

Web of Science: Arts and Humanities Citation Index

Indexes periodical articles in the arts and humanities from 1975 to the present. Using this index, it is possible to search the cited reference lists, or bibliographies, of articles and to explore connections among various articles and authors.   

International Medieval Bibliography

The International Medieval Bibliography is a comprehensive, current bibliography of journal articles, essay collections and conference proceedings in this interdisciplinary field. Disciplines covered include Classics, English Language and Literature, History and Archaeology, Theology and Philosophy, Medieval European Languages and Literatures, Arabic and Islamic Studies, History of Education, Art History, Music, Theatre and Performance Arts, Rhetoric and Communication Studies. Dates covered range from 400 to 1500 A.D., and geographic coverage includes Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The database allows users also to search the Bibliographie de Civilisation Médiévale , an index of over 40,000 books and 64,000 book reviews on medieval topics since 1957.  

Garland Folklore Bibliographies

Garland Folklore Bibliographies  is a sub-series of the Garland Reference Library of the Humanities series, and includes annotated bibliographies on different areas of folklore, for example, Jewish folklore, Irish holy wells, or Scandinavian mythology.  

Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts (Folktexts)

This site is provided by retired professor D.L. Ashliman and hosted at the University of Pittsburgh. This website is enormously helpful to students studying tales. It has a large number of tales in full-text, with notes and the citation for the source of the text. Furthermore, tales are arranged according to ATU tale-types so students can easily locate similar tales, and have access to their texts.  

Ethnic Diversity Source

Contains peer-reviewed journals, magazines, e-books, biographies, and primary source documents related to the culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of different ethnic groups in America and beyond.   

eHRAF World Cultures

This database contains background information on different ethnic graoups, as well as many ethnographies and other books and articles.To find ethnographies first select "Browse Cultures." Locate the group you are interested in and then click Collection Documents to view works (including ethnographies) about that group.  

Folklore Collection Database

This database is a project led by The American Folklore Society to digitize collections of archival folklore materials to allow access to them.   

Traditional Ballad Index

This database is an annotated bibliography of folk songs found in English-speaking parts of the world.   

Documenting the American South

Documenting the American South (DocSouth) is a digital publishing initiative sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that provides Internet access to texts, images, and audio files related to southern history, literature, and culture. Currently DocSouth includes sixteen thematic collections of books, diaries, posters, artifacts, letters, oral history interviews, and songs.  

America: History and Life

America: History and Life is the primary bibliographic reference to the history of the United States and Canada from prehistory to the present, covering over 2,000 journals published worldwide.  

ARTbibliographies Modern

contains abstracts of journal articles, books, essays, exhibition catalogs, dissertations, and exhibition reviews, from artists and movements beginning with Impressionism in the late 19th century, up to the most recent works and trends in the late 20th century, with earlier coverage of photography and emphasis on new and lesser-known artists and on the coverage of foreign-language literature. Includes crafts.  

RILM Abstracts of Music Literature

RILM Abstracts of Music Literature includes citations, abstracts, and subject indexing for articles about music in over 10,000 journals.  

WorldCat is a database of catalog entries from more than 9,000 member institutions. With millions of online records built from the bibliographic and ownership information of contributing libraries, it is the largest and most comprehensive database of its kind. The database contains records of any type of material (books, periodicals, scores, films, recordings, etc.) cataloged by over 41,000 OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) member libraries, primarily but not exclusively, from libraries in the United States, but extending to 82 other nations. There are more than 47 million records in the database. This database can be used to verify citations of resources, to find a local holding library, or to provide accurate citations for interlibrary loan requests. Records also contain bibliographic information such as tables of contents, cover art, book summaries, and notes about authors.

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