Leyak
In Balinese folklore, the Leyak or Leak is a mythological figure in the form of a flying head with entrails (heart, lung, liver, etc.) still attached.
Category Archives: Myths and Folktales
Women have been depicted as goddesses, creatures, biblical figures, legends and folk tale heroines throughout history – many based in a grain of truth.
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Banshees
A banshee is a female spirit in Irish folklore who heralds the death of a family member, typically by wailing, shrieking, or keening.
Lady Meng Jiang
Hearing the news of her husband’s death, she wept so bitterly that a part of the Great Wall collapsed, revealing his bones.
Yennenga
Yennenga was a legendary princess who is considered the mother of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso.
Winyan Ohitika (Makhta)
Sioux warrior who counted coup to avenge her brothers, who had been killed in battle.
Thákane
The daughter of a Basotho chief, Thákane led a band of warriors on a hunt to kill a nanabolele (water-dwelling dragon).
Three Strong Women
An arrogant wrestler gets more than he expected when he tries to mess with a young girl.
Ahalya
In traditional Hinduism, Ahalya is held up as the first of the panchakanya (“five virgins”), archetypes of female chastity whose names are believed to dispel sin when recited.
Tiamat
In the religion of ancient Babylon, Tiamat was a primordial goddess of the salt sea, who mated with Abzû, the god of fresh water, to produce younger gods.
Althaea
Queen of Calydon, who reputedly killed her own son, Meleager, in vengeance for Meleager killing his uncles (her brothers)