Goodreads Reviews: Leprechauns: The Myths, Legends & Lore

Leprechauns: The Myths, Legends, Lore by Bob Curran

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I was looking for the next MLM (Myths, Legends & Lore) book to read, I really didn't think there was much to the leprechaun legend. However, as a longtime collector of books and series, especially aesthetically pretty ones, I was compelled to buy it so at least it could look nice with the books.

Leprechauns are an interesting and somewhat unpleasant legend. They often take center stage every March 17th in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Because leprechauns have such an evil mentality to them due to their greed, manipulation, magical abilities and chaotic natures, it's almost shameful that they are immediately connected to St. Patrick and his holiday.

Like Unicorns , Leprechauns are indigenous to the British Isles and so much of the book was about the Leprechaun lifestyle or the Who? What? How? as I like to call it. My reading has taught me that leprechauns are evil and lecherous little bastards that are usually written as the spawn of fairies and demons.

Similar to the unicorn myth, the leprechaun has been diminished to a cute cartoonish character like Lucky from the Lucky Charms cereal and the football mascot of Notre Dame University. Therefore the actual legend itself has been lost in watered down pop culture fantasy. However, the leprechaun world and the society is as unique as any mythological creature can get. From what they wear, to what they eat and drink, even the places than can and cannot go.

Much of the book was actually folk stories and supposed sightings of leprechauns and the madness that usually ensues when coming upon them. Leprechauns didn't have the same art content that the other books have, but still has the same charming appeal with its vibrant green cover and theme. I'm glad I got the book and found that the leprechaun for all it's wiles and wrongs is still a beloved symbol of Ireland because its the embodiment of Ireland's fierce and steadfast nature as well.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

     It was high time for me to return to the Wizarding World if only for a few hours. I've always had such an admiration for Newt Scamander and how his life is dedicated to his passion and not to what people think about him. From his devotion to his few friends, his growing friendship with his (over) protective older brother and of course his love for Tina. Newt may not have the appearance of a novel hero, but then again neither did scrawny, bespectacled Harry Potter. However, Secrets of Dumbledore is exactly what the title indicates and Newt plays a more secondary but important role in a bigger story.

Currently: Winter 2021/2022

 

❅Well, hello everyone! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Easter! This year is possibly the first time I haven't made any holiday posts! Anyways, I've been MIA from my blog for awhile and even though I had several posts planned for April, the absence from my blog has been a good thing. There have been some great changes in my life, especially in my work. 

To put it simply I finally left my job...sort of...

Springtime Asks Tag

I found this Asks post on Tumblr and thought it would be fun as a tag. Juliette Deroulede, Miss Winifred Banks, Skye Hoffert, Livia and McKayla, considered yourselves tagged, so I don't have to tell you all individually. You can use my header and please give credit to the original Tumblr creator!

Goodreads Reviews: Unicorns: The Myths, Legends & Lore

Unicorns: The Myths, Legends, & Lore by Skye Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of all the unique creatures that have been written about in myths and legends the unicorn is probably my least favorite. The reason being is because of how the unicorn itself has become so ingrained into popular culture. Whenever you think of a unicorn nowadays, you see a docile, smiling, white horse with a protruding golden horn and has a mane in blue, purple and pink (the official unicorn colors). The unicorn has become a distant cousin to the Care Bears with no meaning to its history; other than the fact it's marketed to be an overrated product and obsession for all ages.

Even when I saw the cover of the book, I was somewhat dismayed at the bright bubble gum pink cover and the obnoxious looking text. However, the Fairies and Mermaids books took me beyond Tinker Bell and Ariel and introduced to a plethora of other variations that I had been completely unaware of.

It seems like Skye Alexander had the same problem when it came to the 'unicorn obsession' and says as much throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the unicorns deep history that goes all the way back to the Bible! Yes! The unicorn is mentioned several times in the Bible of all places. As with fairies and mermaids, the unicorn's identity has grown and developed over the ages through stories and fables, but also through religion and politics. For example, the unicorn is the symbol of Scotland and is featured on one side of England's coat of arms with a lion on the other side. The lion represents England and the unicorn Scotland. The irony is that the lion and the unicorn have always been written to be mortal enemies.

Unlike the other books, Unicorns doesn't really launch into other cultural myths and legends because it is completely ingrained into British history. The unicorn is one of a handful of supernatural creatures that is indigenous to one culture. So instead, the book focuses on the history of the unicorn, its rise and decline over the centuries and the constant battle of science vs magic.

After reading this book, I definitely had such an appreciation for the unicorn myth; while also a despairing mindset at how the unicorn, once a magnificent and powerful creature that inspired awe and mystery, has been reduced to a silly, nonsensical and nauseating pop culture icon. Thankfully this book offers a deeper understanding and context to the important and vital role that the unicorn has played in Western history and civilization.

Obi-Wan Kenobi - Trailer

 

Daredevil: Season 1

There's Marvel superheroes and then there is Matthew Murdock, a soft spoken, blind lawyer by day and the notorious Daredevil at night; both alter egos fighting the corruption of Hell's Kitchen. All three seasons of Daredevil had been on my Netflix queue for ages and after seeing Matt Murdock's hysterical cameo appearance in Spiderman: No Way Home, it was incentive enough to watch the series. Of all the Marvel films and shows that I've watched nothing could have prepared me for a story about a disabled man whose is a devoted Catholic and understands the true value of all life.