Friday, October 24, 2014

Time for Coffin Hop

Oh, October, how I love thee because... 'tis the season to be scared!

Halloween is upon us once more and I for one can't stop watching horror movies and reading all kinds of spooky material. To top it all off, 'tis the time of the Coffin Hop, too! In case you've forgotten, the Coffin Hop is the annual Horror Author event where readers and fans of the genre can interact more closely with the authors. Each year, the number of blogs participating increases, and each one of them houses one (sometimes many) giveaway. So, go, visit other blogs on the list, comment, and win prizes while sharing your love for the macabre with us.


On previous years I've done a Classic Monsters and Urban Legend Series, Real Haunted Places and Symbols in Dreams, and this year I'm excited to present you a Mythological Beings Around the World Series. I'll share with you the creepy story of some monsters you've never heard about, but that you'll never forget. From Celtic, Egyptian, and Native American lore, among others, I'll take you down the darkest roads of the world's forgotten legends. All you have to do is be here on the 24th, 27th, 29th, and 31st to share your thoughts in the comments section. On November 3rd I'll announce the one winner that will take home a virtual copy of the critically acclaimed new magazine Jamais Vu: Journal of Strange Among the Familiar. Check it out, choose the issue that intrigues you the most, and take it home for free!

Want to win even more stuff? Then visit other participating blogs and pile up the prizes! Best Halloween. Ever. I know.

And just to give you a taste of what I'm talking about, here is the first in my series. From Choctaw Mythology, I present thee:

NALUSA FALAYA

Literally The Long Evil Being, Nalusa Fayala is a Native American legend of the Choctaw people original to Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. This creature is described as resembling a man--about the same size and walking upright--but with a shriveled face, very small eyes, and long, pointed ears. It lives in the densest of woods, near swamps and away from men. But when hunters stray away from familiar territory and the shadows grow tall, Nalusa Fayala comes out to play. It sneaks upon the lost, calling in a voice that resembles that of a man, except that when the hunter turns to face his caller, the mere sight of this creature causes him to faint. With its pray unconscious, the Long Evil Being sticks a thorn into the hunter's hand or foot that bewitches him, pushing him to do evil unto others but without remembering his encounter with the monster until after having committed its deed.

Sor far the legend sounds more like an excuse for being a mean drunk, right? But wait, there's more.

Nalusa Fayala is said to have many children that, when very young, have the ability to remove their own entrails. Yep, picture that. Then, with their innards hanging from their hands, these kids become small, luminescent beings that can be seen roaming the boarders of the marshes.

Before I wish you sweet dreams, tell me about other Native American legends that you've heard, or monsters that have turned your heart black with fear. I'm dying to hear all about it.

Enjoy the coffin hoppin' and be mindful of the sleeping skeletons.

17.

12 comments:

A. F. Stewart said...

I love myths and legends. I can't wait for more.

DarcNina said...

Fantastic post, Georgina - and a fantastic theme this year! Happy Hopping!!

Anonymous said...

Great idea Georgina! Love the post :)

Mary Rajotte said...

Interesting! I'm a huge junkie of myths, folklore and superstitions. And I can't wait to see which Egyptian myth you explore - a bit of an Ancient Egyptian nut!:) Happy Coffin Hop!

James Garcia Jr said...

Hi, Georgina. *waves* Very curious tale. I can't say as I have any of my own. I think I'll just leave that to you, and return as requested for more.
Thanks for sharing and Happy Hopping!

-Jimmy

Paul Stansfield said...

Hi Georgina--liked the post. I remember the Manitou in the book of the same name being terrifying (although apparently the movie was rather cheesy). Also, the Wendigo, as in the movie "Ravenous", was scary, too. Looking forward to learning about more monsters.

Unknown said...

Very interesting legend.I couldn't think of any Native American legends to share, so I found a site that lists many....for your research :)

http://www.native-languages.org/legends.htm

Georgina Morales said...

@A.F. Steward: Thanks for stopping by!

@Nina: Thanks! I'm glad people seem to be enjoying it. Happy hopping to you too!

@Julianne: Thanks. I'm glad you found it interesting!

@Mary: Yay, another Egyptian nut! I'll be posting that on Monday. Stop by and let me know what you think!

@James: Hey there! *waves back* Thanks for stopping by!

@Paul Stansfield: Ooh! I LOVED "Ravenous"! Such a cool movie. I guess one of my favourite mythological creatures is the Wendigo. But I'm having a blast learning a lot of new stuff!

@Rachelle: Oh wow! Thanks for that link. I'm gonna have so much fun checking it out!

Anonymous said...

I don't know of any other comparable Native American legends but the entrails business reminded me of the Malaysian Penanggalan, which is a head (female) with the entrails sort of flowing in the breeze behind it as it goes.

Unknown said...

What a great tale, I can't wait to read more of the legends you've found.

Unknown said...

Holy crap! Why would children remove their own entrails?! What a macabre idea. Great post!

Georgina Morales said...

@Digital Dame: Well, that's a way to cause nightmares! What an image that is. I'll have to go look for more on it. Thanks for sharing!

@Jeanette: Thanks!

@Lexa: I know, right? Children are just either the cutest thing ever, or emissaries of the devil. There's no in between. =) Thanks for stopping by!