I'm writing a set of stories that involves four characters travelling through these four countries, each one is based on a different season and a different country, each one also houses elves who can control certain elements. For instance (Sorry if I get these translations wrong. I'm using google translate): Earraigh means spring, it's home to the earth elves and it's based around Ireland, the fauna are based around Celtic folklore. Kalokaíri is Greek for summer, it's home to the water elves and it's based around ancient Greece. The fauna are based around Greek mythology. Aki is Japanese for fall, it's home to the wind elves and is based around Japan. The fauna are based around Japanese myths and legends. And finally, Inverno is Portuguese for winter. It's home to the fire elves, who are not affected by extreme heat or cold. (I mostly chose this because Inverno sounds like Inferno) I'm pretty well versed in Celtic folklore, I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to Greek mythology, and I know of a few mythical creatures from Japan. But, when it comes to folklore from places like Portugal, I'm basically clueless. Does anyone know of any mythical animals from Portugal that I could use? Of course, I know that Portuguese isn't only spoken in Portugal so if you have any ideas from other countries I'd like to hear about them. Thanks in advance.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I should be able to help you out. Bear in mind that (where the elements are involved) Japanese mythology is not based on the four elements of earth, air, water and fire, but on the Chinese five elements - wood, water, earth, metal and fire.
Cool! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back I'll try private messaging PiP, just to see. Thanks
Well ... the wikipedia entry on Lusitanian mythology is a pretty good starting point. (I just googled "Portugal mythology" and found it). And Myths and Legends of Portugal, part 1 also looks interesting. (Having said that, it's hosted on a website for advertising Spanish/Portuguese Hotels, so it may be there simply so they can sell you a holiday. But I hope it helps anyway). This may also help: Portuguese Islands Folk Tales (more comprehensive) Algarve History Association From Amazon: Mythological Beings of Portugal I hope you find something here to help you.
Thanks for the help everyone, I feel like I've got some pretty good ideas for what I want to do. Although, it is pretty clear by now that I'm going to have to expand on the scope of my research to include a few more countries, just so that I have a little more variety. Except for the one inspired by Greece, I think I'll be fine sticking with the creatures of Greek mythology.
Just got back from one week in the Azores and another in the Algarve in Southern Portugal along the Mediterranean coast. I didn't pick up on any myths, but you could sure see all the grottos (water caves) along the ocean that creepy stuff could live in. They were really pretty too, and the whole area was cheap compared to the rest of Europe. Lots of beach towns that were amazing!
Okay, so, question: Why did you pick Portugal to represent the winter realm? As in why is it important that the winter country is represented by Portugal, specifically? It just seems sorta random and arbitrary, you know? I mean, with the others you have Celtic, Greek and Japanese mythology to draw from. Those are some pretty broad, well-known, and well-documented sources. But Portugal? No offense to any Portuguese reading this, but the only thing I know about Portugal is that it's not Spain, and yet I'm very fuzzy on the actual difference. I dare say, most people don't know what Portugal's deal is. And, apparently, that includes you. What I'm saying is: Maybe the fact that you yourself don't know anything about Portuguese mythology or folklore should be interpreted as a kind of warning bell here? Like, usually we don't choose to write about stuff we don't understand. Why did you pick this specific country when you admit you are clueless about it? What does Portugal even have to do with winter? I would have gone with Finland, or Russia or something. Look, I'm just trying to understand your thinking here.
Sorry, I'm late to the party. Does this help? https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2022/09/19/mythologies-of-portugal/ If not I'll reach out to one of my Portuguese friends.
