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Morgan Sheppard (1037 KP) created a post

Sep 4, 2026  
It's #FolkloreFriday 🦢

This week's folklore focus explores the swan in Welsh tradition. The swan is a consistently liminal creature; it belongs to the water and the air, the mortal world and the Otherworld simultaneously. Welsh swans are rarely simply birds in the old stories; they are transformed beings wearing the shape of a swan, the boundary between the person and the bird growing genuinely uncertain over time.

The protective folk belief surrounding them reflects how seriously the tradition took that liminality. Harming a swan was considered deeply unlucky, as the bird was understood to be under divine protection; something that moves between worlds deserves more than ordinary treatment.

The last quarter moon arrives today alongside a turning season. Both are creatures of the between-space, asking for a different kind of attention. 🦢

#FolkloreFriday #WelshFolklore #TalesFromWales
     
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Fisherman's Friends (2019) in Movies

Mar 20, 2019 (Updated Mar 20, 2019)  
Fisherman's Friends (2019)
Fisherman's Friends (2019)
2019 | Comedy, Drama, Musical
Punishingly trite, manipulative and formulaic (not very) based-on-a-true-story rom-com melodrama. Jaded urban over-achiever finds himself stranded in remote rural community, learns to appreciate the value of The Important Things in Life; meanwhile a crew of hairy fishermen sing songs with lyrics like 'Nacker-nacker-toory-ay'. Cornwall and its inhabitants are arguably patronised a lot.

Utterly predictable and not very funny (well, we did laugh a lot during the bit with the funeral, but we're not very proud of that), the script overdoses on feelgood platitudes while not bothering all that much about things like characterisation or internal logic. The music is not that bad (if you like that sort of thing), but sheesh, you can go and buy a CD for that. In the end this is a sort of lobotomised version of Local Hero with added folk music.
  
TT
8
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
One thing I love about Leigh Bardugo is that she goes so in depth in the world she created! I absolutely love basically anything Leigh Bardugo will ever write, these short stories included!

This story, like the others, gives the female characters so much agency and power!!

There are spoilers in the rest of the review from here, so be warned!

We, as both the readers and as the Fox, don't suspect this seemingly weak character to be able to do anything, but boy does she surprise us!! I loved how the fox was so trusting in this girl because how could a girl be dangerous? Right? WRONG!!!

This is just another beautiful addition to Leigh Bardugo's already amazing collection of works!1

Please just read all of the folk tales she releases from this series/world!! It adds so much depth to the already fantastic world she created!
  
The Bear and the Nightingale
The Bear and the Nightingale
Katherine Arden | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.4 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book has changed how I judge fantasies. This is obviously my first book by Katherine Arden and I am so truly in love with this book. The characters that Katherine Arden wove are beautiful and complex. I spent the entire book in awe of everything that was captured.

The plot was unique and rivaled Juliet Marillier which from me is one of the highest compliments I can give. I loved the folk lore and how intricate the novel was. I spent my days not wanting to finish the audiobook simply because it would be over.

If you're on the fence about reading this book, just do it. I know that I personally avoid anything that is too popular but I am so glad I read this. It is so beautifully written and so well developed. It will be one I have to reread many times.
  
The Hazel Wood
The Hazel Wood
Melissa Albert | 2017 | Mystery, Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.4 (33 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deliciously dark take on fairytales! Creepier than I expected, I almost didn't want to read it after dark lol. And that cover is gorgeous!

I'm a huge fan of anything related to the fair folk so this was right up my alley. As soon as I started reading it I didn't want to put it down, the writing immediately grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. The plot was one of the most unique I've read among the fairytale genre. I adored the Tales of the Hinterland referenced throughout, they were so interesting that I'd love to see them published as a companion to The Hazel Wood.

Fans of books like Holly Black's The Cruel Prince or anyone who likes their fantasy on the darker side will love The Hazel Wood!

**Thanks to Flatiron Books for sending me an advanced review copy! All opinions are my own.**
  
VI
Vassa in the Night
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book, more than I expected in the beginning. it's been on my tbr list for a while and I was excited to finally read it but it didn't hook me from the start like I'd hoped. I stuck with it and as the action picked up I couldn't put it down. I would have liked a little more backstory on bea and babs and vassa's mom and I think vassa herself could have used a little more development but overall I was pleased with the story. Even tho it's based on a Russian folk story I think it stands alone for those, like myself, who aren't familiar with the original. the characters are unique and beautiful prose is scattered throughout. the ending was nicely done, tying things up but also leaving it open for a sequel should the author choose to write one.
  
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Jackjack (877 KP) rated The Hunt (2020) in Movies

Apr 10, 2020 (Updated Apr 10, 2020)  
The Hunt (2020)
The Hunt (2020)
2020 | Action, Horror, Thriller
Pretty good
I've been waiting forever to watch this film, but it's not as I expected, so many people die so quick and there was alot of humour in throughout too.

Standard film a bunch of rich folk hunting down your average everyday person, but each person has badmouthed the rich and so they make what's being said about them a reality, fair is fair. The film concentrates and is mainly about one person, Betty Gilpin. She gives most the humour I found her character hilarious there was just no facial expression no matter the situation she was just badass 😎. The film is definitely worth the watch but as per usual like most films the ending annoyed me the film was good the final scene was good but I am one of the people I want to see what happened next but that's never the way.