Download or read book In Search of the Swan Maiden written by Barbara Fass Leavy and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 1995-07-01 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In her compendious study, [of the folktale of the runaway wife] Leavy argues that the contradictory claims of nature and culture are embodied in the legendary figure of the swan maiden, a woman torn between the human and bestial worlds. --The New York Times Book Review This is a study of the meaning of gender as framed by the swan maiden tale, a story found in the folklore of virtually every culture. The swan maiden is a supernatural woman forced to marry, keep house, and bear children for a mortal man who holds the key to her imprisonment. When she manages to regain this key, she escapes to the otherworld, never to return. These tales have most often been interpreted as depicting exogamous marriages, describing the girl from another tribe trapped in a world where she will always be the outsider. Barbara Fass Leavy believes that, in the societies in which the tale and its variants endured, woman was the other--the outsider trapped in a society that could never be her own. Leavy shows how the tale, though rarely explicitly recognized, is frequently replayed in modern literature. Beautifully written, this book reveals the myriad ways in which the folktales of a society reflect its cultural values, and particularly how folktales are allegories of gender relations. It will interest anyone involved in literary, gender, and cultural studies.

Download or read book Fairy Tale Fashion written by Colleen Hill and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dress plays a crucial role in fairy tales, signaling the status, wealth, or vanity of particular characters, and symbolizing their transformation. While fairy tales often provide little information beyond what is necessary to a plot, clothing and accessories are often vividly described, enhancing the sense of wonder integral to the genre. Cinderella's glass slipper is perhaps the most famous example, but it is one of many enchanted or emblematic pieces of dress that populate these tales. This is the first book to examine the history, significance, and imagery of classic fairy tales through the lens of high fashion. A comprehensive introduction to the topic of fairy tales and dress is followed by a series of short essays on thirteen stories: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Fairies, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Rapunzel, Furrypelts, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, The Swan Maidens, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. Generously illustrated, these stories are creatively and imaginatively linked to examples of clothing by Comme des Garçons, Dolce and Gabbana, Charles James, and Alexander McQueen, among many others.

Download or read book The Black Swan written by Mercedes Lackey and published by Astra Publishing House. This book was released on 2000-05-01 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After his wife's untimely death, a powerful sorcerer dedicates his life to seeking revenge against all womankind. He turns his captives into beautiful swans--who briefly regain human form by the fleeting light of the moon. Only Odette, noblest of the enchanted flock, has the courage to confront her captor. But can she gain the allies she needs to free herself and the other swan-maidens from their magical slavery?A monumental tale of loyalty and betrayal, of magic good and evil, of love both carnal and pure, and of the duality of human nature, The Black Swan is a rich tapestry which is sure to become an all-time masterpiece of fantasy.

Download or read book The Wild Swans written by Hans Christian Andersen and published by Golden Books. This book was released on 2014-07-22 with total page 26 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Golden Book archives comes a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, gloriously illustrated by Gordon Laite in the late 1960s but never published until now! Gordon Laite’s breathtaking artwork for a Little Golden Book edition of the Andersen fairy tale was found recently in the Golden Books archive. Planned for a 1970 release but never published, this Little Golden Book is finally making its debut for today’s fairy tale fans! And it couldn’t be a lovelier retelling of the story of a determined princess whose loyalty saves her brothers from being turned into swans by an evil queen.

Download or read book A Wild Winter Swan written by Gregory Maguire and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After brilliantly reimagining the worlds of Oz, Wonderland, Dickensian London, and the Nutcracker, the New York Times bestselling author of Wicked turns his unconventional genius to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans," transforming this classic tale into an Italian-American girl's poignant coming-of-age story, set amid the magic of Christmas in 1960s New York. Following her brother's death and her mother's emotional breakdown, Laura now lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in a lonely townhouse she shares with her old-world, strict, often querulous grandparents. But the arrangement may be temporary. The quiet, awkward teenager has been getting into trouble at home and has been expelled from her high school for throwing a record album at a popular girl who bullied her. When Christmas is over and the new year begins, Laura may find herself at boarding school in Montreal. Nearly unmoored from reality through her panic and submerged grief, Laura is startled when a handsome swan boy with only one wing lands on her roof. Hiding him from her ever-bickering grandparents, Laura tries to build the swan boy a wing so he can fly home. But the task is too difficult to accomplish herself. Little does Laura know that her struggle to find help for her new friend parallels that of her grandparents, who are desperate for a distant relative’s financial aid to save the family store. As he explores themes of class, isolation, family, and the dangerous yearning to be saved by a power greater than ourselves, Gregory Maguire conjures a haunting, beautiful tale of magical realism that illuminates one young woman’s heartbreak and hope as she begins the inevitable journey to adulthood.

Download or read book The Swan Maiden written by Heather Tomlinson and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2007-08-07 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An age-old fairy tale told in a refreshingly original voice, this stunning, richly imagined debut novel depicts fantasy at its most eloquent.

Download or read book The Serpent and the Swan written by Boria Sax and published by Univ. of Tennessee Press. This book was released on 1998 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Serpent and the Swan is a history and analysis of animal bride tales from antiquity to the present. The animal bride tale, the author argues, is an enduring expression of humankind's need to remain close to and a part of nature. Boria Sax traces the idea of the animal bride through history by drawing upon legends and literary works from throughout the world. He pays particular attention to Eurasian sources which support his thesis that the animal bride theme originated among the serpent cults of Mesopotamia and southeastern Europe. Through time, the details of the animal bride theme changed as a result of mankind's changing perceptions of the natural world. In general, this study is an account of myths and beliefs that have surrounded animals--and women--during the rise of modern humankind. The Serpent and the Swan identifies and explains images of the animal bride that pervade, enliven, and enrich our culture. The bride becomes Eve taking an apple from the serpent, Medea casting spells, Cinderella riding to the royal ball in a pumpkin coach, and the Little Mermaid rising from the waves. The Author: Boria Sax, who holds a doctorate in German and intellectual history, is the author of The Frog King and The Parliament of Animals, among other books.

Download or read book Swan Sister written by Ellen Datlow and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-03-20 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just as fairy-tale magic can transform a loved one into a swan, the contributors to this book have transformed traditional fairy tales and legends into stories that are completely original, yet still tantalizingly familiar In the follow-up to A Wolf at the Door, thirteen renowned authors come together with a selection of new and surprising adaptations of the fairy tales we think we know so well. These fresh takes on classic tales will show you sides of each story you never dreamed of.

Download or read book Six Swans written by and published by Boyds Mills Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A king's daughter undertakes a difficult task to rescue her six brothers from the enchantment imposed on them by their wicked stepmother.

Download or read book The Swan Maiden written by Susan King and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Maidens written by Alex Michaelides and published by Celadon Books. This book was released on 2021-06-15 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: **THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "Alex Michaelides’s long-awaited next novel, 'The Maidens,' is finally here...the premise is enticing and the elements irresistible." —The New York Times "A deliciously dark, elegant, utterly compulsive read—with a twist that blew my mind. I loved this even more than I loved The Silent Patient and that's saying something!" —Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly). Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens. Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge. Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld? When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

Download or read book Swan Lake written by K. Shea and published by . This book was released on 2016-12-14 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cursed to be a swan by day, Odette spends her nights leading a band of smugglers and delivering illegal goods. Though she longs for her spell to be broken, she is stuck flattering the evil sorcerer who cursed her. When the kind and witty Prince Alexsei tracks Odette and her crew to their camp, Odette fears he is yet another complication she must manage. Instead, Alexsei slowly endears himself to her and searches for a way to break her curse--but with every visit he risks alerting the sorcerer to his presence. When the sorcerer launches an attack against the royal family, Odette is pulled between her love for Alexsei and her loyalties to her crew. Will she choose to fight with Alexsei, or fulfill her responsibilities as a leader and smuggler? SWAN LAKE is retelling of the ballet, and is the seventh book of the TIMELESS FAIRY TALES series. The books in this series take place in the same world and can be read all together, or as individual, stand-alone books. If you enjoy compelling characters, sweet romance, and magical jokes, download a sample or buy it today!

Download or read book Swan Witch written by Betina Lindsey and published by Diversion Books. This book was released on 2015-10-18 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An RWA Best Historical Fantasy Romance—second in the enchanting medieval trilogy from the author of Swan Bride. As the setting sun haloed her flame-colored hair, beautiful Eithne glowed with netherworld witchery, her gentle nature clouded by the black magic of the Druid father who held her mother imprisoned. Having vowed never to speak, she could not cry a warning to the handsome knight who, by entering the gates of Rath Morna, had sealed his fate. With his raven-black hair braided like that of a king, Bron mac Llyr has traveled the land searching for the famed Swan Sister who is blessed with the powers to heal his battle wounds. Instead he finds a place of dark enchantment, a trap of lies and illusions, and an exotic, ethereal woman so lovely he burns to possess her. Bron vows to unveil the sorrowful secret that burdens Eithne’s heart. Now she must chance exchanging her father’s evil reign for the greater hazards of desire and so discover that a man can give as well as take, could free as well as possess his beloved Swan Witch.

Download or read book Happily Ever Afters written by Elise Bryant and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2021-01-05 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances. Sixteen-year-old Tessa Johnson has never felt like the protagonist in her own life. She’s rarely seen herself reflected in the pages of the romance novels she loves. The only place she’s a true leading lady is in her own writing—in the swoony love stories she shares only with Caroline, her best friend and #1 devoted reader. When Tessa is accepted into the creative writing program of a prestigious art school, she’s excited to finally let her stories shine. But when she goes to her first workshop, the words are just...gone. Fortunately, Caroline has a solution: Tessa just needs to find some inspiration in a real-life love story of her own. And she’s ready with a list of romance novel-inspired steps to a happily ever after. Nico, the brooding artist who looks like he walked out of one of Tessa’s stories, is cast as the perfect Prince Charming. But as Tessa checks each item off Caroline’s list, she gets further and further away from herself. She risks losing everything she cares about—including the surprising bond she develops with sweet Sam, who lives across the street. She’s well on her way to having her own real-life love story, but is it the one she wants, after all?

Download or read book The Swan Maiden written by Jules Watson and published by Bantam. This book was released on 2009-02-24 with total page 562 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this lush, romantic retelling of one of the most enduring Irish legends, acclaimed Celtic historical author Jules Watson reignites the tale of Deirdre—the Irish Helen of Troy—in a story that is at once magical, beautiful, and tragic. She was born with a blessing and a curse: that she would grow into a woman of extraordinary beauty—and bring ruin to the kingdom of Ulster and its ruler, the wily Conor. Ignoring the pleadings of his druid to expel the infant, King Conor secrets the girl child with a poor couple in his province, where no man can covet her. There, under the tutelage of a shamaness, Deirdre comes of age in nature and magic…. And in the season of her awakening, the king is inexorably drawn to her impossible beauty. But for Deirdre, her fate as a man’s possession is worse than death. And soon the green-eyed girl, at home in waterfall and woods, finds herself at the side of three rebellious young warriors. Among them is the handsome Naisi. His heart charged with bitterness toward the aging king, and growing in love for the defiant girl, Naisi will lead Deirdre far from Ulster—and into a war of wits, swords, and spirit that will take a lifetime to wage. Brimming with life and its lusts, here is a soaring tale of enchantment and eternal passions—and of a woman who became legend.

Download or read book Japanese Fairy Tales written by Lafcadio Hearn and published by . This book was released on 1918 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A collection of 20 fairy tales from Japan including "Chin-Chin Kobakama," "The Serpent with Eight Heads," and "The Tea-Kettle."

Download or read book THE SWAN MAIDENS A Classic Children s Fairy Tale written by Anon E. Mouse and published by Abela Publishing Ltd. This book was released on 2018-10-23 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ISSN: 2397-9607 Issue 427 In this 427th issue of the Baba Indaba?s Children's Stories series, Baba Indaba narrates the Japanese Legend, "THE SWAN MAIDENS?. A long, long time ago, a hunter was stalking his prey in a forest near a pool. Seven graceful swans descended and landed. Instead of going to the water, they took off their cloaks of feathers and turned into six beautiful maidens. He watched while they swam and frolicked in the moonlight. He crept closer and took the feather cloak of the youngest and most beautiful. Just as dawn was beginning to break, the eldest said ?We must away.? They all swam to shore, put on their cloaks, transformed into swans and flew away ? except the youngest who searched high and low for her cloak. The hunter stepped forward and offered the beautiful maiden his cloak. This she took reluctantly and went home with him. Well, what happened next you ask, and what does ?East of the Sun and West of the Moon have to do with the story? As you would expect in these circumstances,ÿ many things happened. To find the answers to this question, and any others you may have, you will have to download and read this story to find out! BABA INDABA is a fictitious Zulu storyteller who narrates children's stories from around the world. Baba Indaba translates as "Father of Stories". Each issue also has a "WHERE IN THE WORLD - LOOK IT UP" section, where young readers are challenged to look up a place on a map somewhere in the world. The place, town or city is relevant to the story. HINT - use Google maps. It is our hope that in looking up these place names using Google Maps, that young people will be able to see the images and read about other peoples and cultures from around the world. Through this, it is also our hope that young people will not only increase their understanding of world geography, but also increase their understanding and tolerance of other people and their cultures. INCLUDES LINKS TO DOWNLOAD 8 FREE STORIESÿ VIEW ANY of the BABA INDABA CHILDREN?S STORIES here on GOOGLE PLAY or at https://goo.gl/65LXNM 10% of the profit from the sale of this book will be donated to charities. ======= KEYWORDS/TAGS: Baba Indaba, Children?s stories, Childrens, Folklore, Fairy, Folk, Tales, bedtime story, legends, storyteller, fables, moral tales, European, lie in wait, watch, King, imperial court, princesses, hunter, Land, West, East, Moon, Sun, seven, wife, flew, old, robe, cap, shoes, Mountain, daughter, feathers, brother, maidens, Fishes, Birds, swans, youngest, Crystal, mother, bushes, ducks, lake, daughters, swiftness, beautiful, invisible, children, happily, dolphin, sisters, started, Forest, beg, father, shoon, night, magical, Wild, dawn, sea, six, 6, 7, hide-and-seek, quarrel, wainscoting, forefinger, needlework, darkened, Wander, dispute, whistle, fishes, Bends, Glens, Moors, marry, Crane, cloak, love, trap, hide, sky