intro If Light Doesn't Reach Mandira Pattnaik On days the Banyan tree has no shadow, my mother will tie one of my brothers to the tree, like another ariel prop. The illusion of shadow will please them. He’ll venture to speak to our ancestors, asking if they’re happy, coming back at nightfall, if successful. Of... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘A Bad Place for a Campsite’ by Gabriella Balcom
Today we have a Tibetan myth-inspired drabble by Gabriella Balcom. Enjoy! A Bad Place for a Campsite Gabriella Balcom Dawa staggered to a tree, crushing plants along the way, and urinated on it. At the campsite, he tried to start a fire, but fumbled matches repeatedly. Tenzin sighed. “You’re drunk.” After more unsuccessful attempts, Dawa... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘Boundless Faith’ by Dawn DeBraal.
The drabbles continue with a Filipino myth inspired story by Dawn DeBraal! Boundless Faith Dawn DeBraal Amelia Valencia climbed Mount Makiling searching for the magical woman, Mariang. The beautiful woman gave gifts to those deserving. Amelia's father was out of work, her mother ill. She had faith that knew no boundaries. Her neighbors laughed at... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘The Relic of Love & Lust’ by Fariel Shafee
Time for a drabble from a new contributor, Fariel Shafee! The Relic of Love & Lust Fariel Shafee At nighttime the heat was unbearable. Mamun lay on the floor, asking for some air. When he opened the door to the courtyard, the full moon flashed. The breeze was sudden and it brought in the smell... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘On the Beach, Coated in Golden Sunlight’ by Joachim Heijndermans
Please enjoy today's Thai myth-inspired drabble, 'On the Beach, Coated in the Golden Sunlight' by Joachim Heijndermans! On the Beach, Coated in Golden Sunlight Joachim Heijndermans The world is still coated in the blue shroud of the night. On the horizon, a line of golden light waits to ascend. She steps forward, her discarded clothes... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘Like Langka’ by Celestine Trinidad
Time for some drabbles! Starting today, I'll be sharing 2-3 drabbles per week from last year's drabble anthology, Mythical Beings of Asia. This collection is Book 4 in our Insignia Drabbles series; and a sample of drabbles from Mythical Creatures of Asia (Book 3) are available to read here online, published in 2021. First up,... Continue Reading →
INSTINCTS #28: ‘The Divine Beasts’ by Yukari Kousaka
Hello friends, hope everyone is doing well! After a 6-month break, I'm pleased to be able to relaunch our poetry series, INSTINCTS, with a fantasy poem by Japanese writer, Yukari Kousaka. The Divine Beasts Yukari Kousaka The Azure Dragon shook the Kiyomizu Temple After one tail-wag, extinguished the forest The spiritual creature flew with great... Continue Reading →
MYTHICAL DRABBLES: ‘Imagination’ by Kelly Matsuura
When you find an unpublished drabble in the drafts folder...... 🙂 Please enjoy one of my own original pieces, 'Imagination' which was published in Mythical Creatures of Asia in 2021. I do love Persian mythology! Imagination Kelly Matsuura Soraya used her first wish to end the drought in her region. She next wished to be... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘Sweet Tooth’ by Dawn DeBraal
Today's tempting drabble is by the very lovely Dawn Debraal! It's great to have her join our Insignia Drabbles series. Sweet Tooth Dawn DeBraal Nur hovered in the back of the cave. She had heard of the creature Buto Ijo. If a child misbehaved, he would come and whisk them away. If she did not... Continue Reading →
Mythical Drabbles: ‘On a Foggy Night’ by Vivek Santhosh
Please enjoy today's drabble, 'On a Foggy Night', by new contributor Vivek Santhosh. On a Foggy Night Vivek Santhosh Rajappan pedaled his bicycle across Vittoor Bridge. A thick fog hung over the surrounding farmland. He noticed an old man hobbling in the darkness. He flagged Rajappan down and asked for a light, his voice raspy... Continue Reading →