Review of Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore

I had been thinking about fantasy and how real folklore and myth really isn't what appears in most RPG books and campaigns. Most of that is seen through Lord of the Rings and other such works.

So, I hunted around for something that put most of the important folkloric figures into a nice reference.

I purchased Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend But this wasn't what I wanted at all. Funk & Wagnalls is a large book, 7.5" x 9.75" x 2.25" 1236 pp. with a $40 price tag. This wouldn't be so bad except it's given to lengthy, dry scholarly pieces.

Worse it failed my kool-aid acid test for a decent folklore reference. Before I decide if a reference is going to be good, I check to see if it has elves and goblins in it. Funk & Wagnalls didn't have elves in it. I can't believe I bought it. Dopey me.

I was beginning to think I'd never find a good, basic reference when I found Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore. I was skeptical of the little 1.35" x 9.53" x 6.44" soft cover book. But the price tag was less than 50% of Funk & Wagnalls. Maybe I should try.

But first, the kool-aid acid test. Yeah, it has Elf, and Goblin...better check Dwarf just to be safe....Yup. Bought it.

Author Alison Jones writes in pleasant prose and the dictionary format allows for a concise write-up of the over 1,500 entries. Here's a sample:

goblin
European MISCHIEVOUS SPIRIT. Derived from the Greek word for a roguish spirit, kobalos, the term goblin is generally applied to any wandering malicious spirit in Western folklore, particularly in England and France. Goblins are usually portrayed as small, grotesque figures, much given to wreaking havoc in the house by night, breaking dishes and banging walls. The hobgoblin, although mischievous and fond of practical jokes, is a friendlier and more benevolent type of goblin. At their worst, goblins can be terrifying bogeys used to frighten children, for example the cannibalistic hobyahs who carry off an old woman in a Scottish and American folktale, or the evil spirits of Christina Rossetti's poem Goblin Market, but more usually they are mischievous household spirits, who may help around the house, rewarding children when they're good and punish them for disobedience. They should be offered food and milk to keep them good-humoured, since an offended goblin, like most fairies, can be a troublesome enemy. > mischievous spirits

All of the bold words, hobgoblin, bogeys, hobyahs, household spirits, fairies, as well as the little arrow "see also" > mischievous spirits indicate other entries in the book for further reading and research.

Illustrator John Beaumont's artwork is muted line art, but workable as dictionary illustrations, better even. In fact, they look all the world like illustrations straight out of TSR's Monster Manual.

The biggest drawback to the Larousse Dictionary is the concise nature of the entries and the fact that it isn't as exhaustive as it could be. I'm given reason to believe that orcs are a creature of folklore and myth, not a creation of Tolkien, but they are absent in the book.

While there are entries from cultures around the world, most of the references refer to European and American myths and legends.

Furthermore, most of the entries are all too brief, leaving the reader wanting more.

However, I suppose that's the idea. Fortunately, there is a section listing suggested further reading as well as biographical notes on prominent folklorist, a list of ethnographical and folklore museums throughout the world and a calendar of festivals and folkloric events. So go to the library, plan a field trip, or better yet, celebrate a new holiday.

In the final analysis, for anyone looking to research the true folklore and legends behind many staples of contemporary fantasy, Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore is a great place to start. Although many will wish for further material on the subject, this volume with still prove a useful reference thanks to it's brevity and accessability.

It's just handy.

Available in both hard and softcover from Amazon.com. However, at this writing they're on back order.

[Amazon rating ***** (out of five)]