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Asian Myths and Legends

Explore the mystical landscapes of Asia, where dragons, spirits, and divine beings weave tales of destiny and transformation. From Japan to India, these legends reveal the heart of Eastern philosophy and imagination.

Sepia-toned illustration on aged rice parchment depicting a scene from the Thai folktale of Princess Manorah. In a mystical forest beneath Mount Grairat, a hermit bows respectfully before a radiant Kinnaree princess—half-woman, half-swan—adorned in traditional jewelry and a tall headdress.

Princess Manorah: Kinnaree Legend from Thailand

by Aimiton Precious

November 12, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

In the golden age of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, when magic still wove through the fabric of the world, there stood the mystical Mount Grairat, a mountain that pierced the clouds and touched the realm of the divine. Upon this sacred peak lived King Prathum and Queen Jantakinnaree, rulers of a kingdom where wonder was woven into everyday life. The royal

Sepia-toned illustration of Behula mourning her husband Lakhindar on a wooden raft drifting through Bengal’s stormy river, surrounded by swirling currents and ancient trees, with divine serpent goddess Manasa watching from the skies—evoking love, loss, and spiritual defiance in a timeless Bengali folktale

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Behula and Lakhindar: An Asian Legend of Unwavering Love

In the lush, river-crossed lands of Bengal, there lived a wealthy merchant named Chand Saudagar. His prosperity was known throughout the region; his ships sailed far, his warehouses overflowed with silk and spices, and his reputation reached even the courts of distant kingdoms. Yet for all his worldly success, Chand

"Sepia-toned illustration of Prince Kaundinya standing on a serpent-prowed ship, releasing a divine arrow toward Princess Soma’s boat as their eyes meet across turbulent waters—depicting the legendary moment when confrontation turned to love

Princess Soma and the Birth of Cambodia: An Asian Legend of Love

Long ago, when the world was younger and magic still walked freely

Sepia-toned illustration on aged parchment depicting the mythical meeting of Lac Long Quan, the Dragon Lord, and Au Co, the Mountain Fairy, from Vietnamese folklore. Lac Long Quan stands muscular and regal, with dragon-like features and flowing hair, extending his hand toward Au Co, who radiates celestial grace in an ornate headdress and flowing garments.

Lac Long Quan: An Ancient Vietnam Legend

In the misty dawn of Vietnam’s ancient history, when gods still walked

sepia-toned parchment illustration of Alpamish the Warrior is ready. It captures the essence of his heroic journey: the determined warrior riding across rugged terrain, sword raised, with echoes of fallen giants behind him and the vision of Barchin shimmering like a mirage in the distance.

Alpamish: The Uzbek Warrior Hero Who Rescued His Beloved from Kidnappers

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of Umm Al Duwais, the legendary desert spirit of the UAE, walking gracefully through a moonlit desert. Her long, flowing hair trails behind her like a living veil, adorned with ancient golden jewelry that glimmers softly.

Umm Al Duwais Legend: The Desert Spirit Who Punishes Infidelity

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of Gorogly, the legendary Turkmen hero, charging down a rugged mountain on horseback with sword raised, leading the fight against tyranny. A majestic wolf strides ahead through rocky terrain, symbolizing strength and guidance.

Gorogly: The Turkmen Hero Born in a Coffin Who Fought Tyranny

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

sepia-toned parchment illustration is ready now. It captures the dramatic moment of the Ergenekon legend: the blacksmith striking the glowing iron mountain, molten cracks opening to reveal light, while the majestic grey wolf stands at the passage guiding the Turkic people toward freedom.

Ergenekon Legend: Asian Myth of the Grey Wolf

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of the Timorese creation myth “The Boy and the Crocodile.” On the shore, a compassionate boy kneels beside a weakened crocodile, shading its cracked scales with palm leaves and pouring water over its snout. In the same sweeping composition, the crocodile reappears as a colossal spirit rising from the sea

The Sacred Crocodile of Timor: Asian Creation Myth from Timor-Leste

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of the Thai Buddhist legend “Phra Mae Thorani.” Beneath the sacred Bodhi tree, Prince Siddhartha sits in serene meditation, his right hand touching the earth in the bhumisparsha mudra. Opposite him, the Earth Goddess Phra Mae Thorani kneels gracefully, wringing water from her long, flowing hair. The cascading stream symbolizes the merit of Siddhartha’s countless lifetimes, washing away Mara’s demonic forces. The background features twilight skies, ancient trees, and a peaceful landscape, evoking sacred power, truth, and enlightenment. “OldFolktales.com” is subtly inscribed at the bottom right.

Phra Mae Thorani and Mara: An Asian Myth of the Sacred Flood

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of the Persian folktale “Rustam and the White Demon,” showing the heroic warrior Rustam in mid-battle against the monstrous White Demon inside a dark, cavernous stronghold. Rustam, muscular and determined, raises a spiked mace while gripping a sword, confronting the towering, pale-furred demon with snarling features and clawed hands. The background reveals cracked earth, swirling dust, and a distant silhouette of a lone figure at the cave’s entrance.

Rustam the Hero: Ancient Asian Legend of Courage

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of the Atayal folktale "The Sun and Moon Lovers," showing the radiant Sun and gentle Moon as human figures reaching for each other in a lush Taiwanese landscape.

Atayal Love Story: Asian Myth of the Sun and Moon’s Eternal Separation

November 27, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned illustration of a grieving Bruneian princess gently pushing a flower-laden funerary boat carrying her deceased husband, Nakhoda Ragam, into the waves along the Tutong coast.

Nakhoda Ragam: The Singing Captain of Asia

November 20, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

Sepia-toned parchment illustration of Guru Rinpoche seated in meditation atop the sprawling form of Sinmo, the demoness whose body shapes Bhutan’s mountainous landscape.

Sinmo the Demoness: An Ancient Asian Legend of Taming the Land

November 20, 2025

Asian Myths and Legends·Myths & Legends

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