EssAeEm
@essaeem.bsky.social
Connoisseur of the weird and wondrous, especially folklore, cartoons, theme parks, and puppets. I also run @gifs-of-puppets.bsky.social.
Pinned
The Serengeti Plain at Busch Gardens in home to wide variety of African wildlife, including this eland grazing in the grass.
The Serengeti Plain at Busch Gardens in home to wide variety of African wildlife, including this eland grazing in the grass.
December 7, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The Serengeti Plain at Busch Gardens in home to wide variety of African wildlife, including this eland grazing in the grass.
As Walt Disney's brother Roy said at Magic Kingdom's dedication in 1971, “Walt Disney World is tribute to the philosophy & life of Walter Elias Disney & to the talents, the dedication, & the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true." Happy Birthday, Walt!
December 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
As Walt Disney's brother Roy said at Magic Kingdom's dedication in 1971, “Walt Disney World is tribute to the philosophy & life of Walter Elias Disney & to the talents, the dedication, & the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true." Happy Birthday, Walt!
Reposted by EssAeEm
“No,” said Lizzie, “No, no, no;
Their offers should not charm us,
Their evil gifts would harm us.”
Christina Rossetti was born #otd 1830 and her “Goblin Market” tells the cautionary tale of forbidden fruit coming as gifts. At first.
Wrapped up here for #FolkyFriday
🎨 Arthur Rackham
Their offers should not charm us,
Their evil gifts would harm us.”
Christina Rossetti was born #otd 1830 and her “Goblin Market” tells the cautionary tale of forbidden fruit coming as gifts. At first.
Wrapped up here for #FolkyFriday
🎨 Arthur Rackham
December 5, 2025 at 10:55 AM
“No,” said Lizzie, “No, no, no;
Their offers should not charm us,
Their evil gifts would harm us.”
Christina Rossetti was born #otd 1830 and her “Goblin Market” tells the cautionary tale of forbidden fruit coming as gifts. At first.
Wrapped up here for #FolkyFriday
🎨 Arthur Rackham
Their offers should not charm us,
Their evil gifts would harm us.”
Christina Rossetti was born #otd 1830 and her “Goblin Market” tells the cautionary tale of forbidden fruit coming as gifts. At first.
Wrapped up here for #FolkyFriday
🎨 Arthur Rackham
Today is the final day of the 2025 Sarasota Medieval Fair, so here's another photo from when I visited earlier this month. Since this year's theme was The Battle of Halidon Hill and I visited during Highlands Weekend, it seems fitting to spotlight the Scottish team from the Human Combat Chess match.
November 30, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Today is the final day of the 2025 Sarasota Medieval Fair, so here's another photo from when I visited earlier this month. Since this year's theme was The Battle of Halidon Hill and I visited during Highlands Weekend, it seems fitting to spotlight the Scottish team from the Human Combat Chess match.
Reposted by EssAeEm
I just published a new article about turtles in Japanese folklore and culture including folktales, yokai, ghosts, and art. I really hope you enjoy it! 🐢
open.substack.com/pub/curiouso...
#JapaneseFolklore #JapaneseArt
open.substack.com/pub/curiouso...
#JapaneseFolklore #JapaneseArt
Turtles in Japanese Folklore and Culture
Folktales, yokai, symbolism and art
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:38 AM
I just published a new article about turtles in Japanese folklore and culture including folktales, yokai, ghosts, and art. I really hope you enjoy it! 🐢
open.substack.com/pub/curiouso...
#JapaneseFolklore #JapaneseArt
open.substack.com/pub/curiouso...
#JapaneseFolklore #JapaneseArt
Reposted by EssAeEm
Selkie Saturday (Boy Band Edition 🤣)
📸 by Karl Ramsdell
kellyjarviswriter.com
#selkiesaturday #selkies #SelkieMoon #seals #sealife #oceanphotography #fairytale #folklore
📸 by Karl Ramsdell
kellyjarviswriter.com
#selkiesaturday #selkies #SelkieMoon #seals #sealife #oceanphotography #fairytale #folklore
November 29, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Selkie Saturday (Boy Band Edition 🤣)
📸 by Karl Ramsdell
kellyjarviswriter.com
#selkiesaturday #selkies #SelkieMoon #seals #sealife #oceanphotography #fairytale #folklore
📸 by Karl Ramsdell
kellyjarviswriter.com
#selkiesaturday #selkies #SelkieMoon #seals #sealife #oceanphotography #fairytale #folklore
If you see this, I IMPLORE you to post a picture from whatever device you're using without explanation.
November 29, 2025 at 2:31 AM
If you see this, I IMPLORE you to post a picture from whatever device you're using without explanation.
Reposted by EssAeEm
Tsurara-onna are by their nature tragic. They are Icicle Women of Japan, formed from the minds of lonely hearts, and appear for a season of fleeting, passionate love. Then, when the snow melts, so too does the Icicle Woman, leaving only a memory. #FolkyFriday
🖼: M. Meyer
🖼: M. Meyer
November 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Tsurara-onna are by their nature tragic. They are Icicle Women of Japan, formed from the minds of lonely hearts, and appear for a season of fleeting, passionate love. Then, when the snow melts, so too does the Icicle Woman, leaving only a memory. #FolkyFriday
🖼: M. Meyer
🖼: M. Meyer
Reposted by EssAeEm
Crusader Ghost (1916)
illustration by Frank Dadd
from the book ‘Old Christmas’
by Washington Irving (1783-1859)
#PhantomsFriday
illustration by Frank Dadd
from the book ‘Old Christmas’
by Washington Irving (1783-1859)
#PhantomsFriday
November 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Crusader Ghost (1916)
illustration by Frank Dadd
from the book ‘Old Christmas’
by Washington Irving (1783-1859)
#PhantomsFriday
illustration by Frank Dadd
from the book ‘Old Christmas’
by Washington Irving (1783-1859)
#PhantomsFriday
Reposted by EssAeEm
In Norse myths, the mountain giantess Skaði married the sea god Njörðr, as he had the nicest legs. But Skaði found she hated the sea because she couldn't ski there and gulls squawked all day, while Njörðr hated the snowy mountains because they were so cold and wolves howled all night.
#FolkyFriday
#FolkyFriday
November 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
In Norse myths, the mountain giantess Skaði married the sea god Njörðr, as he had the nicest legs. But Skaði found she hated the sea because she couldn't ski there and gulls squawked all day, while Njörðr hated the snowy mountains because they were so cold and wolves howled all night.
#FolkyFriday
#FolkyFriday
RIP Robert A.M. Stern. The celebrated architect, who passed away yesterday, left quite a mark on Disney over the years as the designer of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California and several resorts at Walt Disney World including the Yacht Club (pictured here), Beach Club, and Boardwalk.
November 28, 2025 at 9:14 PM
RIP Robert A.M. Stern. The celebrated architect, who passed away yesterday, left quite a mark on Disney over the years as the designer of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California and several resorts at Walt Disney World including the Yacht Club (pictured here), Beach Club, and Boardwalk.
Reposted by EssAeEm
In the dead of winter, ghosts inhabit the high alps.
#folkyfriday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Dance_of_the_Dead
#folkyfriday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Dance_of_the_Dead
The Dance of the Dead
wiki.sunkencastles.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
In the dead of winter, ghosts inhabit the high alps.
#folkyfriday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Dance_of_the_Dead
#folkyfriday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Dance_of_the_Dead
Reposted by EssAeEm
The Cauld Lad of Hilton (Co Durham) is as much household #fairy as he is #ghost. A tale of a murdered boy's body being hidden in a pond had him moaning 'Cauld, aye cauld, forever more!' But, in fairy-like fashion, when clothes were laid out for him, he quit the castle.
#PhantomsFriday #FolkyFriday
#PhantomsFriday #FolkyFriday
November 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The Cauld Lad of Hilton (Co Durham) is as much household #fairy as he is #ghost. A tale of a murdered boy's body being hidden in a pond had him moaning 'Cauld, aye cauld, forever more!' But, in fairy-like fashion, when clothes were laid out for him, he quit the castle.
#PhantomsFriday #FolkyFriday
#PhantomsFriday #FolkyFriday
A pirate treasure is rumored to be buried somewhere on Mississippi’s Deer Island, but it has never been found. According to local legend, this treasure is guarded by a headless skeleton who chases away anyone who gets too close to its hiding place. #PhantomsFriday
November 28, 2025 at 1:04 PM
A pirate treasure is rumored to be buried somewhere on Mississippi’s Deer Island, but it has never been found. According to local legend, this treasure is guarded by a headless skeleton who chases away anyone who gets too close to its hiding place. #PhantomsFriday
Happy Turkey Day!
November 27, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Happy Turkey Day!
Reposted by EssAeEm
Why do some Chinese dragons coil endlessly around pillars, never soaring skyward?
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
November 26, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Why do some Chinese dragons coil endlessly around pillars, never soaring skyward?
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
These are Pan Long (蟠龍), the earthbound rebels who failed to ascend to heaven. Ancient records say they stretched four zhang long (about 40 feet), wielding venom so lethal it killed on contact. But
1/2
Reposted by EssAeEm
In the Portuguese legend "The Rooster of Barcelos," a falsely accused man is brought before a judge during a banquet. Seeing a roasted rooster, the man says, "It's as certain I'm innocent as that rooster will crow." The rooster comes alive and crows, so the man's life is spared. #LegendaryWednesday
November 26, 2025 at 3:31 AM
In the Portuguese legend "The Rooster of Barcelos," a falsely accused man is brought before a judge during a banquet. Seeing a roasted rooster, the man says, "It's as certain I'm innocent as that rooster will crow." The rooster comes alive and crows, so the man's life is spared. #LegendaryWednesday
Reposted by EssAeEm
The Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele tests the generosity of humans by shapeshifting into an old beggar woman or a beautiful young hitchhiker. Those kind enough to help a stranger are rewarded, while those who aren't get their homes or possessions destroyed. #WyrdWednesday
November 26, 2025 at 3:24 AM
The Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele tests the generosity of humans by shapeshifting into an old beggar woman or a beautiful young hitchhiker. Those kind enough to help a stranger are rewarded, while those who aren't get their homes or possessions destroyed. #WyrdWednesday
Reposted by EssAeEm
A new challenger for cutest yokai ever has arrived. Have you ever heard of the yōfuku before? It's a relatively new discovery.
What do you guys think about this one?
www.patreon.com/posts/yofuku...
What do you guys think about this one?
www.patreon.com/posts/yofuku...
Yōfuku | Matthew Meyer (The Yokai Guy)
Get more from Matthew Meyer (The Yokai Guy) on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:18 AM
A new challenger for cutest yokai ever has arrived. Have you ever heard of the yōfuku before? It's a relatively new discovery.
What do you guys think about this one?
www.patreon.com/posts/yofuku...
What do you guys think about this one?
www.patreon.com/posts/yofuku...
Reposted by EssAeEm
#WyrdWednesday
Lenape myth tells how, during a bitterly cold winter, Rainbow Crow sacrificed his gentle voice & colourful plumage to collect a burning branch from the Sky Spirit & save fellow animals. His feathers were charred black & his voice turned harsh & hoarse.
🎨Davina Behin Jones
Lenape myth tells how, during a bitterly cold winter, Rainbow Crow sacrificed his gentle voice & colourful plumage to collect a burning branch from the Sky Spirit & save fellow animals. His feathers were charred black & his voice turned harsh & hoarse.
🎨Davina Behin Jones
November 26, 2025 at 1:28 PM
#WyrdWednesday
Lenape myth tells how, during a bitterly cold winter, Rainbow Crow sacrificed his gentle voice & colourful plumage to collect a burning branch from the Sky Spirit & save fellow animals. His feathers were charred black & his voice turned harsh & hoarse.
🎨Davina Behin Jones
Lenape myth tells how, during a bitterly cold winter, Rainbow Crow sacrificed his gentle voice & colourful plumage to collect a burning branch from the Sky Spirit & save fellow animals. His feathers were charred black & his voice turned harsh & hoarse.
🎨Davina Behin Jones
Reposted by EssAeEm
The Devil is always willing to help with major public works - but he always demands a sacrifice.
#wyrdwednesday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Construction_of_the_Cathedral_at_Aachen_and_the_Lousberg_Hill
#wyrdwednesday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Construction_of_the_Cathedral_at_Aachen_and_the_Lousberg_Hill
The Construction of the Cathedral at Aachen and the Lousberg Hill
wiki.sunkencastles.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The Devil is always willing to help with major public works - but he always demands a sacrifice.
#wyrdwednesday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Construction_of_the_Cathedral_at_Aachen_and_the_Lousberg_Hill
#wyrdwednesday
https://wiki.sunkencastles.com/wiki/The_Construction_of_the_Cathedral_at_Aachen_and_the_Lousberg_Hill
A legend from Guam’s Chamoru people tells of a giant fish who took massive bites out of the island's coast. To stop it from eating the rest of the island, a group of clever maidens sacrificed their magic hair and used it to weave a net that would be strong enough to hold the monster. #WyrdWednesday
November 26, 2025 at 12:42 PM
A legend from Guam’s Chamoru people tells of a giant fish who took massive bites out of the island's coast. To stop it from eating the rest of the island, a group of clever maidens sacrificed their magic hair and used it to weave a net that would be strong enough to hold the monster. #WyrdWednesday
Reposted by EssAeEm
In Chinese #folklore, “猴子撈月” tells of monkeys forming a chain to rescue the moon from a well, only to grasp its reflection.
A tale of unity, yes, but also a quiet warning: not everything dazzling is real. Like chasing illusions, some efforts, no matter how sincere, end in empty hands.
🎨 Victo Ngai
A tale of unity, yes, but also a quiet warning: not everything dazzling is real. Like chasing illusions, some efforts, no matter how sincere, end in empty hands.
🎨 Victo Ngai
November 25, 2025 at 2:40 PM
In Chinese #folklore, “猴子撈月” tells of monkeys forming a chain to rescue the moon from a well, only to grasp its reflection.
A tale of unity, yes, but also a quiet warning: not everything dazzling is real. Like chasing illusions, some efforts, no matter how sincere, end in empty hands.
🎨 Victo Ngai
A tale of unity, yes, but also a quiet warning: not everything dazzling is real. Like chasing illusions, some efforts, no matter how sincere, end in empty hands.
🎨 Victo Ngai
Reposted by EssAeEm
Reposted by EssAeEm
I'm currently writing a Folklore of Scotland. Here's a tale of the Faerie Cup of Mingary Castle. A magical vessel stolen from local faeries. It fills with whatever liquid the bearer wishes it to. Cheers!
art: Celelia
art: Celelia
November 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
I'm currently writing a Folklore of Scotland. Here's a tale of the Faerie Cup of Mingary Castle. A magical vessel stolen from local faeries. It fills with whatever liquid the bearer wishes it to. Cheers!
art: Celelia
art: Celelia