Definition of supernatural
1. of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially: of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil
2. a: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature
b: attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)
~Merriam Webster Dictionary
Welcome to Supernaturally Speaking. While developing the world for my debut novel, I spent nearly two years researching the supernatural. I wondered where the tropes we see in fiction today developed from, like when vampires started the rivalry with werewolves.1 The research was fascinating. Incorporating myth and folklore and interweaving different cultural backgrounds that were similar, I created a rich and diverse history for my world. Then I realized that all that research was the perfect focus to share with readers.
Exploring supernatural topics ranging from religion to superstition, Supernaturally Speaking focuses on historical origin and context, and I endeavor to deal with topics in an informative way without showing bias towards the beliefs shared. This blog is set apart from others dealing with similar topics by providing researched pieces and the source material the information is gathered from.2 Most of my research focuses on pre-1900 source material or academic literature. By including these references I provide an easy method to continue looking into a topic that catches the reader’s interest.
Although my educational background was not focused on folklore or literature, it was focused on research. I endeavor to use the same rigors I used when writing for medical research in the information I provide in this site. The goal of Supernaturally Speaking is to provide a verified resource for those interested in the myths, folklore, and history of supernatural. One day I hope it will expand beyond my personal work with the aid of contributing writers.
If you have any suggestions for topics, interests you would like to see an article or would like to contribute leave a comment or contact me using the contact form.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy.
Footnotes
1. The pop culture phenomenon of werewolves fighting vampires began with White Wolf Publishing, World of Darkness series of role-playing games released in the early 90’s, and was solidified in the modern psyche with the release of the movie Underworld in 2003. An episode of Ghostbusters cartoon predates this, “No One Comes to Lupusville,” aired in 1987, and depicts a vampire society in conflict with a werewolf society. Earlier there were singular instances that depicted individual vampires having issues with individual werewolves, like Dracula fighting the wolfman in the 1941 film Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, but there is very little to no indication there was a societal conflict in folklore and myth. That said, the werewolf in Greek, Balkan and Slavic folklore was believed to change into a vampire after death. In Irish folklore, the faoladh was considered a guardian or protector. If you combine this protector role with the antagonist role of vampire there could be some support for the concept, but direct conflicts are not included in the lore.↩
2. As I began writing, I often found interesting information that was either highly entertaining or provided a deeper context to the pieces I wrote. Although unnecessary for the article itself I believe this information adds to the value of the articles and I utilized footnotes as a way to include them.↩
Photo Credits
Main Image and Interior Image: Princess and the Troll by Kay Nielsen (East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Nielsen Kay, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, 1922)
Princess and the Wolves by H. J. Ford (The Olive Fairy Book, 1907)
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