Folklore America

Discovering the Myths and Legends of a Nation
One State at a Time

About Folklore America
Folklore America is a project to create a comprehensive, fifty-volume set of books that delve into the various cryptid animals, ghostly apparitions, native legends, historical mysteries and strange places of each state. The aim is to preserve and honor the rich cultural heritage of these fascinating accounts. The focus will be on the origins, history, encounters, impact, legacy and conclusions to be drawn from each one as to why they persist into modern times. 
Discover Folklore
the traditions and stories relating to a particular place or group of people passed down through the generations.

F.A.Q.

Feel free to contact us if there are any other questions you may have.

How do you distinguish myth, legend & folklore?

Myth is the creation of a fictional story to explain natural phenomena, An example would be the ancient gods that controlled every aspect of life. A legend embellishes an actual event over time, such that it is only half-fiction. Folklore is the beliefs, customs, and oral traditions handed down between generations as part of the culture of a people or place.

What inspired you to write the series?

I spent decades researching, lecturing and investigating myths and legends, including the salvage of the Loch Ness minisub Viperfish and discovering a cache of confederate gold guarded by the Knights of the Golden Circle. I realized the fascination for me was in the people and places for which these beliefs and customs were a part of their culture. 

How often will the books be released?

Because the books have been developing for some time, the goal is to release one book every week throughout 2025. They will first be released as print and eBooks, followed shortly thereafter with an audiobook release. We will also create a YouTube channel and create a podcast where we discuss the individual folklore accounts.

Would you consider the folklore of other countries?

We are already considering adding titles for nations outside of the United States. We will probably make them more regional for smaller countries, like Scandinavia or South America.  Countries like Canada and Mexico would receive their own titles. Russia has also been one that we would find fascinating, as well as China. None would include anything political.
Author
The curator and author of Folklore America, Dallas Tanner has been involved in various aspects of researching and investigating myths and legends for over two decades. It began with writing a trilogy on cryptid animals, but he was drawn into the world of folklore come to life. From thunderbirds to Bigfoot, lake monsters and ghosts to historical mysteries. As a result, Dallas became an associate college professor with his books as required reading. He also lectured at major universities on the subject as well as hosted radio and television shows. This is a statue of the Altamaha-ha in the visitor center at Darien, Georgia, as sculpted by Rick Spears from Dallas Tanner's research and interviews.

Categories

These are the topics with 10 accounts in each book of the series

Unknown Animals

Animals considered out of place or time, unknown to science as mythical or legendary.

Ghostly Apparitions

Spirits or the place they haunt, linked to a tragedy or appearing to warn of danger.

Native Legends

The generational beliefs of Indigenous peoples adopted into local culture.

Historical Mysteries

Events from the past that have no conclusion or defy logical explanation.

Strange Places

Locations around which tales are told that do not fully explain their reputations.

Gallery

These are the covers for all 50 books in the Folklore America series. Highlight one to see the status of its publication.

Folklore America: Alabama - Unlock the Mysteries of Alabama’s Forgotten Lore In the heart of Alabama lies a world of untold secrets—tales of restless spirits, legendary creatures, hidden treasures, and ancient legends passed down through generations. Folklore America: Alabama takes you deep into the state’s rich and mysterious past, where fact and myth intertwine in stories that have captivated locals for centuries. Journey through the eerie swamps, shadowy forests, and forgotten towns as you uncover cryptid sightings that defy logic, ghostly apparitions that haunt historic landmarks, and legends born from the land’s earliest inhabitants. Each story is more than a tale—it is a window into the fears, hopes, and beliefs of Alabama’s people. Perfect for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and lovers of myth alike, this book not only retells the state’s most fascinating folklore but also explores its origins, cultural significance, and lasting impact. Discover why these legends endure and how they continue to shape Alabama’s identity today. Open the cover, and step into a world where every whisper of wind and creak of floorboard carries a story waiting to be told.
Folklore America: Alaska - Discover the Mysteries of the Last Frontier Step into the untamed wilderness of Alaska, where the land’s raw beauty and unforgiving nature have inspired some of America’s most haunting and extraordinary folklore. Folklore America: Alaska takes you on an unforgettable journey through icy fjords, shadowed forests, and remote villages, revealing the captivating tales that have shaped the spirit of the Last Frontier. From whispered legends of ancient spirits guarding the tundra to chilling encounters with the unknown lurking in the wilderness, this book weaves together indigenous wisdom, frontier mythmaking, and timeless mysteries that defy explanation. Unearth stories of bravery and terror, resilience and loss, all set against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of America’s northernmost state. Perfect for lovers of mythology, history, and the unexplained, Folklore America: Alaska immerses you in the wonders and enigmas of a land where the line between reality and legend fades like footprints in fresh snow.
Folklore America: Arizona - Discover the Hidden Mysteries of the Grand Canyon State Beneath Arizona’s sun-drenched deserts and crimson cliffs lies a world of wonder, mystery, and untold stories. Folklore America: Arizona invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the state’s vibrant mythology, where ancient spirits roam, enigmatic creatures stir, and the line between legend and reality fades like the setting desert sun. From tales whispered by Indigenous peoples to accounts passed down by frontier settlers, this book captures the essence of a land where the extraordinary feels commonplace. Feel the thrill of eerie wilderness encounters, unravel the mysteries of supernatural phenomena, and explore the spiritual connections forged between people and the rugged landscape they call home. Whether you’re a skeptic, a dreamer, or a lover of the unexplained, Folklore America: Arizona promises a deep dive into the stories that have captivated generations and shaped the cultural soul of the Southwest. Immerse yourself in the lore, embrace the mystery, and uncover the legends that make Arizona a place unlike any other. This isn’t just a book—it’s an invitation to believe.
Folklore America: Arkansas - Discover the Hidden Magic and Mystery of Arkansas Beneath the sprawling forests, misty mountains, and winding rivers of Arkansas lies a world where legends come to life and history whispers through the trees. In Folklore America: Arkansas, journey into the heart of the Natural State to uncover a treasure trove of stories that have captivated generations. From eerie ghost tales to ancient myths, from lost treasures to unexplained phenomena, this collection delves into the tales that define Arkansas’s identity. Unearth the secrets of its haunted hollows, marvel at the mythical creatures said to roam its wilds, and explore the cultural traditions that shaped these captivating narratives. Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this book is your guide to the rich tapestry of Arkansas’s past, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and every shadow holds a story. Step into a land of mystery and wonder. Folklore America: Arkansas will leave you spellbound—and questioning what you thought you knew about this enchanting state.

Folklore America: Alabama - Unlock the Mysteries of Alabama’s Forgotten Lore In the heart of Alabama lies a world of untold secrets—tales of restless spirits, legendary creatures, hidden treasures, and ancient legends passed down through generations. Folklore America: Alabama takes you deep into the state’s rich and mysterious past, where fact and myth intertwine in stories that have captivated locals for centuries. Journey through the eerie swamps, shadowy forests, and forgotten towns as you uncover cryptid sightings that defy logic, ghostly apparitions that haunt historic landmarks, and legends born from the land’s earliest inhabitants. Each story is more than a tale—it is a window into the fears, hopes, and beliefs of Alabama’s people. Perfect for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and lovers of myth alike, this book not only retells the state’s most fascinating folklore but also explores its origins, cultural significance, and lasting impact. Discover why these legends endure and how they continue to shape Alabama’s identity today. Open the cover, and step into a world where every whisper of wind and creak of floorboard carries a story waiting to be told.
Folklore America: Alaska - Discover the Mysteries of the Last Frontier Step into the untamed wilderness of Alaska, where the land’s raw beauty and unforgiving nature have inspired some of America’s most haunting and extraordinary folklore. Folklore America: Alaska takes you on an unforgettable journey through icy fjords, shadowed forests, and remote villages, revealing the captivating tales that have shaped the spirit of the Last Frontier. From whispered legends of ancient spirits guarding the tundra to chilling encounters with the unknown lurking in the wilderness, this book weaves together indigenous wisdom, frontier mythmaking, and timeless mysteries that defy explanation. Unearth stories of bravery and terror, resilience and loss, all set against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of America’s northernmost state. Perfect for lovers of mythology, history, and the unexplained, Folklore America: Alaska immerses you in the wonders and enigmas of a land where the line between reality and legend fades like footprints in fresh snow.
Folklore America: Arizona - Discover the Hidden Mysteries of the Grand Canyon State Beneath Arizona’s sun-drenched deserts and crimson cliffs lies a world of wonder, mystery, and untold stories. Folklore America: Arizona invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the state’s vibrant mythology, where ancient spirits roam, enigmatic creatures stir, and the line between legend and reality fades like the setting desert sun. From tales whispered by Indigenous peoples to accounts passed down by frontier settlers, this book captures the essence of a land where the extraordinary feels commonplace. Feel the thrill of eerie wilderness encounters, unravel the mysteries of supernatural phenomena, and explore the spiritual connections forged between people and the rugged landscape they call home. Whether you’re a skeptic, a dreamer, or a lover of the unexplained, Folklore America: Arizona promises a deep dive into the stories that have captivated generations and shaped the cultural soul of the Southwest. Immerse yourself in the lore, embrace the mystery, and uncover the legends that make Arizona a place unlike any other. This isn’t just a book—it’s an invitation to believe.
Folklore America: Arkansas - Discover the Hidden Magic and Mystery of Arkansas Beneath the sprawling forests, misty mountains, and winding rivers of Arkansas lies a world where legends come to life and history whispers through the trees. In Folklore America: Arkansas, journey into the heart of the Natural State to uncover a treasure trove of stories that have captivated generations. From eerie ghost tales to ancient myths, from lost treasures to unexplained phenomena, this collection delves into the tales that define Arkansas’s identity. Unearth the secrets of its haunted hollows, marvel at the mythical creatures said to roam its wilds, and explore the cultural traditions that shaped these captivating narratives. Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this book is your guide to the rich tapestry of Arkansas’s past, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and every shadow holds a story. Step into a land of mystery and wonder. Folklore America: Arkansas will leave you spellbound—and questioning what you thought you knew about this enchanting state.

Articles

Folklore America: A Monumental Journey into the Nation's Hidden Narratives

Folklore America: A Monumental Journey into the Nation's Hidden Narratives

 Understanding the Differences Between Myth, Legend, and Folklore

Understanding the Differences Between Myth, Legend, and Folklore

Blog

Mapping America's Mysteries: A Comprehensive Exploration of Hidden Narratives
Jan 15, 2020

Mapping America's Mysteries: A Comprehensive Exploration of Hidden Narratives

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