REACTION PAPER

AMERICAN FOLKTALES AND FOLKLORE

Immersing ourselves with Folktales and Folklores in different places was such a thrilling
ride. Our horror-like learning was intensified in our early voyage to America. In the first place, I
thought that learning such folktales and folklores in other places would be senseless and boring,
but I was wrong. American folktales and folklores were a mixed of horror, fantasy, reality,
tragedy, injustice, disease outbreak and mythical creatures, that made it thrilling, exciting and a
bit horrifying.
I wanted to enumerate the folktales and folklores that I found terrifying, boring and so
forth. I will also rate them to see which folktale or folklore will stand out. The folktales and
folklores that I found terrifying that gave me chills and goosebumps were Riverdale road which
is a home of dead hanging bodies of slaves and a road that lead to a satanic cult. Another one is
Annabelle, although the rumors that this doll is a killer and demon is not proven, I’m still
terrified with it because I have a phobia with dolls. I can’t stare at it or play with it especially
with human-size ones. It’s like it will move any second and jump the heck out of you. Villisca
House Murder House is also terrifying, maybe because I witnessed movies with the same story
and I saw abandoned/haunted houses and can’t take out in my mind that there maybe someone
living there. Moreover, La Mala Hora is really scary too. I think this really exist, a ghost that
warns your death or your loved ones. This also happens here in our country where a ghost that
appears in the road drives people insane and predicts their death.
Upon learning the background stories of American folktales and folklore, I have chosen
my top 10 most favorite. My top 10 is Dog Boy, it’s scary given the fact that it’s a werewolf
ghost. Top 9 is Zombie road, I’m scared to travel at night in an empty road and this one gave me
chills. Top 8 is Wendigo, although I’m not a fan of monsters I’m still petrified with this one
because it’s shape-shifting and the condition of becoming a wendigo upon eating human flesh.
Top 7 is Walking Sam, I’m fine to go with a grim reaper upon my death, if, he’s handsome. But,
this creature is a 7-foot tall soul collector and maybe if this would collect my soul I will die once
more. Top 6 on the list is Boo Hags, I believe in evil souls that stay here after death making me
more terrified in this story. Top 5 is Nightmarchers, this gave me a reason why do I need to stay
at home at night. Just imagine walking at night and hearing someone chanting conch shells, it
will definitely separate my body from my soul. My top 4 is Skinned Tom, I love the story and
found a way to revenge on cheaters, just kidding. Obviously my top 3 best picks are the
aforementioned ones.
American folktales and folklores gave me goosebumps from horrifying stories. It was
such an amazing ride and I’m filled with ample of learnings and interesting stories that I’ll
remember always. It resembles some Philippine folktales and folklores but it also has its unique
stories that can only be witnessed in America. It was an amazing ride which ignited the flame of
my desire to discover more folktales and folklores in other countries. Next destination, Europe!
 REACTION PAPER
EUROPEAN FOLKTALES AND FOLKLORE

After taking a venturous ride in American folktales and folklore, we head on our next
journey to European folktales and folklore. I expected to have more thrilling transition in our
next destination and it did happen. I can also say that America and Europe have distinct folktales
and folklore. As I observed, America has more folktales whereas consisting of detailed
background stories about a certain ghost or creature. Europe on the other hand is more inclined
of tradition and beliefs. Its folktales and folklore are also a mix of devil, monsters, ghosts,
dragons, elves, dwarfs and hunted places.
Honestly speaking, European folktales and folklore are not as much as thrilling as
America. Maybe because stories in Europe are just a product of traditions and beliefs which I
found dull yet still interesting. That’s why I wanted to share my most-loved and least-loved
folktales and folklore in Europe. My most favorite is the Legend of Mistletoe Bough, because
it’s the story I’m familiar with. It resembles with the movie “Ready or Not” wherein a tradition
of a family is made when someone is getting married. In the middle of the night, they will play
hide-and-seek where the bride will hide and the groom’s family will find her. Once she’s found,
she’ll be killed. This story actually lost my interest in getting married, just kidding. My least
favorite is the Countless Stones. Although its jaw-dropping to hear that stones in a monument is
hopeless to count, I found it dreary and uninteresting.
Furthermore, I’ve also chosen my top 5 folktales and folklore that made me shiver and
agitated. My top 5 is Sin-eater, this actually made me relived and hoped that this would also eat
my sins so I can go directly to heaven upon death, but not now. My top 4 is Kulshedra, even I’m
not a fund of dragon I still found this scary because of its feature which is a huge multi-headed
serpentine dragon. And now, I can’t remove the belief that it’s Kulshedra that causes
earthquakes, floods, fires and other disasters. Top 3 on the list is Boggart, aside from it’s
terrifying feature I’m also spooked with what can it do. It’s destructive, make things disappear
and dogs to go lame. My top 2 is the Ogre, I have watched movies that have ogre as their
antagonist and they are really scary. They are big, hideous and the fact that it’s eating humans
really put my soul to sleep. My top 1 off-course is the Legend of Mistletoe Bough as I’ve stated
before.
It’s definitely a worthy ride in Europe. The folktales and folklores may not be that
thrilling or terrifying, but those based on tradition and beliefs are really hysterical because those
are that can be true and still existing. Overall I’m truly honored to learn European folktales and
folklore, I was filled with learnings especially on their beliefs and traditions. Now, I have the
knowledge that will help me better understand what is like to be in Europe, but please don’t
make me witness or see any of those horrifying monsters and ghosts.