Fantastic Finds

Fantastic Christmas Gifts

November 30, 2008

Christmas is right around the corner - take a look at these brand-new or upcoming fantasy book releases! Who knows, you might find something for yourself to read during the holidays.

Story synopsis provided by Barnes & Nobles

Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter Series)
by J.K. Rowling
Release Date: 12/4/2008
(Hardcover)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter.

November 5, 2008

Gargoyles and Chimeras (literally, grotesque figures), are often depicted as frightening, demonic creatures. In folk tales, however, Gargoyles served as protectors against evil spirits, serving the people inside the building they resided on.

Legend has it that these creatures live twice as long as humans, turning into stone during the day. A tale told long ago introduces gargoyles into our history:

St. Romanus, the former chancellor of the Merovingian king Clotaire II, who was made bishop of Rouen, relates how he delivered the country around Rouen from a monster called Gargouille, having the creature captured by the only volunteer, a condemned man. The gargoyle's grotesque form was said to scare off evil spirits, so it was used for protection. In commemoration of St. Romain, the Archbishops of Rouen were granted the right to set a prisoner free on the day that the reliquary of the saint was carried in procession each year.

On a lighter note, we see that gargoyles are not always as frightening as they seem - indeed, they are our protectors! Our young maiden seems to have found this to be true.