Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "giants"

Hello, fellow enthusiasts of adventure and lore!

Delving into Sinbad's legendary adventures has been a truly captivating experience. The tales of Sinbad are timeless narratives that whisk readers away to a world filled with perilous voyages, mysterious islands, and fantastical creatures.

Sinbad is a man who always does whatever it takes to return home. I might not want to sail with him, as he is often the only one who survives. :)

One of the most exhilarating aspects of crafting this book was the opportunity to breathe new life into these ancient tales while staying true to their rich origins. From Sinbad's encounters with the colossal Roc to his daring escapes from cannibals and serpents, each voyage is brought to life with vivid detail and immersive storytelling.

Reimagining Sinbad's journeys has been as adventurous for me as the tales themselves. It’s been a journey filled with creativity and a deep appreciation for the storytelling traditions that have passed these stories down through generations. Whether you are a long-time fan of Sinbad or new to his tales, this book invites you to explore the legendary voyages that have inspired countless adventurers.

From the Seven Seas,
Samuel DenHartog

As an author with a deep passion for folklore and storytelling, I am thrilled to introduce my latest work, "Fables from Romania." This collection breathes new life into the rich tapestry of Romanian fairy tales, bringing to the forefront the timeless adventures, heroism, and magical elements that have enchanted readers for generations. Through modern language, enriched details, and vibrant dialogue, these stories are now more accessible and engaging than ever before.

In this book, you will embark on captivating journeys alongside heroes and heroines as they navigate a world filled with mystical creatures, enchanted forests, illicit affairs, and royal intrigue. You'll meet Stan Bolovan, who uses his cleverness to outwit dragons, and a prince in search of the Wonderful Bird to complete a church steeple. Follow the adventures of the twins with the golden star as they discover their royal heritage and the young man who meets a giant named Mogarzea, and proves his worth through bravery. These tales and many others are woven with the same essence of wonder and moral depth that have made Romanian folklore so cherished.

Each story in this collection is a unique gem, offering readers a chance to explore the magical realms where fairies bestow life-changing gifts and acts of kindness transform lives. From the poor man with a magical rooster that brings him wealth to the tale of a princess who falls in love with a fisherman, these fables illustrate the enduring power of goodness and bravery. As you delve into these modern retellings, you will immerse yourself in a world where enchantment reigns and timeless lessons are brought to life with new vibrancy and imagination.

I’m excited to share with you all my latest project, “Fables from Ireland”, a collection that has been a true labor of love. This book brings together some of the most captivating tales from Irish folklore, each story steeped in the magic and mystique of the Emerald Isle. As I curated and retold these tales, I was struck by the richness of the legends and the timeless themes they explore.

One of my favorites in this collection is ‘The Hill-Man and the Housewife,’ a charming story about the intersection of the mundane and the magical. It explores what happens when the supernatural world brushes up against everyday life, reminding us that even the most ordinary tasks can take on extraordinary significance. Then there's ‘The White Trout,’ a tragic love story with an otherworldly twist that beautifully captures the Irish affinity for blending the magical with the melancholic. Other tales include the whimsical adventure of ‘The Fairies of Knockgrafton, ‘ where a hunchbacked man’s kindness leads to an unexpected reward, and the intriguing ‘Munachar and Manachar, ‘ a story about hard work and the pursuit of justice.

Whether you're a longtime lover of folklore or just beginning to explore these magical tales, I hope this book brings you as much joy in reading it as I had in bringing it to life.

I'm excited to share with you the release of my latest book, "Fables from Norway," a collection that delves into the rich and captivating world of Norwegian folklore. These tales have been passed down through generations, and in this book, I've reimagined them with a modern touch, bringing new life to these timeless stories while staying true to their original charm.

In this collection, you'll encounter a variety of unforgettable characters and magical adventures. One of my favorite tales is 'The Magic Apples,' where a young man with magical items sets off on a quest to win the heart of a beautiful princess, only to find himself entangled in a web of deception and danger. Another intriguing story is 'Aspenclog,' the tale of a youth born from a tree, blessed with incredible strength, who uses his power to perform mighty deeds for a king, though his journey is fraught with unexpected challenges and trials. The book also includes the eerie and suspenseful 'Storm Magic,' where a cabin boy overhears three witches—wives of the ship’s captain and quartermasters—plotting to summon a deadly storm to kill their husbands.

These stories, along with many others in the collection, offer a glimpse into the imaginative and mystical world of Norwegian folklore, blending adventure, wisdom, and a touch of the supernatural. I can't wait for you to dive into these stories and experience the magic of Norwegian folklore for yourself!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest book, "Magic of Coal Mountain." Set generations before the events of “Goblins of Coal Mountain,” this new tale brings you to the heart of the untamed Appalachian wilderness, where magic weaves through the air and ancient secrets lie hidden just beyond sight.

In “Magic of Coal Mountain,” you’ll meet Edmund Haywood and his wife Eliza, a young couple from England who brave the rugged slopes of Coal Mountain to carve out a new life for themselves. With their flock of sheep and dreams of freedom, they prepare to battle the elements, discovering that this land is alive with mysteries they never imagined. As they build their homestead, their young daughter Sarah is drawn to the enchantment around her. With her heart full of wonder and curiosity, she ventures deeper into the mountain’s secrets, uncovering a hidden realm of ancient spirits and fairies watching over the land.

This is a story of courage, discovery, and the untamed magic of Coal Mountain, where every rock, tree, and whispered breeze holds a piece of its legacy. As the Haywood family learns to embrace both the beauty and danger of their new home, they uncover an ancient power that will shape their family’s destiny for future generations.

Join Edmund, Eliza, and Sarah on their adventure, where courage and belief unlock doors to a hidden world, and the mysteries of Coal Mountain are waiting to be discovered. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I did writing it and it inspires you to see the magic in the world around you!

After writing over 100 books, I find myself reflecting on two that I believe stand out as my finest achievements yet. For those who have followed my work, you'll know this is not a claim I make lightly. I believe this is the first or, at most, second time I've ever made such a statement about any of my books.

The first of these is “Goblins of Coal Mountain”, a novel deeply inspired by “The Princess and the Goblin” by George MacDonald. While I like to think this might be one of my best works, much of the credit belongs to MacDonald; it is, after all, his timeless story that I've reimagined in a new setting—the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. With all my love of reading, I confess that I hadn’t read “The Princess and the Goblin” as a child or prior to this, so discovering it while crafting this book was a revelation and a true delight.

The success and satisfaction I found in creating “Goblins of Coal Mountain” compelled me to expand upon the story's universe. In MacDonald's original tale, the young girl Princess Irene becomes a young girl named Sarah in my adaptation, but I decided to delve deeper into her lineage. George MacDonald did write a sequel, “The Princess and Curdie,” which I have yet to read, but he left many questions unanswered—chief among them how Irene's great-great-grandmother became a fairy.

My second book in this series, “Magic of Coal Mountain,” fills these gaps. It traces the roots of Sarah's great-great-grandmother, also named Sarah, who was born after her parents from England arrived to settle in the Virginia Colony. This book spans the entirety of her life, exploring her journey, her love, and, ultimately, her transformation into a fairy. Along the way, the story is rich with fairy lore, bandits, a mysterious witch, a giant, and a dwarf, woven seamlessly with the everyday life of sheep herding, coal mining, and the dramatic backdrop of the Revolutionary War.

I genuinely believe that these two books, my 104th and 105th, represent the pinnacle of my writing career so far. I know my extensive bibliography can be a lot to keep up with, but if you’re considering diving into my works, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with these two. While very different, they capture the magic, mystery, and depth that I strive to bring to all my stories.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue this series with two more books, following Sarah and Jamie’s adventures after the events of “Goblins of Coal Mountain”. But don't let that stop you from diving into these two books now; each one stands alone as an engaging and complete story with its own magic and mysteries to explore.

While they are my two favorites to date, it is hard to judge your own work. I eagerly await your feedback—your thoughts here on Goodreads or your ratings and reviews on Amazon—to tell me if you, my readers, share my belief in these books as my best.

Coal Mountain (2 book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)

I’m excited to share that my newest book, "Fables from Scotland," is finally here! This collection of stories dives deep into the rich and mysterious folklore of Scotland, bringing together tales of ancient prophecies, enchanted creatures, and the timeless struggle between fate and free will. You’ll journey through the mist-covered moors, enchanted forests, and mysterious lochs, encountering unforgettable characters who embody the spirit of Scotland.

Within these pages, you'll find the tale of Thomas the Rhymer, a poet ensnared in the realm of the Fairy Queen, gifted with a truth that brings both fortune and hardship, revealing how even the boldest are at the mercy of otherworldly forces. You'll also encounter the haunting story of the Banshee and Fergus More, where a warrior returning from war meets a prophecy of death sung by a spirit in a dark pool, a chilling reflection on fate and destiny. Another fable follows a young hunter who dares to ride the fearsome Water-Horse, a creature emerging from moonless lochs, only to discover the perilous price of entering a realm that defies human understanding.

Among the many tales, you’ll find the gripping adventure of a young girl who outsmarts the Kelpie of Loch Ness, a mythical water horse known for its dark, alluring beauty and treacherous intentions. With quick thinking and courage, she manages to bridle the beast, compelling it to serve her rather than lure her to a watery fate. Another story brings to life the legend of the Elfin Knight, who haunts a lonely moor, appearing only once in seven years. Only the bravest dare to venture into his realm, where cleverness and faith are the only weapons against his enchantments.

"Fables from Scotland" offers a journey into a world where the boundaries between the mortal and the mystical are ever-shifting, and where every tale holds a lesson woven from the fabric of the land itself. I invite you to join me in exploring these ancient stories brought to life once more, tales with a touch of magic meant for fireside readings and deep reflection. I hope these stories inspire you as much as they did me when I wrote them.

I've always been fascinated by the rich folklore that thrives in all corners of the world, and Sweden's tales have long called to me with their unique blend of magic, humor, and wisdom. While creating my new book, “Fables from Sweden,” I delved deep into the stories that have been passed down through generations—tales of cunning huntsmen, mischievous giants, and brave young heroes who defy the odds. Each story seems to hold its own piece of Sweden’s soul, a reflection of its ancient forests, rugged landscapes, and the enduring spirit of its people.

One of the delightful tales that I uncovered was the story of a young shepherd who stands toe to toe with Stompe Pilt, a giant who thinks himself unbeatable. Rather than relying on brute strength, the shepherd uses his quick wit and cleverness to outmatch the giant, hurling insults that sting like arrows and sending the mighty creature fleeing back into his hill. And then there’s the story of the prince who dons armor forged from silver and gold, riding up a glass mountain to prove his worth, each attempt more dazzling than the last until he finally captures the heart of a princess. The way these stories blend whimsy with courage brings a fresh perspective to the timeless battle between cleverness and might.

But it’s not all about grand quests and battles. Some stories unfold in quieter places—like a humble inn where Lady Margaretta, with her unwavering courage and clear mind, confronts a ghost demanding justice for his own murder. Then there’s the story of a huntsman named Lars who gains the unnatural power of unerring aim, only to find that his skills come with a terrible price—a solitude that grows deeper with each passing day. Each tale is a reflection of human nature in its many shades, exploring how our choices, for better or worse, shape our lives in unexpected ways.

What I’ve loved most about writing this collection is the chance to breathe new life into these tales, imagining new dialogues, fresh details, and unexpected twists. I’ve tried to capture the original spirit of the stories while also making them accessible and engaging for today's readers. There’s a magic in these Swedish fables that speaks to something universal in us all—the courage to face the unknown, the ingenuity to outsmart the powerful, and the hope that no matter how dark the forest, there is always a way through

In my new book, "Fables from Czech," readers are transported to a world where magic and wisdom are woven into every page, offering a rich collection of stories retold for today's audience. You'll meet a brave youth who, after tasting a magical snake, gains the power to understand animals and finds himself facing the impossible demands of a king. With the help of tiny allies like ants and a mysterious golden fish, he outwits each challenge, proving that wit and kindness can be more powerful than any royal decree.

Another tale follows the touching reunion of a king and his true love, Dobrunka, who endures terrible trials after being betrayed by her jealous sister. With the aid of a mysterious hermit and enchanted objects like a singing golden spinning wheel, the truth comes to light, revealing that love and truth can triumph over deceit. Dobrunka’s resilience and gentle spirit shine as she spins her way back to happiness, turning her humble skills into a symbol of hope and renewal.

Every tale in this collection is brought to life with vivid details and engaging dialogue, preserving the spirit of the originals while adding new twists for modern readers. It’s a book that invites you to step into the enchanting world of Czech folklore, where cleverness, courage, and compassion shape the paths of fate. I hope it sparks your imagination as much as it did mine while bringing these stories to life.

Welsh folklore is filled with tales that transport us to a time when the world was more mysterious and magical. In my new book, I've gathered some of the most captivating stories that highlight the charm and wonder of these ancient legends. One tale features a brave maiden who sings to calm a water monster that threatens her village. Her voice carries through the misty valley, allowing her people to capture the beast and restore peace to their land.

Another story reveals the adventures of a humble shepherd who stumbles upon a hidden cave filled with a treasure guarded by fairies. The fairies generously offer him a share, but with a stern warning—he must not be greedy. When the shepherd tries to take more than offered, he is cast out, and the treasure vanishes forever. This tale serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and knowing one's limits.

There are also tales of magical beings that blend seamlessly into the everyday life of villagers. In one story, a traveler encounters innkeepers who turn into mischievous cats at night, using their magical powers to perform tricks and deceive customers. These tales reveal a world where magic is just beneath the surface, waiting to surprise those who wander too far into the unknown.

The collection also delves into the landscape itself—mist-covered hills, hidden caves, and ancient standing stones that hold secrets from the past. Each story paints a vivid picture of Wales as a place where the natural and supernatural coexist. Whether it's the shadowy silhouette of a giant hare appearing in the mist or a fairy granting a wish under the full moon, these stories invite you to explore the mysteries that have enchanted generations.