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Folklore and Legends of Trinidad & Tobago
Softcover book from 1989, large format 9 by 11 inches, 43 pages. Beautiful color illustrations face the first page of each legend or story described. Charming stories, suitable to read to children, with a unique Island flavor.
- GenresNonfiction
43 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 4, 2026
I find reading is such a great way to stay connected to your culture when you're living away from it.
This is a collection of stories and records organized by the myth or creature. I love the diversity of our stories and honestly we just have so many cool monsters. My favorite is probably the Soucoyant, basically the Caribbean version of a vampire (slightly biased towards her because I knew about it from scary stories as a kid). The La Diablesse is in a similar boat (also targets men who are cheaters so kind of an icon).
Like most folklore, heaps of it stems from colonisation as well as a combination of the many cultures that were enslaved and taken to Trinidad. I could talk for ages about the way that belief of the supernatural is still so integrated into daily life and conversation when I visit my family there. Most of the 'monster' names are French, and stories often come with a cautionary tale like children being out too late or other general common sense rules. Made me think of the Taniwha in Aotearoa! It also discussed the way women are easily demonized when seen as less important in society, especially elderly women. Super fascinating and satisfied both my history itch and my spooky horror one!
This is a collection of stories and records organized by the myth or creature. I love the diversity of our stories and honestly we just have so many cool monsters. My favorite is probably the Soucoyant, basically the Caribbean version of a vampire (slightly biased towards her because I knew about it from scary stories as a kid). The La Diablesse is in a similar boat (also targets men who are cheaters so kind of an icon).
Like most folklore, heaps of it stems from colonisation as well as a combination of the many cultures that were enslaved and taken to Trinidad. I could talk for ages about the way that belief of the supernatural is still so integrated into daily life and conversation when I visit my family there. Most of the 'monster' names are French, and stories often come with a cautionary tale like children being out too late or other general common sense rules. Made me think of the Taniwha in Aotearoa! It also discussed the way women are easily demonized when seen as less important in society, especially elderly women. Super fascinating and satisfied both my history itch and my spooky horror one!
August 30, 2012
I bought this a few months ago as I was always interested in my home country's folkloric origins. It has always been one of the most interesting things about my culture and I think this book delivered on not only on some of the iconic creatures such as Papa Bois, the Soucouyant and the La Diablesse, but also gave a fascinating outlook on activities such as stick-fighting and limbo.
While I thought the descriptions were a bit meagre for some segments, especially of the Loup Garou, I quite enjoy owning this book and having it on my shelf not only for my own love of our folklore but of the artistic depictions in the book, especially that of the ink drawings of local artist Stuart Hahn.
While I thought the descriptions were a bit meagre for some segments, especially of the Loup Garou, I quite enjoy owning this book and having it on my shelf not only for my own love of our folklore but of the artistic depictions in the book, especially that of the ink drawings of local artist Stuart Hahn.
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January 9, 2021best book ever true facts
April 25, 2022
I had this book as a child and ever since then I wanted to read it again with a different mindset, glad I saw it here
January 2, 2009
Gerard Besson's book on Trinidad and Tobago's folklore
August 10, 2009
Gerard Besson's book on Trinidad and Tobago's folklore
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews