[magze]

Not sure if I should put this here or in general discussions.
What I would like to know is, is folklore generally the same the world over or are there some that are confined to specific areas, and what names are they known by,E.G. leprechaurns are an Irish legend,Brownies I'm not sure if Enid Blyton created them or if they are from British lore.
I'm familiar with most British,Irish and European myths I think but would like to here about some of the more obscure ones.

[Priestvyrce]

Do you know of the Lamia? I think that it is Sumerian or in that area and era.

[magze]

Do you know of the Lamia? I think that it is Sumerian or in that area and era.
No, I have'nt heard of the Lamia, please tell me more.

[Priestvyrce]

No, I have'nt heard of the Lamia, please tell me more.

Well, I was mistaken about its origins. Well that's not entirely true, I did know that the Lamia was Greek, I just thought that it had been around longer. Here's a link to all the info, plus a listings of books on the subject:http://www.loggia.com/myth/lamia.html and here: http://www.pantheon.org/articles/l/lamia.html

[Erfael]

magze, are you after specific creatures from folklore, or are you interested in the myths and legends themselves?

[magze]

Both really,I've went to the links that Priestvyrce recommended and its great,but again its covering Greek,Roman and Celtic mythology I wouldnt mind something a bit farther field to see how similar they are, and if its the same sort of creatures but different names.
Reading up on the Lamia I have come across her before, it had just slipped my mind.

[Phedre]

Isn't the lamia used in a Anita Blake book?

[Serq]

Indeed, the lamia is a character in one of the Anita Blake books.

Magze, here is a link (http://www.meta-religion.com/World_Religions/Ancient_religions/ancient_religions.htm) that may be useful to you. It will bring you to a summary page at Meta-Religion (religion, science, philosophy, etc.) for various world mythologies.

The concepts contained in myth are generally repeated from culture to culture, with each people using their own names and spin on the stories. And creatures in folklore, too, are often analagous to those in other countries. It's a fascinating subject.

[Kleronomas]

Have look at this webste Magze,

www.sacred-texts.com/index.htm

I'm sure you'll find some stuff of interest.

[Leiali]

I like the tale of Anansie the spider, an african Loki you might say, but female. You might want to check out the Virago book of fairy tales which is multi cultural, it's been years since I looked at it but I have it knocking around somewhere.
I would hit the library and look stuff up that way, though if you are in Europe or the States, most things are likely to be Eurocentric. Perhaps a university library will have more info?
Have you read any Charles De Lint? He is well worth reading as he weaves myths and legends into his tales that get you researching them!
I remember a poem by Keats called Lamia. Wasn't she a serpent woman?