The Greatest "Folklore" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Folklore

Folklore is a category of books that encompasses traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture or community. These stories are often passed down through generations and are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the people. Folklore books may include myths, legends, fables, fairy tales, and other forms of storytelling that reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular group of people. They offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of a community and provide insight into their way of life, beliefs, and customs.

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  1. 26. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

    The book is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves a tale of a young woman from a quiet village, chosen by a mysterious and powerful wizard to live with him in his tower, away from her home. As she learns about her own latent magical abilities and the malevolent force of the corrupted Wood that threatens her world, she must navigate a complex relationship with her enigmatic mentor and ally herself with the kingdom's prince to save her people. Drawing on Eastern European folklore, the story is a rich tapestry of magic, politics, and the struggle between tradition and change, ultimately exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the courage to fight for one's home.

    The 9714th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden

    Set in the wintry wilderness of medieval Russia, the novel weaves a tale of a young girl named Vasya who is gifted with the ability to see and communicate with the spirits that protect her village. As the world around her succumbs to the fear and influence of a zealous priest, Vasya must embrace her unique abilities to safeguard her family and the mystical beings of the forest. Her journey is fraught with challenges as she confronts the encroaching forces of both human and supernatural threats, ultimately leading her to confront a dangerous entity. In doing so, she must navigate the tightrope between the Christian beliefs of her community and the older, pagan traditions that run deep in her blood.

    The 10578th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley

    "The Folk Keeper" by Franny Billingsley is a young adult fantasy novel about a girl named Corinna who is a Folk Keeper, responsible for maintaining the balance between humans and the Folk, a group of supernatural beings who live in the sea. Corinna has a mysterious past and is haunted by her memories, but she is determined to do her duty and protect the people of her island. When a new Lord arrives and threatens to upset the delicate balance between humans and Folk, Corinna must use her skills and knowledge to save her home and the creatures she has come to love. Along the way, she discovers the truth about her own identity and learns to embrace her unique abilities.

    The 10593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord

    "Redemption in Indigo" is a fantastical tale that follows the story of Paama, a woman who possesses the ability to control chaos. After leaving her husband, Paama is gifted with the Chaos Stick by the djombi, a group of spirits, which leads to a series of events that challenge her beliefs and values. As she navigates through her newfound power, she must also confront the consequences of her actions and find a way to bring balance to the world. With vibrant characters, rich storytelling, and a unique blend of African folklore and magical realism, "Redemption in Indigo" is a captivating read that explores themes of power, responsibility, and redemption.

    The 10707th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz

    "The Inquisitor's Tale" is a medieval adventure story about three children with magical powers and their faithful dog, who embark on a dangerous journey across France to save their fellow Jews from persecution. Along the way, they encounter knights, monks, and even the King of France, while facing challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and faith. This book is a blend of history, mythology, and fairy tale, told in a humorous and engaging style that will captivate readers of all ages.

    The 10770th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers by Robert Bringhurst

    "Masterworks of the Classical Haida Mythtellers" is a collection of stories from the Haida people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The book provides a deep and insightful exploration of Haida mythology and culture through its rich oral literature. The author has painstakingly translated these tales from the original Haida language into English, maintaining their poetic and narrative essence. The collection serves as a significant contribution to the preservation and understanding of Haida cultural heritage and indigenous storytelling traditions.

    The 10791st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Snow White Learns Witchcraft by Theodora Goss

    "Snow White Learns Witchcraft" is a collection of short stories and poems that reimagine the classic fairy tale character as a powerful witch. The stories explore Snow White's journey as she learns to harness her magical abilities and navigate the challenges of living in a world that fears and misunderstands witches. Along the way, she encounters other fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and the Seven Dwarfs, and learns valuable lessons about love, power, and the importance of self-discovery. The book is a captivating and empowering read that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.

    The 10810th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Thursbitch by Alan Garner

    The book follows two parallel narratives. The first is set in the 18th century, focusing on a packman named Jack Turner who is mysteriously found dead in the valley of Thursbitch. The second narrative is set in the present day, where a woman named Sal and her friend Ian explore the same area, finding themselves mysteriously drawn to the mystery of Jack's death. The narratives intertwine as the boundaries between past and present blur, revealing the mystical and spiritual significance of the valley. The story explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring power of place.

    The 10822nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

    This book is a collection of myths, stories, and folklore from various cultures, aimed at exploring the instinctual nature of women. Through the interpretation of these tales, the work delves into the female psyche and emphasizes the importance of embracing one's wild and natural self. The author, a Jungian psychoanalyst, uses the concept of the "Wild Woman Archetype" as a metaphor for the innate force that women possess. She encourages readers to reclaim their power and creativity, which may have been stifled by societal expectations or personal challenges, and to reconnect with the transformative wisdom that these ancient stories carry.

    The 10867th Greatest Book of All Time

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