European Legends: Myth and monsters from Fjords to the Carpathians

Denmark has Holger Danske, the knight asleep in the vaults of Kronborg Castle, who will rise when the country needs him. Estonia has the kratt, a servant built from a broom and a bargain with the devil. Finland sees the northern lights and calls them fox fires. Ireland has the puca, the shape-shifter that gives you a wild ride through the night and drops you home. Romania has the strigoi, the dead that refuses to stay dead, the thing Bram Stoker built Dracula from.

More than forty countries, from the fjords to the Carpathians. One rule: if it offers you a ride, walk.

Inside you'll find:

- Holger Danske, Denmark's sleeping protector beneath Kronborg Castle, and the nisse who wants his porridge

- The kratt, Estonia's devil-bargain servant made from a broom, who must never be left idle

- The fire fox of Finland, whose tail paints the northern lights across the sky

- The puca, Ireland's shape-shifter who rides travelers through the night

- The strigoi, the Romanian dead that refuses to stay dead, the root of Dracula

- The elf maidens, the valravn, the forest mother, and the rest of the old night

- More than forty countries, from the fjords to the Carpathians

Each chapter follows the same easy structure: the legend, the sightings, why it stays, and where you can see it yourself. Told straight, no embroidery.

Perfect for fans of folklore, mythology, and ghost stories, and for travelers who like their guidebooks haunted.

Part of the Folklore and Haunts series