CoSoNauts--
Am looking for a few sites that discuss the symbolism of crows, oak trees, mist, and things of such nature as found in Western literature. All I can find are spiritual/mystical/spirit guide sites and these won't do.
Anyone have some suggestions for credible websites?
The issue you might be facing is much of what you are seeking has been passed down in oral history & may be closely guarded, or lost from those who had the knowledge being persecuted.
The oak was a symbol for the Norse, celtic,Hebrew & druids.
Crows are found in Chinese, Scandinavian and native American lore.
Mists lore are often greek in origin.
@KathMcGill
Yes, I think you're right.
I had a resource that took something like the oak and discussed it in terms of Norse, celtic, etc. Our librarian, however, purged the shelves and eliminated the book. I was hoping I could find something similar online but I'm struggling.
Some libraries are set up that you can borrow the books on line using a free downloaded Kindle on your cell, tablet or laptop. You just need a library card.
Amazon also has E-books.
Another option is visit your local university and see if the history text books may have what you need.
Do you know what culture you want to study?
@KathMcGill
The students are reading a YA book whose author expertly plays off the symbolic meaning of certain elements like the oak, etc. The students don't need the knowledge to follow the plot, but having the knowledge adds depth to the reading experience. It's one of the few pieces I have for this level that does this--that the students can actually appreciate the craft of the writing process. I wanted to give them the info of the symbolism so they can determine for themselves
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@KathMcGill
which interpretation she uses and how it nudges the plot and characters along. It's far more engaging than me just telling them.
If I can set it up right, I think it would make a good Book Club type of discussion for them.
@arthurpendragon
Had one of those classes in highschool- things like "going down six stone steps" alluded to death & the depth of a grave.
Grimes fairy tales & works of Hans Christian Anderson might be helpful.
Minot North Dakota has a Scandinavian center which might have resources.
@KathMcGill @arthurpendragon
I agree with Kath about looking for local library resources. Are you near a university? Universities have lots of resources. The university in my town has a deal. For $50/year, community members can checkout materials. Or for free, you can just go into the library, take books off the shelf and read them (take photos, too).
But most important is to sk for a university reference librarian. Reference librarians are dedicated to finding info for the public.