A Scary, Scary Tale. An Exploration of the Folktales of Nations from Antiquity to the Internet Era

What secrets lie behind the fairy tales we have known since childhood? Why is fear not only horror but also pleasure? And what lurks in the dark corners of folk traditions, where witches, monsters, and spirits reside? This book is an exciting journey through the scariest tales in the world. You will discover what horrors are hidden in Middle Eastern legends, what African tribes use to frighten children, why you should steer clear of the beautiful kitsune, and that the Russian Baba Yaga is not just an ordinary old woman.

From the earliest myths and fairy tales of the world's peoples to literary adaptations by the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault – and to modern creepypastas and urban legends: scary stories change, but they remain an eternal part of our culture. This book is an exploration of how frightening tales help us cope with our deepest fears and why they will live on forever, even in the age of the internet. Read this book if you want to understand what awakens your inner monster. But be careful: some stories may haunt you in your dreams!