Folklore Terms

noun fate or destiny, especially a tragic or ruinous one

verb to condemn to a terrible fate or outcome

• The impending economic doom was a topic of discussion at the conference.
• I heard we're all doomed if we don't submit our reports on time.
• We're totally screwed if we don't figure out a solution to this problem.
• The dark clouds of doom loomed over the once peaceful village.

noun an enchanting or magical quality

verb to foretell or predict

• The fay queen ruled over the enchanted forest with grace and wisdom.
• I heard that fay creatures are said to bring good luck to those who encounter them.
• Let's go on a fay hunt in the woods and see if we can find any magical beings.
• The artist's painting was so beautiful, it looked like it was touched by a fay's magic.

noun a person who creates or invents myths or legends

• The mythmaker crafted elaborate stories that were passed down through generations.
• My friend is a total mythmaker - he always exaggerates his stories to make them more interesting.
• Don't believe everything that mythmaker says - he's known for making up wild tales.
• As a politician, he was seen as a mythmaker, spinning stories to fit his agenda.

noun a follower of a polytheistic religion in ancient times

adjective relating to pagans or their beliefs

• The archaeological site contained evidence of pagan rituals dating back centuries.
• Some people still celebrate pagan holidays like Halloween and May Day.
• I heard she's into all that pagan stuff, like crystals and tarot cards.
• The modern obsession with technology has replaced the pagan reverence for nature.

adjective describing someone who is full of compassion or pity

• The judge listened to the defendant's ruthful plea for a lighter sentence.
• She couldn't help but feel ruthful after hearing about her friend's difficult situation.
• I'm feeling pretty ruthful about skipping my workout today.
• The painting captured a sense of ruthful longing in the subject's eyes.

noun A type of light blue color traditionally used to paint porch ceilings in the Southern United States, believed to ward off evil spirits or 'haints'

• The historic homes in the southern United States are often painted in a shade of haint blue to ward off evil spirits.
• My grandma swears by painting her porch ceiling haint blue to keep away bad luck.
• I heard that painting your door haint blue is the new trend for superstitious folks.
• The calmness of the haint blue sky seemed to wash away all of her worries.

noun a concluding part of a poem, speech, or musical composition

• The abgesang of the opera was beautifully sung by the soprano.
• I loved the abgesang at the end of the concert, it gave me goosebumps.
• The abgesang was lit, everyone was cheering and clapping.
• The abgesang of the novel left a lasting impact on the readers, revealing the true depth of the story.