Myths of Merriment

[LoveGraceMarie]

The blushing bauble is a peculiar creature. It only comes out around Christmas once the decorations go up, apparently enticed by the lights. It ties a big bow onto its head to join in with the festivities, and tries to blend in with the other decor. If however it comes across a house without decorations or lack of, it exchanges its usual bright pink blushing colour for a raging red, and runs around causing havoc until that family displays Christmas spirit.

 

[JellyLu]

The Caroler​

The Caroler is an otherworldly, malevolent being that takes the form of winter itself. To the human eye, it appears as a humanoid shadow surrounded by icy tendrils and winter fog. It is rarely seen, however, due to its camouflage and reserved nature. While its appearance is unsettling, the real fear comes from its "voice." The Caroler sings not with a physical mouth, but with the winds of winter itself. The songs are beautiful, nostalgic even. As the winds pick up, what once sounded like a choir singing carols, becomes a distorted sound of lamentation woven with despair. Those who hear the beautiful songs may be tempted to go outside to investigate the source, but beware. Those who follow the songs of The Caroler will follow the sounds to no avail. Eager listeners will soon become lost in a snowstorm, looking for a warmth that will never come. If you or a loved one becomes entranced with caroling this season, be sure to look out your window to ensure there are real humans singing outside. Or...at least be sure to wear your coat on your way out.

 

[faerie]

The Christmas Shell​

Have you ever heard the gentle sound of snow falling? Not all have beheld this magical wonder. Even if you live in a nonfavorable climate, there’s still a chance for you to hear this mystical sound in all its glory. If you ever happen to come across a shell shaped like a star, hold it to your ear and just listen. For this shell is filled with the spirit of Christmas. You will not hear the ocean like many other shells, but a gentle snowfall. When this happens make a wish, it is a star after all. I must warn you though, that wish could become a curse if your heart has ill intentions.

 

[Rio_]

The Mistletormentor
​

You've probably heard of Mistletoe, but have your heard of it's lesser-known imposter: The Mistletormentor?

The Mistletormentor hangs above doorways, lying in wait for unlucky passersby. It looks like plain, unassuming mistletoe, with the only distinguishable difference being an eerie glow when in the dark.

Whenever an unsuspecting couple shares a kiss under the Mistletormentor, it will suddenly burst into flames! And an eerie cackle can be heard as it disintegrates... Aside from the obvious fire hazard, there is another danger it imposes- legend has it, any couple who encounters the Mistletormentor will break up within 7 days

 

[moonbyu]

You've most likely heard about Santa coming into homes, drinking some milk and grabbing a cookie or two to eat before he hits the starry night skies to deliver presents to all the good little children, but there's another festive entity who enjoys a little bite to eat.. The Gingerbread Fiend!

The Gingerbread Fiend comes into homes on the night before Christmas in search of some tasty, tasty gingerbread cookies to eat. Once it finds some, it'll eat some and continue to the next house in search for more. If you're lucky, the Gingerbread Fiend will bless you with good fortune if it enjoys the cookies enough!

 

[Yoshi155]

The Snow-Feathered Crane​

Have you ever wondered where snow actually comes from? It does come from clouds, but not in the way you might think. It comes from a bird that lives inside the clouds, the Snow-Feathered Crane.

These avian creatures soar through the clouds, with snowflakes falling gently off their wings as they fly. Their wings are also made of snow, so they can’t live in warmer climates, which is why they live at such high altitudes. While they inhabit all clouds, in warmer areas, their snowflakes will melt before they touch the ground if it’s too warm, so it’s less noticeable if it’s not cold enough. They make their nests on top of clouds and usually need a lot of sleep. Their eggs and, by extension, children, also need a lot of attention and care, so they have a lot to deal with at a time. If it ever feels really cold but it’s not snowing, that’s probably why.

If you’re going to visit someone out of the country this holiday season, keep an eye out for one of these cranes when you’re flying. There’s hundreds of them in just one cloud, so you might be able to spot at least one.

 

[-Lumi-]

Here's my entry!

Spoiler: My little write up!

~The Holiday Nisse~

The holiday season is a time full of magic and merriment. The cozy lights, carols, sparkling decorations and jingling bells are only part of it. As children we are told about the magic of Santa, his helpful little elves, and the flying reindeer that pull his sleigh.

Some magical friends that often get missed, however, are the holiday Nisse. They're related to both regular Nisse and Christmas Elves and perhaps that's why they are forgotten. They're smaller than both of their relatives, about the size of a candy cane - although much wider! They are rotund fellows. Despite their big hats they actually have quite the eye for detail. Some say the reason they hide their eyes is because the world is too overwhelming for them otherwise. They store their magic in their beards, which is why they keep them so long. The longer the beard the stronger the holiday Nisse's magic.

The holiday Nisse are responsible for the upkeep of the holiday spirit. They work in the shadows to make sure things run smoothly. They ensure that the candles in kinaras stay lit and upright, that the stockings stay firmly hung in their places, and that the dreidel spin falls in everyone's favour at least once. They are responsible for the smaller things, too. The way the scissors glide through fresh wrapping paper or when you have just enough room on the cookie sheet for the last ball of dough.

I love the little gnomes with their long beards and big hats!! They aren't explicitly tied to the holidays although this tends to be when people think of them. Traditionally they're supposed to bring good luck/be house helpers year round so I decided to create a holiday specific variation. Hopefully that fits the prompt!!

 

[Milleram]

The Unbalanced Snowboy​

On a snowy winter day when you are playing in the snow, an unbalanced snowboy may appear before you. He has a large round head and a tiny round body. He has trouble standing upright due to his strange proportions. Although he looks comical and harmless at first, all must beware. He seeks revenge on the child who brought him into this world and left him to live with his strange body, never receiving admiration due to his imperfect appearance. If you are not careful, the unbalanced snowboy may mistake you for his creator and you will find yourself on the receiving end of his revenge...

 

[LambdaDelta]

presenteer

you recall the most famous reindeer of all, but do you know of the most obscure? an old 'hoof' who in days of yore would lead the nightly expeditions around the world, he has since retired from his one-night duties and now travels the world year-round, gathering materials to make all the toys to give on christmas day

rarely showing himself, rumor has it that only truly good children may perhaps glance a sight of him ,out of a side view with their sleepy eyes. said to boast a commanding presence that betrays his advanced age, as well as a look that evokes the gifts given out during the holidays. 'presenteer' is actually a nickname given by his friends, due to a combination of his help in obtaining the necessary supplies as well as his own "presenting" look. though at this point, nobody remembers his original name anymore, but he's perfectly fine with that

also, though retired from the main christmas expedition, he does still supply help as a backup when called for. not as part of the main team, however, but as a backup "unit" to help make sure all deliveries reach their destined homes in time, should santa end up too far backlogged, due to circumstances outside of control

 

[Kattea]

The TBT Polar Express

This train doesn't take you to the North Pole, it takes you somewhere better: the TBT Christmas collectibles workshop. There you will find a stockpile of rare collectibles used for the 12 day giveaway raffle, as well as what's inside the wrapped holiday gifts. You have to stay up late and search in the deepest corners of the forum for a chance to catch this train. If you are lucky enough to ride it, you must not reveal the treasures you find or risk all your collectibles turning into lumps of coal.

 

[Aerith]

The Mythical Wrapmoncher

Every December, a hideous beast emerges from hibernation, slinking into the homes of unsuspecting humans in hopes of gorging itself. Disguised as an ordinary trash bag, the Wrapmoncher lies in wait to prey upon its favorite meal - holiday wrapping paper. Due to its inconspicuousness and the demanding nature of the holidays, the Wrapmoncher largely goes unnoticed, and the creature's ploy succeeds. As families stuff it to the brim with their presents' discarded packaging, it grows in size and strength. When provoked, a fully fed Wrapmoncher can defenestrate a nine-foot Christmas tree.

While the Wrapmoncher is able to sustain itself year-round via birthdays and other celebrations, it seems to prefer the luxurious feast that is Yuletide festivities. Once it's achieved its fill, it enters a docile, dormant state, partially to allow for undisturbed digestion, but practically to maintain its ruse. Once a human has unknowingly tossed the Wrapmoncher into the garbage, it will wander off in search of its next victim. Woe to the family that utilizes gift bags for these celebrations, for the Wrapmoncher has been known to shred them in a fit of rage, ruining whatever gifts inside.

 

[Halloqueen]

The Nosenipper

While the modern, pop culture Santa Claus has a reputation for being a jolly, benevolent being, his visits aren't actually as clean cut as they would seem. Just ask Krampus, the demon from German folklore who punishes naughty children with birch rod whippings, chains and abductions.

Another of Santa's less than savory colleagues is known simply as The Nosenipper. He is a diminutive creature, believed to be one of Santa's elves. As his name suggests, his role is to punish the naughty by biting their noses. His most distinguishable feature is his mouth; he has very prominent teeth. He is often biting apart hard objects while maintaining eye contact to initimidate people. He is believed to be the original inspiration for Christmas nutcrackers.

 

[Jeremy]

Part 2, Retelling Through Adaptation

Great job writing your holiday folktales everyone! Myths of Merriment Part 1 has now concluded, which means Part 2 is starting now! Your fellow TBTers have provided an abundance of folk stories and characters. Your next task is to depict one of them! Look through the first four pages of this thread and find someone else's folktale that speaks to you. Quote the post and draw the story or character using traditional or digital art. It's likely that some folktales won't be depicted and others will be repeated, but let's try our best to include as many as possible! From the original post:

• Ends: Tuesday, December 24th at 11:59 PM EST.
• Look through the thread and select a story you'd like to depict.
• You're free to select any story you'd like, but some users may not have theirs drawn by anyone. Let's try our best to draw as many different stories as possible!
• Draw the scene or character, doing the best you can to tell the folktale with a single image using either digital or traditional art.
• Include your full TBT username in the artwork.
• To submit, quote the original post that contains the folktale you are depicting and upload the image you created for it. Check "entry" on the attachment so it gets marked as an event entry.

While drawing keep in mind that, next year, someone else may write a story based on your drawing.

 

[Giddy]

Just to ask, are we only allowed to draw one of the myth ideas?

 

[Jeremy]

Just to ask, are we only allowed to draw one of the myth ideas?

Yes, it must be one of the folktales posted in this thread by another user. (And it can’t be your own.)

 

[You got mail!]

The Ghost of Christmas Kitty​

Everyone knows of the three spirits that visited Ebenezer Scrooge, but there’s actually a fourth. This curious feline spirit welcomes itself into the homes of others at night time. Your favorite ornament fell off the tree and shattered on the floor? A strand of lights is a tangled mess or just won’t come on? Those delicious Christmas cookies you baked and were saving for later suddenly disappeared? All a product of the Christmas Kitties playful mischievousness.

It’s not so bad though. That feeling one gets during a cold winter night with a warm drink is also from them. One might not see them, but their aura is there. Playful, yet loving. They are messengers to help guide those during trying times and holidays. To nurture or neglect depending on their host’s energy. If you are visited by this feline spirit, be sure to leave a saucer of milk out at night.

 

[Snek]

The Shivering Snowmen

It's said that you should never leave your snowman bare. Without a hat, gloves or scarf, snowmen are left out in the cold all winter. they can be seen shaking violently on cold nights. Sometimes the shaking is so bad that they even lost their faces.
So please, dress up your snowman!

 

[lasagne_of_death]

The blushing bauble is a peculiar creature. It only comes out around Christmas once the decorations go up, apparently enticed by the lights. It ties a big bow onto its head to join in with the festivities, and tries to blend in with the other decor. If however it comes across a house without decorations or lack of, it exchanges its usual bright pink blushing colour for a raging red, and runs around causing havoc until that family displays Christmas spirit.

The blushing bauble strikes again! At least they'll all be lovely and warm this Christmas...

 

[-Blue-]

The Wreath with Teeth​

The winter holiday season is filled with lights and laughter, love and joy. For the good people of the world, their kind souls will be rewarded with gifts and good fortunes.

But winter is also a time of darkness and danger, and the not-so-good people, with souls full of evil, must beware of the peril they face.

For it is only to these unfortunate scoundrels that The Wreath with Teeth will appear. Ornamented with jewels, glittering with gold, The Wreath is indeed most tempting. But as the rascal approaches, closer and closer, and finally reaches out a hand - The Wreath shows its Teeth and devours its victim, who will never do evil again.

I choose BetsySundrop's entry! The story reminded me of the Dragon Quest/Warrior monsters. In the game, there are treasure chests and other unsuspecting containers that you can find goodies in. Sometimes they turn out to be extremely deadly enemies. So if you get too greedy opening everything, well you're in for a bad time.

Spoiler: References

 

[seliph]

Legend has it that Jingle doesn't ALWAYS hand out presents to the villagers of Jakecity...

Much like a more familiar acting Santa Claus, Jingle actually keeps both a nice AND naughty list throughout the year. Except, getting coal for being bad would be a treat compared to the myth of what Jingle punishes naughty villagers with on Toy Day.

The nasty Grinchoid has been known to appear under the tree on Toy Day, but instead of making a routine silly noise all year like his other gyroid cousins, the Grinchoid has a habit of throwing things at whoever he's been gifted to. I'm talking Snowballs... coal... tomatoes sometimes... Anything Grinchoid can get his hands on, he's chucking right at your face.

I have chills just thinking about it!

look out it's the grink