Tales of Superhuman Powers: 55 Traditional Stories from Around the World

by Csenge Virág Zalka

This book is a collection of 55 folktales that feature supernatural abilities. These tales represent powers--from invisibility to shape-shifting--which people have dreamed of, conjured up, and strove for through the ages. Many of the powers are present in popular culture, making the superheroes who wield them the direct descendants of characters such as the princess who could see through walls or the invulnerable Isfandiyar.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Csenge is a professional storyteller and author from Hungary. As a former Fulbright scholar, she is currently pursuing her PhD studies in the USA. She has an MA in Archaeology, an MA in Storytelling, and is now going for American Culture Studies with a focus on Popular Culture.
(It's ALL about the stories, people.)

Reviews

[Anna Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in how folk and fairy tales differ--or are the same!--around the world this is a good place to start.

The 55 tales are arranged around various superhuman powers, including shape-shifting, control of the elements, superstrength and mind-reading. Besides the tales themselves, Csenge provides some background to the stories and where they come from, as well as variants on the stories or similar stories from around the world. Being a storyteller, Csenge also includes the age the stories are appropriate for, plus adds in snippets of her experience telling these stories.

At points, the notes imply that Csenge has rewritten some of the stories, including merging several variants into a single story, or editing it down into a shorter version. I'd guess that she has also translated some of these from the original languages into English. As such, quite a few of the collected stories centre around Europe, with a focus on Hungary, but there's also a wide enough selection of stories from parts of Asia... including one from Malaysia!

[Atlin Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, voicey, with tales from around the world, and stories that center women, as well. Before each tale is a plethora of sources, should you want to dig deeper.

My only lament is that Dr Zalka hasn't written another book in English.

(I love this from her website (zalkacsenge.hu): "2017. I receive my PhD in Culture Studies. My dissertation is on forum-based role-playing games as a form of digital storytelling. People call me Dr. Zalka. I am officially a supervillain.")

I'm definitely buying this book!

[Shoshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's voice shines through the series of short stories, and the little taste of various folklore leaves you wanting more.

[Evalina Zamana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it.