Joanna Troughton

This folk story is interesting and attractively illustrated. Its basic take-away message, however, is that the Sami people are hostile sorcerers and deserve what they get -- the plot in brief is Good Finnish magical smith forges magic mill, evil Sami witch steals magic mill, good Finnish smith steals mill back, evil witch curses Finland, curse rebounds upon Lapland. I was vaguely aware that there was, historically, racist stereotyping about the Sami, but this story makes it rather explicit. It could be profitably used in a classroom study of racism; for North Americans both the Finns and Lapps are remote and glamourous enough to make it objective. But I wouldn't put the book where children could randomly access it. In my opinion, it needs to be discussed and placed in context.… (meer)

When his six elder brothers go hunting one day, never to return, young Prince Chandra vows to find them when he is grown. Setting out for the north when the time comes, seeking the evil wizard Punchkin, Prince Chandra discovers a wasteland filled with enchanted stone statues, and a beautiful princess in captivity. Together with Princess Laili, he learns the secret of Punchkin's power, and defeats the wicked wizard, freeing his brothers and winning his bride...

I enjoyed The Wizard Punchkin, which was published by Bedrick/Blackie in the 1980s as part of their Folk Tales of the World series. Joanna Troughton's smooth narrative and appealing illustrations make this a worthy addition to any folklore library. I was glad to see that attribution was given at the front of the book, where Troughton notes that this tale was first published by Mary Frere in the nineteenth century.

I was particularly fascinated by the idea of storing the soul outside the body, which appears here, and in many other folk traditions. This is clearly an idea that J.K. Rowling utilized in her Harry Potter series, with Lord Voldemort's many horcruxes. Yet another connection between fantasy and folklore!… (meer)