LITERATURE

Have you ever had a string of bad luck so profound that you thought the universe was against you? Not referring to just one bad day but a series of bad days, weeks, months or even years. It was so bad that you started to question a lot of this, …

Folklore in Trinidad and Tobago has been passed down through generations, with each retelling adding new twists and perspectives. When people gather to share the stories their parents and grandparents told them, variations often emerge, creating a rich tapestry of local legends. Many of these tales resonate with other cultures, …

“A book captures a reader’s attention when they can relate to it; when it feeds their soul. A book is not only meant to look pretty and have pretty words inside of it but it is something special and personal to the reader as compassion grows when reading.” Shauntel Victor, …

Mama D’Leau, also called Mama D’Lo or Mama Glo, is a significant figure in Caribbean folklore, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and Guyana. Her name is derived from the French “maman de l’eau”, meaning “mother of the water”. This mystical character is revered as the protector of rivers, streams, …

The moko jumbie is a celebrated figure in Caribbean folklore, often seen towering above festival crowds on long, stilted legs. Known widely across the islands, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, the moko jumbie is a spiritual character traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and provide protection for communities. This …

The jumbie (jumbee) is a spectral being rooted in Caribbean folklore, recognised as a mischievous or malevolent spirit that brings fear and mystery to those who encounter it. These entities are particularly prominent in the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and other Caribbean nations. While their nature may vary …

The silk cotton tree, also known as Ceiba pentandra, has a mystical presence throughout the Caribbean. From Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica and beyond, this towering tree is not just a natural marvel but also a powerful figure in regional folklore, believed to harbour spirits and ancestral memories. Known by …

Papa Bois (Bwa), also known as the “Father of the Forest”, is a legendary figure in Caribbean folklore, especially prominent in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and other islands. Often depicted as a half-man, half-beast creature, Papa Bois is a protector of the natural world, guarding the forests and …

The douen, a captivating figure in Caribbean folklore, is a spirit said to haunt the forests and waterways of various islands, including Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Lucia. While the tale of the douen is prevalent throughout the Caribbean, with variations across islands, the Trinidadian interpretation offers a particularly …