One question that has always intrigued me is what happens…
“One question that has always intrigued me is what happens to demonic beings when immigrants move from their homelands. Irish-Americans remember the fairies. Norwegian-Americans the nisser, Greek-Americans the vrykólakas, but only in relation to events remembered in the Old Country. When I once asked why such demons are not seen in America, my informants giggled confusedly and said, 'They're scared to pass the ocean, it's too far,' pointing out that Christ and the apostles never came to American.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Immigrant myths change with geography; demons fear crossing oceans, reflecting cultural displacement.
In simple terms: Immigrant folklore fears crossing oceans.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how myths shift with migration.
Themes
migration
myth
culture
displacement
religion
demons
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
america:1
apostles:0
christ:0
country:0
crazy:0
demon:1
demonic:1
demons:1
events:0
fairy:1
greek:1
happens:0
homeland:1
immigrants:1
immigration:1
indians:0
informants:0
intrigued:0
moving:0
norwegians:0
ocean:1
pointing:0
relation:0
remember:0
remembered:0
said:0
scared:1
too far:1
old country:1
demonic beings:1
asked demons:0
demons seen:0
beings immigrants:0
When to use this quote
- studying immigrant stories
- teaching cultural history
- analyzing myth migration
Key Concepts
folklore
identity
cultural adaptation
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do myths change in new lands?
- How does fear shape cultural narratives?
A Different Perspective
Myths may oversimplify complex experiences.