What are the most interesting true folklore stories around the world?

In Japanese folklore, there's the story of the Kuchisake - Onna. She has a slit - mouth and asks people if they think she's pretty. If you answer no, she'll kill you. If you answer yes, she'll slit your mouth to make it like hers. This story was used to keep children in line.

In Greek folklore, the stories of the gods and heroes are really captivating. For instance, the story of Hercules and his twelve labors shows his great strength and determination. In Chinese folklore, the Monkey King is a well - known character. He has superhuman powers and rebels against the heavens. He is a symbol of mischief and heroism. Also, in Arabian folklore, the tales from 'One Thousand and One Nights' are full of magic, adventure, and love stories. Sinbad the Sailor's adventures are just one part of this rich collection of stories.

One interesting folklore story is the Greek myth of Pandora's Box. Pandora was given a box not to open, but curiosity got the better of her. When she opened it, all the evils of the world were released, like sickness and sorrow, but at the bottom there was hope. This story is often used to explain why there is both good and bad in the world.

The Scottish Kelpie is another spooky folklore story. Kelpies are shape - shifting water spirits that usually take the form of a horse. They lurk in lochs and rivers. If a person gets too close and tries to ride the Kelpie, thinking it's a normal horse, the Kelpie will drag them into the water and drown them. It was a story told to keep children away from dangerous water bodies.

The case of Bridey Murphy is quite famous. A woman named Virginia Tighe claimed to be the reincarnation of an Irish woman named Bridey Murphy. Under hypnosis, she spoke with an Irish accent and gave detailed accounts of life in 19th - century Ireland. However, some skeptics later argued that her memories could have been influenced by things she had heard or read.

A popular Afghan folklore funny story is about a group of monkeys. These monkeys found a mirror in the forest. Since they had never seen a mirror before, they thought the reflections were other monkeys trying to invade their territory. So, they started making all kinds of silly faces and threatening gestures at the mirror. They didn't realize it was just their own reflections until one of the older monkeys figured it out. It's really hilarious to imagine the monkeys' confusion.

One interesting one is from Italy. There's a superstition that if you spill salt, you should throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder to avoid bad luck. This dates back to ancient times when salt was very precious. Another is from Japan where it's thought that if you whistle at night, you'll attract ghosts or bad spirits. It's a superstition that might have been used to keep kids from making noise at night.

Well, in Thailand, there's a custom where they have a Monkey Buffet Festival. People prepare a large feast of fruits and treats for monkeys. It's quite funny to see the monkeys go crazy over the food. It's also a way to show respect for the monkeys which are considered sacred in some areas.

The Colosseum in Rome. It was the site of gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles in ancient Rome. Many true stories of the brave gladiators, the emperors who presided over the events, and the huge crowds that filled the arena are associated with it. It's a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire.

The Oktoberfest in Germany is quite famous. It's a beer festival where people gather to enjoy different kinds of beer, eat traditional German food like sausages and pretzels, and listen to Bavarian music. Also, the Lantern Festival in China is beautiful. People light and release lanterns into the sky, symbolizing hope and good wishes.