The Rain-Maiden and the Bear-Man: and Other Stories

Step into a world where the boundaries between magic and reality dissolve in Easterine Kire’s enchanting collection of folktales, “The Rain-Maiden and the Bear-Man: and Other Stories.” These simple yet fantastical narratives captivate our hearts with tales of human connection. The title story delves into the feeling of being trapped by others’ perceptions of ourselves, while “The Bear-man” explores love, self-doubt, and the fear of ridicule.

Drawing from the oral traditions of Nagaland in northeast India, this collection shares spirit stories that are whispered around warm hearths, sworn to be true encounters. From the narratives of “Forest Song,” “New Road,” “River and Earth Story,” and “The Man Who Lost His Spirit,” to the Naga folktales of “The Man Who Went to Heaven” and “One Day,” each tale weaves a mesmerizing tapestry. The story of “The Weretigerman” beautifully embodies the pre-Christian Naga tradition of men becoming dual-souled with the tiger.

Illustrated in full color by graphic artist Sunandini Banerjee, Kire’s storytelling brings Nagaland to life, showcasing both the natural and spiritual realms that once harmoniously coexisted in the Naga mind. “The Rain-Maiden and the Bear-Man: and Other Stories” is a delightful journey into a world of wonder, where ancient tales continue to breathe magic into the present.