Sinhalese Folklore Notes, Ceylon

A sweeping collection of traditional Sinhalese lore, this volume gathers the stories and customs once printed as “Glimpses of Sinhalese Social Life.” Arranged according to the Folklore Society’s classification system, it offers a clear lens for anyone curious about the island’s oral heritage, from everyday peasants to ancient rites.

The pages travel from the sacred heights of Adam’s Peak, where pilgrims honor the Buddha’s footprint and the guardian Saman, to the whispered legends of Hanuman leaping between islands and the hidden herbs of Buona Vista. It recounts the tragic fate of a submerged city once ruled by the demon‑king Ravana, the petrified giants that haunt the Dambulla caves, and a curious tale of animal statues formed when a drought drove creatures to a holy tank. Each story blends myth, landscape, and devotional practice into vivid snapshots of Ceylon’s cultural imagination.

For listeners seeking a window into Sri Lanka’s timeless narratives, the book serves both as a scholarly guide and a lively journey through the island’s most beloved legends.