How do you feel about the idea of encountering a supernatural being, like a spirit or a witch, based on the stories from this collection?
- Excited by the mystery and unknown.
- Cautious and respectful, but intrigued.
- Terrified and hoping to avoid such an encounter.
- Skeptical, but open to the possibility.
What’s your favorite American myth or legend that you’ve heard outside of this collection?
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- The Jersey Devil
- The Lost City of Atlantis
- Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
What makes you nervous about the unknown and unexplained elements in these legends?
- The possibility of malevolent forces beyond my control.
- The idea of losing myself in a world where reality is blurred.
- The fear that some stories might be true.
- The vastness of what we don’t know and can’t explain.
Which of these themes from the myths and legends resonates most with your personal beliefs?
- The power of nature and the need for respect.
- The importance of community and social bonds.
- The existence of good and evil forces in the world.
- The impact of history on shaping cultural identity.
What are you most excited about exploring further after reading these myths and legends?
- Visiting the geographical locations mentioned in the stories.
- Learning more about Native American culture and traditions.
- Researching the historical figures and events that inspired the legends.
- Delving deeper into the world of folklore and mythology.
What do you dream about when it comes to uncovering hidden truths or lost stories from the past?
- Finding lost treasure or artifacts.
- Discovering a new historical fact or perspective.
- Proving the existence of a mythical creature or event.
- Inspiring others with the power of storytelling.
What happened in the past when you first encountered a particularly captivating myth or legend?
- It sparked my imagination and inspired me to learn more.
- I felt a connection to the past and a sense of wonder.
- It made me question my own beliefs and assumptions.
- It left me with a lingering sense of mystery and intrigue.
What comes to mind when you think about the vastness and diversity of American folklore?
- The unique blend of cultural influences that shaped these stories.
- The creativity and imagination of the storytellers who passed them down.
- The power of these stories to connect us to the past and to each other.
- The endless possibilities for exploration and discovery within this rich tradition.
What’s your favorite historical period in American history, even if it’s not directly related to these legends?
- The American Revolution
- The Wild West
- The Roaring Twenties
- The Civil Rights Movement
When you were a kid, how did you feel about myths, legends, and stories?
- I loved hearing them and would get lost in my imagination.
- I was fascinated by the characters and their adventures.
- I was a bit scared of the scary ones, but also drawn to them.
- I preferred factual stories to fictional ones.
You have a choice of exploring a haunted forest or searching for buried treasure, which do you choose?
- Haunted forest, for the thrill of the unknown.
- Buried treasure, for the potential riches and historical significance.
A specific situation arises, you find an antique map that you believe might lead to Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. How do you react?
- I immediately gather supplies and set out on an adventure.
- I do some research to verify the map’s authenticity first.
- I’m skeptical, but curious enough to investigate further.
- I dismiss it as a fake and go about my day.
What keeps you up at night about the mysteries of the universe and the unknown?
- The possibility of extraterrestrial life
- The nature of consciousness and the afterlife
- The origins of the universe and the meaning of life
- I sleep soundly and don’t dwell on these things.
Which of these supernatural beings from American folklore would you be most interested in learning more about?
- The Wendigo
- The Banshee
- The Mothman
- The Chupacabra
When you think about the stories passed down through generations, what are you most concerned about?
- The stories losing their authenticity through retelling.
- The possibility that some stories are being forgotten.
- The impact of modern society on traditional storytelling.
- I’m not particularly concerned about this.
What aspect of learning about different cultures through their myths and legends makes you the most happy?
- Discovering the shared human experiences that connect us.
- Appreciating the beauty and diversity of different traditions.
- Gaining a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures.
- Being entertained by engaging stories and characters.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the state of modern society, considering the themes found in these legends?
- The loss of connection to nature and traditional ways of life.
- The decline of community and the rise of individualism.
- The prevalence of greed and materialism in contemporary society.
- The erosion of trust and the increase in division.
In a perfect world, what would storytelling look like in the future?
- It would be a vibrant and essential part of our lives.
- It would bring people together and bridge cultural divides.
- It would preserve and honor the stories of the past.
- It would continue to evolve and adapt to new generations.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect ending to the legend of Captain Kidd’s lost treasure be?
- It would be found by a deserving individual who uses it for good.
- It would remain lost, preserving the mystery and allure.
- It would be donated to a museum for everyone to enjoy.
- It would be revealed to be a hoax all along.
How often do you read or engage with mythology or folklore?
- Regularly, I find it fascinating.
- Occasionally, when the mood strikes.
- Rarely, I prefer other genres.
- Never, it doesn’t interest me.
You are at a party and someone mentions a local ghost story, what do you do?
- I eagerly join the conversation and share my own knowledge.
- I listen intently, eager to hear more.
- I’m politely interested, but a bit skeptical.
- I change the subject, I’m not really into that.
How comfortable are you with the idea that there are things in the world that we cannot explain?
- Completely comfortable, it’s part of what makes life interesting.
- Somewhat comfortable, I acknowledge the unknown.
- A little uncomfortable, I prefer rational explanations.
- Very uncomfortable, it makes me anxious.
You have a free weekend to do whatever you want, what do you do?
- Go hiking in a national park.
- Visit a museum or historical site.
- Curl up with a good book.
- Catch up with friends and family.
Which of these legendary creatures is most likely to be a source of nightmares for you?
- The Wendigo, a creature of insatiable hunger.
- The Banshee, a harbinger of death.
- The Skinwalker, a malevolent shapeshifter.
- I don’t really get nightmares about legendary creatures.
Which member of a group of friends are you when it comes to exploring spooky or mysterious places?
- The enthusiastic leader, dragging everyone along.
- The cautious one, asking “are you sure about this?”.
- The scaredy-cat, opting to stay behind.
- The skeptic, trying to find a logical explanation for everything.
New information related to a historical event you thought you knew a lot about comes up, what is your first response?
- Excitement to learn something new.
- Curiosity to explore the new information further.
- Skepticism about its validity.
- Indifference, it doesn’t really affect me.
Someone asks “How’s your week been?” after you’ve just finished reading a particularly engrossing legend. What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?”
- Actually, it’s been pretty mundane compared to the adventure I just experienced in this book!
- Good, but I’m ready for a bit of real-life excitement after finishing that story.
- I’m doing well, but that legend has me thinking about…
What’s your go-to genre when choosing a book or movie?
- Historical fiction
- Fantasy
- Sci-fi
- Mystery/Thriller
What historical figure’s life and legacy do you most want to learn about in detail?
- Abraham Lincoln
- Harriet Tubman
- Albert Einstein
- Marie Curie
What’s your favorite memory related to discovering a new book or story that you loved?
- The feeling of being completely absorbed in another world.
- The excitement of discussing the story with someone else who loved it.
- The lasting impact the story had on my imagination and perspective.
What historical mysteries or unsolved cases are you most passionate about?
- The disappearance of Amelia Earhart
- The identity of Jack the Ripper
- The assassination of JFK
- The Bermuda Triangle
What is your absolute favorite thing about historical fiction or fantasy novels?
- Escaping into another world and time.
- Learning about history or mythology in an engaging way.
- Connecting with the characters and their stories.
- The thrill of the unknown and the unexpected.
How would your friends and family describe your level of interest in history, folklore, and the supernatural?
- A total history buff.
- Interested, but not obsessed.
- Not really their thing, but they indulge me.
- They make fun of my obsession.
Tell us a little about your favorite mythical creature from any culture. What draws you to them?
- Dragons, their power and majesty is captivating.
- Unicorns, they represent purity and grace.
- Mermaids, I’m drawn to the mystery of the ocean.
- I don’t really have a favorite mythical creature.
If you could choose any superpower, what would it be and why?
- Time travel, to witness historical events firsthand.
- Telepathy, to understand different cultures and perspectives.
- Invisibility, to explore hidden places and uncover secrets.
- Flight, for the freedom and the view.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Once upon a time?”
- A sense of wonder and anticipation for a good story.
- Nostalgia for my childhood and the stories I loved.
- A reminder that stories have the power to transport us.
What affects you the most when reading a particularly well-written and emotionally resonant story?
- The characters and their relationships.
- The historical or cultural context.
- The writing style and use of language.
- The overall message or theme.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend getaway?
- A secluded cabin in the woods.
- A charming bed and breakfast in a historic town.
- A beach house with ocean views.
- A bustling city with museums and cultural attractions.
What is your strongest personality trait when it comes to pursuing your interests or passions?
- Determination – I never give up on something I’m passionate about.
- Curiosity – I’m always eager to learn and explore new things.
- Creativity – I find unique ways to express my interests.
- Enthusiasm – I bring a contagious energy to everything I do.
How prepared are you to have your beliefs challenged by a different interpretation of a historical event?
- Very prepared, I enjoy considering different perspectives.
- Somewhat prepared, I’m open to hearing new information.
- Not very prepared, I tend to stick to my convictions.
- Not at all prepared, I don’t like having my views challenged.
What happens if you discover that a cherished belief you held about a historical figure or event turns out to be false?
- I adjust my understanding based on the new evidence.
- I feel a bit disappointed, but ultimately accept the truth.
- I’m resistant to change and try to find ways to disprove the new information.
What do you think you need to deepen your understanding and appreciation of history and culture?
- More travel and firsthand experiences.
- More reading and research.
- More engagement with people from different backgrounds.
How often do you actively seek out opportunities to learn about history or different cultures?
- Regularly, I make it a priority.
- Occasionally, when the opportunity arises.
- Rarely, I don’t actively seek it out.
- Never, it’s not a priority for me.
How confident are you in your ability to separate fact from fiction when reading historical accounts or legends?
- Very confident, I’m a critical thinker.
- Somewhat confident, I do my best to be objective.
- Not very confident, I can be easily swayed.
- Not at all confident, I struggle to discern the truth.
How do you handle disagreements about historical interpretation or the validity of certain legends?
- I engage in respectful debate, citing evidence to support my views.
- I listen to other perspectives and try to find common ground.
- I avoid conflict and keep my opinions to myself.
- I get defensive and argumentative.
Do you have a favorite myth or legend that you return to again and again for inspiration or entertainment?
- Yes, it’s a source of comfort and familiarity for me.
- I have a few favorites that I revisit from time to time.
- Not really, I prefer to explore new stories.
How well do you think you would have adapted to life in a bygone era, considering the challenges and beliefs of those times?
- Very well, I’m adaptable and resourceful.
- Somewhat well, I’d face some challenges, but ultimately manage.
- Not very well, I’m too accustomed to modern conveniences.
- Terribly, I’d be completely out of my element.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your approach to learning new things, especially in the realm of history or folklore?
- I’m an enthusiastic autodidact, eager to learn independently.
- I enjoy structured learning environments like classrooms or guided tours.
- I learn best through hands-on experiences and direct engagement.
- I’m a passive learner, absorbing information as it comes.
To what degree do you experience a sense of wonder and awe when learning about ancient civilizations, historical mysteries, or unexplained phenomena?
- Very much so, it fills me with a sense of wonder.
- Somewhat, I appreciate the mystery, but don’t get overly emotional.
- Not much, I tend to view these things from a rational perspective.
- Not at all, they don’t evoke any particular emotion in me.
Which of these best describes your current level of engagement with history, mythology, or folklore?
- Actively engaged and constantly seeking new knowledge.
- Casually interested, enjoying it as a hobby or pastime.
- Minimally engaged, it’s not a significant part of my life.
- Not engaged at all, it holds no interest for me.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to pursuing your interests, whether it’s reading, researching, or exploring?
- Lack of time due to work or other commitments.
- Difficulty focusing and staying motivated.
- Financial constraints limiting my ability to travel or purchase books.
- Lack of support from others who don’t share my interests.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a historical inaccuracy or myth being presented as fact?
- A desire to correct the misinformation and share accurate information.
- Frustration with the perpetuation of falsehoods.
- A sense of amusement at the absurdity of the claim.
- Indifference, it doesn’t really bother me.
How do you handle encountering information that challenges your preconceived notions or biases?
- I embrace the opportunity for growth and self-reflection.
- I approach it with cautious consideration, weighing the evidence.
- I resist it, clinging to my existing beliefs.
- I dismiss it outright, refusing to engage with it.
How would you describe your relationship to learning?
- A lifelong love affair, I’m always eager to learn.
- A committed partnership, I make time for it regularly.
- An on-again, off-again fling, it depends on my mood.
- A distant acquaintance, we don’t cross paths often.
Are you stuck in a cycle of wanting to learn more about history and culture but never feeling like you have enough time?
- Yes, I struggle to balance my interests with my responsibilities.
- Sometimes, but I try to make time for what matters to me.
- Not really, I prioritize my passions.
- No, it’s not a priority for me right now.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to personal growth and expanding your horizons?
- Fear of the unknown and stepping outside my comfort zone.
- Procrastination and difficulty staying motivated.
- Lack of confidence in my abilities.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to learning about history, mythology, or any other subject you’re passionate about?
- To become an expert in the field and share my knowledge with others.
- To gain a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it.
- To satisfy my curiosity and have fun learning new things.
What do you think is missing in your life that would allow you to fully pursue your passions and interests?
- More time and freedom from responsibilities.
- More financial resources to travel and explore.
- More support and encouragement from others.
What is your current level of satisfaction with the amount of knowledge and experience you’ve gained in your life so far?
- Very satisfied, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
- Somewhat satisfied, but always striving for more.
- Neutral, I don’t dwell on it too much.
- Not very satisfied, I feel like I’m just getting started.
Someone questions the validity of a historical event or the existence of a mythical creature you find fascinating, how do you respond?
- I calmly and respectfully present the evidence that supports my viewpoint.
- I engage in a lively debate, defending my position with passion.
- I shrug it off, respecting their right to their opinion.
- I get defensive and argumentative, unable to let it go.
What descriptive word best encapsulates the feeling you experience when you learn something new and exciting?
- Exhilarated
- Inspired
- Curious
- Content
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis?
- Not having enough time to pursue my passions.
- Missing out on new experiences.
- Not reaching my full potential.
- I don’t tend to worry about these things.
How confident and secure do you feel in your knowledge and understanding of your own cultural heritage?
- Very confident and secure, I’m deeply connected to my roots.
- Somewhat confident, but always learning more.
- Not very confident, I haven’t explored it much.
- Not at all confident, I feel disconnected from my heritage.
How well do you balance your desire to learn with the need to take action and apply that knowledge in the real world?
- Very well, I’m able to integrate learning into my daily life.
- Somewhat well, I try to strike a balance.
- Not very well, I tend to get stuck in the learning phase.
- Not well at all, I struggle to take action.
How connected do you feel to the past and to the stories that have shaped our world?
- Deeply connected, I find history and mythology to be incredibly powerful.
- Somewhat connected, I appreciate the past, but am more focused on the present.
- Not very connected, I don’t dwell on the past.
- Not connected at all, it holds little relevance for me.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you when trying to learn about history or mythology?
- Encountering biased or inaccurate information.
- Lack of access to reliable sources or resources.
- Difficulty understanding complex concepts or timelines.
What is the trickiest part about balancing your personal interests with your other obligations, like work or family?
- Time management – finding enough hours in the day for everything.
- Guilt – feeling like I’m neglecting one area of my life for another.
- Motivation – staying energized and engaged with everything I do.
Do you have a tendency to romanticize the past, focusing on the positive aspects while overlooking the challenges?
- Yes, I sometimes idealize certain periods in history.
- I try to have a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the good and the bad.
- I’m more focused on the present and the future.
Do you have a system in place for tracking the books you’ve read, the historical sites you’ve visited, or the information you’ve learned?
- Yes, I’m very organized and like to keep track of my experiences.
- I have a casual system, but it could be improved.
- Not really, I rely on my memory.
How do you determine which books to read or topics to explore next, given your wide range of interests?
- I follow my curiosity and let my intuition guide me.
- I rely on recommendations from friends, family, or online sources.
- I choose based on what’s readily available or convenient.