Mythical Monday: The Nain What?

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Author Seleste DeLaney

Talking of the Nain Rouge.

I've read the first book of this series, Blood Kissed series, and enjoyed the romance and story here. Now Seleste has the second book coming our way. Kiss of Life is now available! And to share about the book, Seleste has a Mythical post for us to day.

The Nain What?

If you didn’t grow up around Detroit, you’ve probably never heard of the creature known as the Nain Rouge. Honestly, I’ve lived here most of my life, and until I started researching local legends for Kiss of Life, I’d never heard of him either. Once I did, however, I knew I needed him.

Nain Rouge translates literally to “red dwarf” or “red gnome.” Variations on the legend consider him either a protector of the city or…a harbinger of doom. And really, just because something bad happens doesn’t mean it wasn’t ultimately for protection. So, I try not to judge the guy.

Some examples of things the Nain Rouge has been blamed for:

• The loss of Cadillac’s fortune (Cadillac was the founder of Detroit)
• Battle of Bloody Run
• 1805 fire that destroyed much of the city
• The 12th Street Riot in 1967
• Great storm in March 1976

Basically, the stories say that if he shows himself, bad things are coming.

Now, Michigan has its share of weird legends including the Michigan Dogman, the Ridgeway Monster, the Leelanau Lake Monster, the Paulding Light, and even supposed sightings of Bigfoot. (There are probably more, but that’s just a brief example. The Dogman is probably the most famous of the list.) But you see, the thing is, I wanted something different. A dogman is really just kind of a werewolf. And Leelanau is a whole lot like Nessie from what I can tell (also…water kind of limits its use). But the Nain Rouge…when you’re talking about ancient supernatural beings and war, a harbinger of doom is just too good an opportunity to pass up.

So, if you happen to see what looks like a little person dressed in red and black fur (possibly with horns), be careful not to offend him. The Nain Rouge tolerates much, but a single offense will change the course of your life.

Plus, fans of the series will be more than a little excited to find out exactly who he’s in cahoots with ;-)

About Kiss of Life:

The vampire’s curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed—the one destined to destroy the vampires…or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan’s upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life…



About Seleste:
At a young age, Seleste deLaney discovered the trick to not being afraid of the monsters under the bed was to turn them into heroes. Since that time, she’s seen enough of human monsters that she prefers to escape to fictional worlds where even the worst demons have to play by the rules and the good guys might end up battered and bruised (or dead), but they always win. And really, isn’t that the way it should be?

She resides in the Detroit area with all her favorite monsters (nice ones—some are furry and the others call her Mom) and is hard at work on her next book. In those rare moments when she isn’t battling terrorists, vampires, or rogue clockworks, she can be found all over the Internet, where she loves to interact with readers.


Find Seleste:
Her Website:  http://selestedelaney.com/
Twitter:  @SelesteDelaney
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seleste.delaney


Purchase the book (& the first) at Amazon: