Ancient Folklore

Legends of Norse Mythology is your practical guide for navigating the Norse realms and revealing the origins of these mythical stories, ranging from the gripping narratives of revered gods to Viking sagas of the Scandinavian seafaring adventures with longships, to the timeless rituals of the Nordic people.

Delve into the mystical worlds of Celtic enchantment, the heroic sagas of Bulfinch's lore, the enigmatic tales of Slavic spirits, the celestial dances of Japanese deities, the profound fables of Turkish origins, the creation epics of Sumerian and Mesopotamian civilizations, the rich tapestry of Native American heritage, and the captivating chronicles from the Filipino archipelago.

Unravel the Meaning Behind Ancient Native American Myths Long before the written word, Indigenous tribes across North America passed down powerful oral traditions—stories of mighty Thunderbirds, trickster spirits, and dark omens that shaped their understanding of the world. But these myths are more than just stories—they reveal deep spiritual insights, survival wisdom, and the forces that shaped Native cultures. In Native American Myths: Stories & Their Hidden Meanings, explore not only the myths themselves but also the deeper symbolism, history, and impact they have had on Indigenous ...

The stars and constellations are among the few remaining objects that appear to us just as they appeared to our distant ancestors. From anywhere on Earth, a person may view the celestial panorama simply by stepping outside at night and gazing upward. This nonfiction narrative presents the tales of the 48 classical constellations, compiled from literature spanning a thousand years from Homer to Claudius Ptolemy. These age-old tales have captured the human imagination from ancient times to the present.

The gods of Olympus are the most colorful characters of Greek civilization: even in antiquity, they were said to be cruel, oversexed, mad, or just plain silly. Yet for all their foibles and flaws, they proved to be tough survivors, far outlasting classical Greece itself. In Egypt, the Olympian gods claimed to have given birth to pharaohs; in Rome, they led respectable citizens into orgiastic rituals of drink and sex.

Embark on an extraordinary voyage through six captivating worlds of folklore and myth. Across more than one hundred and ten hours of immersive storytelling, you’ll witness common threads of wonder that unite us all—no matter how far apart our cultures may be.

Join Egyptologist Garry J. Shaw on an entertaining tour up the Nile, through a beautiful and fascinating landscape populated with a rich mythology: the stories of Horus, Isis, Osiris, and their enemies and allies in tales of vengeance, tragedy, and fantastic metamorphoses. Shaw retells these stories with his characteristic wit, and reconnects them to the temples and monuments that still stand today, offering a fresh look at the most visited sites of Egypt.

During his journeys around Japan, Smith recorded ancient Japanese myths and legends in his personal diaries. The result is a fascinating collection of historical legends from all over Japan, with themes including ghosts, unrequited love, Shinto landscape, tree and ocean spirits, samurai culture and tales driven by Bushido and Buddhist ethics. Gordon Smith's writing combines a realist style with supernatural elements, resulting in an anthology of 'magic realist' tales which will bewitch and captivate listeners.

The Argonautica, also known as Jason and the Golden Fleece or Jason and the Argonauts, is the only surviving epic poem from Hellenistic Greece. It is a masterpiece whose story was well known to the audiences of the time. Virgil and other later poets were greatly influenced by it. Its author, Apollonius, was a well-known third century BC scholar living in Alexandria during the great age of Ptolomaic scholarship, and his bold attempt at writing a Homeric epic about Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece faced a daunting audience of knowledgeable contemporaries.

Embark on a Thrilling Journey Through Viking Lore Step into the mystical world of Norse mythology, where gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki face giants, monsters, and fate itself. In Norse Mythology: Legends and Legacy, author Shari Claire takes you on an adventure through timeless stories, blending captivating storytelling with modern insights. This book provides an accessible yet comprehensive guide to Norse myths, exploring the origins, adventures, and cultural significance of these legendary figures. Shari Claire bridges the gap between scholarly research and engaging storytelling, delving ...

Introducing book one in the CELTIC LEGENDS SERIES, a star-crossed lovers tale from the RITA-nominated author of passionate, magical romances Conor has lived a hundred lives…but loved only once Born to a powerful Irish priestess, Conor knows he is no ordinary warrior. Some whisper he’s not human at all. He seeks out Brigid of Morna, a reclusive, woodland seer, the only woman who can unveil the truth of his everlasting strength. But Brigid refuses to help him—or to yield her hungry heart. For she knows that a man cursed to live a thousand lives must never fall in love… "An enthralling...

A team of scientists, a blinding blizzard, and an isolated outpost that promises safety. When Dr. Lila Voss leads her research team into the remote New Hampshire wilderness, a freak snowstorm forces them to seek shelter in an abandoned ranger station. But the refuge is a trap. The windows are boarded, the walls are covered in claw marks, and the front door was chained shut from the outside. The old man at the diner called it a legend. A story of a creature that comes with the first big storm. A monster that hunts the wicked. As the team huddles for warmth, they discover the outpost's dark ...

A summer on a remote US air base in Okinawa is the last place teenager Kyle Taylor wants to be. Trapped in the oppressive heat and the even more oppressive silence of his father’s empty guest quarters, he’s a prisoner of paradise. But when he falls in with a group of military brats who know the island’s secrets, Kyle discovers a new, more dangerous kind of prison. Deep in the off-limits jungle lies a sealed Japanese command bunker, a tomb untouched since the final days of World War II. Lured by the thrill of exploring a place no one has entered for eighty years, the teens break the ...

This imaginative and stimulating Very Short Introduction audiobook goes beyond a simple retelling of the stories to explore the rich history and diverse interpretations of classical mythology. It is a wide-ranging account, examining how classical myths are used and understood in both high art and popular culture, taking the listener from the temples of Crete to skyscrapers in New York, and finding classical myths in a variety of unexpected places: from Arabic poetry and Hollywood films, to psychoanalysis, the Bible, and New Age spiritualism.

A practical guide to the magical systems of pre-Christian Iceland Reveals spells and workings drawn directly from surviving magical books from the 16th to 20th century preserved at the National Library in Reykjavík Explores the history of magic in Iceland through original translations...

Venture beyond familiar horizons and journey back to a time of majesty and intrigue with "Beyond the Forbidden City," a captivating chronicle that's designed to transport you straight into the heart of Imperial China. Dive headfirst into this profound compilation of riveting tales, fascinating insights, and hidden truths that have shaped the very essence of Chinese civilization. Experience the grandeur of the ancient dynasties, the behind-the-scenes power of court eunuchs, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Terracotta Warriors. Savor a taste of Imperial China as you explore the ...

He bargained with the stone. She bargained with the sea. Fate will collect from them both. Ireland, 1282. Connla mac Ruarc is the last Wolf King of Ossory, ruling a starving people and a dying land. To save his kingdom from the Normans, he offers the ancient stones anything. The answer washes up on his shores: Aife, a merrow princess with a stolen voice and legs that bleed with every step. She has one year to change a king’s fate, or the sea witch will claim her soul. But as the curse binds their blood and the moon demands its due, a fanatical priest arrives with a silver spear and a ...

Irish Mythology for Teens Uncover the Secrets of Ancient Ireland: Myths, Magic, and Legendary Heroes Step into a world where giants roam, warriors rise, and the line between magic and reality is razor-thin. This book pulls you into the bold, mysterious legends of ancient Ireland — packed with epic battles, clever gods, and creatures that still whisper through the mist. Get ready to discover: The thrilling adventures of heroes like Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill. How the goddess Brigid transformed into a saint and kept her sacred flame burning. Enchanting and terrifying magical ...

Are you brave enough to enter a world where the line between reality and nightmare is impossibly thin? The Horror Files beckons you into a realm where legends stir from the past, and every corner hides a terror waiting to strike. This is no ordinary collection, it's a descent into darkness, where fear takes on many faces, and no secret stays buried for long. Ancient myths claw their way into the present. Unsolved mysteries evolve into chilling realities. Brutal horrors of today collide with the restless whispers of forgotten legends. With 18 heart-pounding stories, The Horror Files will ...

Uncover Japan's Secrets in One Epic Volume From the mysterious Jōmon people to the heights of its technological prowess, Japan’s story is a 10,000-year saga of ruthless warriors, spiritual emperors, and revolutionary rebirth. Beneath the history books lie the timeless legends: the divine creation myths, the harrowing ghost stories, and the tales of samurai honor that define the nation's soul. Two manuscripts in one book: History of Japan: An Enthralling Journey Through Ancient Japanese Empires, the Shogunate Era, Cultural Renaissance, and Modern Period Japanese Folktales and Legends: An ...