Stories of the Olden Time (Historical Series—Book IV Part I)

This volume gathers the earliest stories that shaped cultures, presenting myths, parables, and legends side by side. The editor’s introduction reminds listeners that ancient tales blend fact and imagination, yet they reveal the same ambitions, rivalries and moral questions that still drive us today. By moving from primordial myths through fables to more historically layered legends, the collection offers a compact look at how societies moved from barbarism toward law and shared values.

The opening myth follows Arachne, a mortal whose needlework surpasses even the admiration of the gods. Proud of her talent, she boldly invites the goddess Minerva to a weaving contest, refusing to bow to divine superiority. As the two artists begin their rivalry, the story explores themes of hubris, creativity, and the delicate line between worship and competition.