
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
THE WAYSIDE. INTRODUCTORY.
THE MINOTAUR.
THE PYGMIES.
THE DRAGON'S TEETH.
CIRCE'S PALACE.
THE POMEGRANATE SEEDS.
THE GOLDEN FLEECE.
In a quiet winter scene, a storyteller welcomes an old college friend to his modest hillside cottage, inviting him to explore a crumbling summer house that seems fashioned more from imagination than timber. The snowy meadow, the ancient trees, and the simple, airy ruins set a gentle tone that contrasts with the grandeur of distant mountains, suggesting that stories can flourish anywhere the mind lingers.
The two men settle by a sunlit window, exchanging manuscripts of fresh mythic tales. Their conversation hints at familiar legends—tales of daring heroes, clever creatures, and transformative journeys—re‑told with a voice that feels both scholarly and warmly conversational. Listeners are drawn into a series of concise, vivid narratives that introduce classic myths in a way that feels like a fireside chat, perfect for curious ears seeking both wonder and a touch of nostalgia.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (359K characters)
Release date
1997-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1804–1864
Best known for The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, this classic American writer brought moral tension, mystery, and the shadows of New England history into unforgettable fiction. His stories often explore guilt, secrecy, and the uneasy pull of the past.
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