
A lively, encyclopedic tour of the world’s tiniest tricksters, this collection gathers the legends of brownies, bogles, elves, goblins and their many cousins from Sweden to Japan, Ireland to Italy. The narrator treats folklore with a wink, blending witty commentary on historical misconceptions with vivid anecdotes about mischievous sprites who love cream, steal silken gowns, or guard hidden treasures beneath a blade of grass. Each entry is peppered with colorful illustrations that bring the quirky characters to life, making the ancient tales feel fresh and approachable.
The book’s tone is conversational and gently irreverent, inviting listeners to set aside scholarly debates and simply enjoy the charm of these capricious beings. From the moon‑maid Kaguyahime to the stubborn kobold of Köpenick, the stories celebrate the universal love of mischief that spans cultures. It’s a perfect companion for anyone who delights in the magical, the mischievous, and the wonderfully odd corners of folklore.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (138K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2012-05-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1920
A poet, essayist, and editor with a gift for graceful language, this American writer moved easily between lyric verse, criticism, and literary history. Her work blends devotion, wit, and a deep love of old books and older traditions.
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