
A warm and inviting introduction to the world’s oldest stories, this guide gathers myths from many cultures—Greek, Norse, Polynesian, Native American, Indian and beyond—presented in language that speaks directly to curious young minds. The selection emphasizes the way early peoples used animals and nature to explain how the world began, offering tales of muskrats shaping the earth, a kite stitching the sky, and a clever rabbit outwitting rivals. Each narrative is paired with brief notes that explain its cultural background, helping listeners see both the common threads and the unique flavors of each tradition.
The author’s careful research draws on respected scholars and classic collections, yet the retellings are chosen for their readability and charm, ensuring the stories feel alive without overwhelming detail. By focusing on the imaginative spirit behind the myths, the book encourages listeners to ask “why?” and to appreciate how stories travel across generations. It serves as a gentle stepping stone toward deeper study of comparative mythology, opening a doorway to endless wonder.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (546K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Doubleday, Page & Company,1908,reprint 1918.
Credits
Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2022-01-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1860–1926
A lively American literary critic and editor, she helped found Poet Lore and brought Shakespeare, Browning, and mythology to a wide reading public. Her work mixed scholarship with enthusiasm, making classic literature feel inviting rather than distant.
View all books