Myths and legends from around the world

Retellings of gods, monsters and knights explain stories encountered in literature and art, moving from ancient mythology to Arthurian adventures.

An ordered account brings together Greek and Roman gods, their worship, and heroic adventures where divine powers meet human lives.

Perseus, Jason and Theseus undertake quests involving Medusa, the golden fleece and dangerous journeys that test courage and conduct.

Odysseus faces storms, strange creatures and interfering gods while his family confronts threats at home in Ithaca.

Greek poems gather the origins of the gods, heroic deeds and reflections on farming and justice into one collection.

Aeneas leads survivors from Troy toward Italy, facing Juno's opposition as storms and loss threaten their search for a homeland.

Beginning with the world's creation, these stories introduce Norse gods, giants and heroes through their conflicts, homes and fears.

Irish and Welsh tales of gods, warriors and enchanted voyages sit alongside an account of Celtic history and traditions.

Old Norse poems tell of the world's beginnings and destruction, alongside gods and heroes caught in loyalty and vengeance.

Medieval Welsh tales bring rulers, lovers and warriors into encounters with the Otherworld, magical transformations and seemingly impossible tasks.

Irish legends move from divine peoples struggling over Ireland to the hunts, loves and adventures of Finn and his companions.

Stories of Odin, Thor, Loki and the giants explain the references and indirect expressions found in older Norse poetry.

Arthur's rise and the Round Table's quests bring together tournaments, rescues and the search for the Holy Grail.

A family claiming descent from Odin faces curses, dragon encounters and revenge across generations divided by conflicting duties.

Retold Indian stories follow gods and heroes from early hymns to the Ramayana and Mahabharata, tracing changing religious ideas.

Creation stories, immortals and ghosts introduce Chinese traditions, from the heavenly court to spirits associated with everyday life.

Dakota tales follow Iktomi and talking animals through schemes in which hunger, ambition and cleverness bring unexpected trouble.

Japanese tales bring revenge, love and ghosts into lives shaped by competing wishes, social demands and obligations.

Accounts of gods, creation and ritual explore Aztec, Inca and Maya beliefs through records of conquerors and early chroniclers.

Ancient Egyptian tales follow a prince's foretold fate, quarrelling brothers and a search for magic within a tomb.

Hawaiian stories recount gods, chiefs and heroes, linking volcanic fire, the taming of the sun and island rulers.

Philippine tales explain the origins of the world, people and animals, while spirits and heroes shape daily life.

Mesopotamian myths of Marduk, Ishtar and Gilgamesh appear alongside the history of the peoples who told their stories.

Surviving Babylonian fragments tell of Gilgamesh's friendship with Enkidu in a story concerned with strength and fear of death.