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Legends Books
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Young Folks' Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12) Myths and Legendary Heroes
"Young Folks' Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12)" by Hamilton Wright Mabie is a collection of myths and legendary tales written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on various ancient stories that have captivated audiences across cultures, including tales from Greece, Rome, Scandinavia, and India, as well as the heroic adventures of characters like Perseus, Hercules, and Robin Hood. Through beautifully adapted narratives and engaging prose, the book aims to introduce young readers to the enchanting world of mythology and folklore. At the start of the volume, the introduction sets the stage for a rich exploration of myths from different cultures, highlighting their significance and the moral lessons they convey. It discusses the charm of storytelling that has preserved these tales through generations. The opening story, "Baucis and Philemon," follows a kind elderly couple in a selfish village who, after demonstrating hospitality to two unexpected travelers, receive a magical blessing that leads them to eternal togetherness as trees after their deaths. This tale, among others in the volume, intricately weaves themes of kindness, love, and the consequences of one’s actions, captivating the reader's imagination right from the beginning.
Lafcadio Hearn
Stray leaves from strange literature; and, Fantastics and other fancies
"Stray Leaves from Strange Literature" and "Fantastics and Other Fancies" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of literary works that explores various myths, fables, and legends, likely written in the late 19th century. This anthology showcases Hearn's fascination with exotic tales from diverse cultures, ranging from Egyptian narratives to Indian legends and Pacific Island folklore. The compilation serves as a mosaic of enchanting stories, rich in imagination and evocative language, reflecting Hearn's intent to share the unique beauty of unfamiliar literatures. The opening of the book provides an insightful note from Hearn, elucidating his process of gathering and reconstructing these tales. He likens his work to that of a merchant collecting small jewels, emphasizing the beauty and strangeness of the stories he presents. The initial sections include the "Book of Thoth," an Egyptian tale about magic and immortality, where the protagonist, Noferkephtah, uncovers a powerful book that grants immense power but leads to tragedy. This introduction sets the tone for the book's subsequent entries, which promise a journey through captivating myths and legends drawn from various global traditions, ultimately seeking to bridge the gap between cultures through the art of storytelling.
T. F. (Thomas Firminger) Thiselton-Dyer
Strange Pages from Family Papers
"Strange Pages from Family Papers" by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer is a collection of historical accounts written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the intriguing themes of family lore, particularly focusing on curses, omens, and the supernatural as they relate to notable families throughout history. Through its captivating anecdotes, the work sheds light on the intertwining of historical events with personal tragedies resulting from these family curses. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a world steeped in the traditions of family curses and folklore, specifically emphasizing their dramatic consequences over generations. The narrative recounts several compelling stories, such as the tragic fate of the M'Alister family, which suffered from a curse pronounced by a grieving mother whose sons were wrongfully executed. It also presents the tale of the Earl of Pembroke, whose actions led to a similar curse and ultimate downfall, as well as other legends surrounding curses that afflict families due to past injustices. These stories set the tone for an exploration of how the weight of historical transgressions can linger, haunting descendants and altering their fates.
Clark B. (Clark Barnaby) Firestone
The coasts of illusion : $b A study of travel tales
"The Coasts of Illusion: A Study of Travel Tales" by Clark B. Firestone is a historical and literary analysis written in the early 20th century. The book explores the myths, legends, and half-truths woven into travel literature through the ages, focusing on how these narratives shaped humanity’s perception of the earth and its inhabitants. Rather than examining the supernatural, the work delves into the imaginative and sometimes fanciful ways in which people explained unknown lands, creatures, and phenomena before the age of modern geography and science. The opening of this study sets the tone by invoking the legendary adventures of Marco Polo, whose tales blend fact with hearsay and wonder, and uses his imagined dialogue with Venetians to illustrate how travel stories both fascinated and amused people. The preface clarifies that Firestone aims to survey the world as filtered through myths, exploring how geography, peoples, animals, and even natural phenomena like rivers or stones were distorted or imagined anew. Early chapters describe how maps once depicted both real and fantastical lands, and recount a host of beliefs about the world’s shape, the mystical properties of plants and stones, and the marvels attached to animals. The text emphasizes the power of human imagination—driven by hope, fear, or wishful thinking—in constructing a world of marvels that persisted until relatively modern times.
Unknown
Myths and Legends of All Nations Famous Stories from the Greek, German, English, Spanish, Scandinavian, Danish, French, Russian, Bohemian, Italian and other sources
"Myths and Legends of All Nations" by Logan Marshall is a collection of famous stories drawn from various cultural traditions, likely written in the early 20th century. This anthology showcases tales from Greek, German, English, Spanish, and other folklore traditions, emphasizing the enduring nature of these narratives which hold significance across generations. The text explores notable mythological characters and events, including heroic figures like Prometheus and Hercules, intertwining rich history and cultural themes. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to the profound significance of myths, asserting that they illuminate the history and beliefs of ancient civilizations. It begins with the story of Prometheus, who defies the gods to bring fire to humanity, showcasing themes of sacrifice and the consequences of challenging divine authority. As Prometheus suffers for his generosity, the narrative unfolds to reveal how the gifts of civilization, such as fire, enable progress and creativity among men while also foreshadowing the trials that lie ahead for the heroic figures in the subsequent tales. This opening establishes a captivating tone that promises a blend of wonder, moral lessons, and the exploration of human nature through these timeless stories.
Lewis Spence
Myths & Legends of Babylonia & Assyria
"Myths & Legends of Babylonia & Assyria" by Lewis Spence is a book published in 1916. This work presents a curated selection of ancient Mesopotamian myths and legends, including the Gilgamesh Epic, alongside historical background of these civilizations. Spence draws comparisons to Western culture to make the material accessible to British readers. While critics noted inaccuracies and over-reliance on questionable sources, the book offers detailed explorations of Babylonian and Assyrian religion, mythology, and their lasting influence on law, literature, and surrounding cultures.
Various
Heathen mythology, Illustrated by extracts from the most celebrated writers, both ancient and modern
"Heathen Mythology: Illustrated by extracts from the most celebrated writers, both ancient and modern, on the gods of Greece, Rome, India, Scandinavia, etc." is an illustrated historical account likely written in the 19th century. This work delves into the rich tapestry of ancient myths surrounding various deities, utilizing excerpts from celebrated authors to provide context and depth. The text aims to engage readers with the enchanting narratives and characters of mythology, touching on the beliefs that influenced ancient civilizations. The opening of the book establishes a philosophical preface, reflecting on the integral role of mythology in ancient cultures. It discusses how early societies assigned deities to natural phenomena and crafted intricate stories featuring gods who influenced every aspect of life. The texts draw on various mythological themes, portraying a blend of reverence and poetic imagination, which led individuals to find beauty and spirituality in their understanding of the divine. By emphasizing the personifications of nature, the book invites readers to appreciate how these mythical tales shaped the moral and existential inquiries of their time.
H. A. (Hélène Adeline) Guerber
Legends of the Middle Ages Narrated with Special Reference to Literature and Art
"Legends of the Middle Ages" by H. A. Guerber is a historical account written in the late 19th century, specifically in 1896. This work aims to familiarize readers, particularly young students, with the rich tapestry of medieval legends that have significantly influenced literature and art throughout history. It delves into iconic tales such as the epic of "Beowulf," offering insights into the customs, morals, and beliefs of the medieval era, showcasing the enduring legacy of these narratives. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the purpose and scope of the work. Guerber explains that the legends covered in this volume are not merely relics of the past but vibrant stories that reflect the imaginations and societal values of their times. She emphasizes the importance of these tales in literary tradition, mentioning many celebrated authors who drew inspiration from them. The narrative begins with "Beowulf," highlighting the titular hero's legendary battles against formidable foes like Grendel, and sets the tone for the exploration of other pivotal stories and their characters that follow in subsequent chapters. Overall, the opening establishes the book's intent to serve as both an educational resource and a celebration of medieval literature.
Villamaria
Fairy Circles Tales and Legends of Giants, Dwarfs, Fairies, Water-Sprites, and Hobgoblins
"Fairy Circles" by Villamaria is a collection of tales and legends focused on fantastical beings such as giants, dwarfs, fairies, water-sprites, and hobgoblins, likely written in the late 19th century. This enchanting work delves into various stories that celebrate folklore and mythology, inviting readers to explore the mystical realms alongside characters, such as the young prince Frederick and his beloved Gela, who embody themes of love, sacrifice, and the trials of duty. At the start of the collection, the narrative unfolds with "Barbarossa's Youthful Dream," introducing the young prince Frederick, who cherishes the freedom of the forest and the secret love he holds for Gela, daughter of a retainer. As the prince prepares to join a crusade, Gela is forced to make a heart-wrenching sacrifice for his future, leading to a poignant farewell that shapes their destinies. This initial chapter establishes the tone for the interwoven tales of ambition, loss, and hope, seamlessly blending historical elements with fantastical storytelling that promises to engage anyone with a love for fairy tales and folklore.
Marie Harriette Frary
The Crystal Palace and Other Legends
"The Crystal Palace and Other Legends" by Marie H. Frary and Charles M. Stebbins is a collection of enchanting tales retold for children, likely written in the early 20th century. These legends combine elements of fantasy and folklore, depicting magical beings, heroic deeds, and moral lessons that reflect the ideals of bravery, kindness, and integrity. The book serves as a delightful introduction to historical and mythical narratives, capturing the imagination of young readers through timeless stories. The book features a variety of tales centered around captivating themes, such as love, adventure, and the supernatural. For instance, one story involves an old nurse named Margot who finds herself in a magical crystal palace after being led into the river by Father Rhine, a water spirit. Another tale details the brave actions of a young page who defends his master against robbers and later reveals himself as a spirit of light. The legends also include the story of the haughty maiden of Stavoren, whose selfishness leads to her downfall, and the tale of Lohengrin, the Swan Knight, who emerges as a noble champion for Princess Elsa. Each legend conveys moral lessons, encouraging virtues such as compassion, courage, and selflessness in an engaging and accessible manner for young readers.
Lafcadio Hearn
Natalika
"Natalika" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of legends and stories written in the late 19th century. This work encompasses a variety of tales, including those derived from Egyptian, Polynesian, Indian, and Islamic sources, with a particular focus on the themes of beauty, magic, and the intersection of the human and the divine. The collection includes both well-known myths and lesser-known versions of old tales, reflecting Hearn's interest in the exotic and mystical elements of literature from different cultures. The opening of "Natalika" sets the stage for a rich exploration of myth and storytelling, as Hearn introduces his intent to weave together a mosaic of legends that have captivated him. It blends narratives like "Thoth's Book," a mesmerizing tale about the magical powers contained within an ancient Egyptian text, and hints at the allure of characters like Natalika, who emerges among other fascinating figures in the stories that follow. Hearn expresses his desire to share these enchanting stories with a broader audience, inviting readers into a world where magical realism and cultural heritage intertwine. This collection promises a journey through diverse mythologies, exploring human emotions, the supernatural, and the intricate tapestry of life and death.
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