Retells and explains mythical stories passed down through the generations by ancient cultures from around the world on such topics as heroes, creation, monsters, gods, and immorality.

Includes index.

Nature and nation: in the beginning -- The raven who stole the light -- Mama Quilla -- A nation born -- Rainbow snake -- Maori gods -- Maui, the tiny tirckster -- Sedna and the trickster raven -- Kaang and the world tree -- The first people -- Ancient Greek gods -- How evil came into the world -- Flood stories -- Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca -- Egyptian gods -- A tale of four seasons -- The underworld -- Magic and mayhem: a tall story -- Magical circe -- Odysseus and the sirens -- Shapeshifters -- Werewolves -- Giant bird and monster whale -- Monsters of the deep -- Sacred animals of China -- Monkey Kings's mischief -- Crafty tricksters -- Anansi, the wise spider -- Eros and Psyche -- Plant legends -- Midas, king of fools -- Helpful Nisse -- Hidden folk -- Beware of Bunyip -- Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the fair -- Sinister sack man -- Quests and battles: warrior heroes -- Norse gods -- Thundering Thor -- Going for gold -- Mythical creatures -- Indian gods -- Goddess Durga -- Okuninushi and the white rabbit -- Heracles, the hero -- Warrior heroines -- Theseus and the Minotaur -- Perseus and Medusa -- Trojan war -- Jason and the gold fleece -- Oedipus, the tragic hero -- Dragons -- Beowulf and Grendel the ogre -- The knights of the round table -- Elixir of life -- Gilgamesh, the tyrant -- Lost kingdoms -- City of gold (El Dorado) -- Robin Hood -- Happily every after -- Tell us a story!.