Timeless stories told anew Find out how the world was created, why the sun and the moon never meet each other though they live in the same sky, how clouds appeared to save mankind from the sun's scorching rays and why living creatures shed tears when they are in pain. Retold by bestselling author Anita Nair, these magical stories from all over the world come alive with a freshness and exuberance that is sure to delight and captivate readers of all ages.

When Surya the sun god got married, his wife could not bear the heat of his rays and ran away. Surya was heartbroken and the world plunged into darkness. A dwarf asked a king for some land, which he measured with three footsteps, and ended up claiming the earth and the sky. Sage Daksha got his daughters married to the moon, but later, in a fit of rage, cursed the moon with consumption, making it wax and wane. These are some of the fifty myths from India recounted in this fabulously produced book. From wise sages to demonic asuras, beautiful river deities to arrogant kings, wayward gods to brave princes, this collection of myths showcases the most enchanting and magical stories from Indian mythology.

Originally published: London: Bodley Head, 1967.

From Herodotus to The Mummy, Western civilization has long been fascinated with the exotic myths and legends of Ancient Egypt but they have often been misunderstood. Here acclaimed Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley guides us through 3000 years of changing stories and, in retelling them, shows us what they mean. Gathered from pyramid friezes, archaological finds and contemporary documents, these vivid and strange stories explain everything from why the Nile flooded every year to their beliefs about what exactly happened after death and shed fascinating light on what life was like for both rich and poor. Lavishly illustrated with colour pictures, maps and family trees, helpful glossaries explaining all the major gods and timelines of the Pharoahs and most importantly packed with unforgettable stories, this book offers the perfect introduction to Egyptian history and civilization.

Norse myths and legends introduced by bestselling author Michelle Paver, creator of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness collection and Gods and Warriors, her epic new Greek Bronze Age series for Puffin. The great Norse sagas are full of magic and heroic deeds. Odin's wanderings, Thor's hammer, the death of Bakkur, the vision of Ragnarok - tales which have been told since time immemorial - are given a fresh life in this version, written as one continuous exciting adventure story. Puffin Classics contain additional endnotes for children including an author profile, a guide to who's who, activities and more.

Some of the oldest and most famous stories in the worldýthe adventures of Perseus, the labors of Heracles, the voyage of Jason and the Argonautsýare vividly retold in this single, connected narrative of the Heroic Age, from the coming of the Immortals to the first fall of Troy. With fresh dialogue and a brisk pace, the myths of this version are enthrallingly vivid.Rick Riordan is the author of the New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Gathering a wide range of traditional African myths, this compelling new collection offers tales of heroes battling mighty serpents and monstrous birds, brutal family conflict and vengeance, and desperate migrations across vast and alien lands. From impassioned descriptions of animal-creators to dramatic stories of communities forced to flee monstrous crocodiles, all the narratives found here concern origins - whether of the universe, peoples or families. Together, they create a kaleidoscopic picture of the rich and varied oral traditions that have shaped the culture and society of successive generations of Africans for thousands of years, throughout the long struggle to survive and explore this massive and environmentally diverse continent.

Why are Tolkien's Elves tall? Which monster attacked Tolkien in real life? What legend inspired the creation of Gollum? In his masterpiece The Lord of the RingsJ. R. R. Tolkien drew upon a lifetime of knowledge to create the fantastical world of Middle-earth, a place that has captured the imagination of millions of readers. The Magical Worlds of The Lord of the Ringstells the stories behind Tolkien's stories. From dwarves and elves to King Arthur and Beowulf, the book explores the ancient myths and legends that inspired Tolkien, as well as the ideas and events that sparked his incredible imagination.

Meera Uberoi's Myths and Legends from Around the World, published by Ratna Sagar, is a collection of 12 fantastical tales that will appeal to all readers, young and old, who have a keen interest in myths and legends of gods and goddesses, supernatural beings, and heroes. The book includes:

The story of Helen and the judgement of Paris, of the gathering Heroes and the seige of Troy; of Achilles and his vulnerable heel, reared by the Centaur on wild honey and the marrow of lions; of Odysseus, the last of the Heroes, his plan for the wooden Horse and his many adventures on his long journey home to Greece. Also contains a beautiful introduction by best-selling author Michelle Paver, and additional endmatter including an author profile, who's who, activities, glossary and more.