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Mythology

Tales' category of mythology contains some of the oldest written texts in history. The mythology books will take you on adventurous journeys through ancient worlds of brave heroes and great gods of the past. Our collection covers myth from all around the world. You can find stories about the Vikings’ Norse gods and sorceresses, but you can also dive into the legendary and heroic tales of Ancient Greece. You can also get wiser on Ancient Egypt and it’s gods and pharaohs. Finally you will find mythology books about Ancient Japan with descriptions of its traditions and customs. Get ready to be inspired by the stories of the past.
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  • by Charlotte MacKenzie
    £20.99

  • by Suzie Wilde
    £10.49

    The time of peace is over. The time of war has begun.Bera is struggling to reconcile her desire to be an ordinary woman with the weight of her Valla duty to shape the future. Love and friendship vie with her longing for freedom at sea on her beloved longboat. Warned that Chaos is coming and that Vikings have taken her kin as slaves, Bera realises her destiny is to follow them to Wolf Island, a land that has abandoned the old gods. In a quest to save her loved ones, Bera must use her smith's iron lore and the knowledge of her Valla ancestors to follow an ancient path into a dark labyrinth, where human time is meaningless. There, she confronts her worst foe to finally bring peace - at the cost of a life.The voyage that began with Sea Paths and continued with Obsidian ends with Landfall, Bera's most dangerous and important journey of all.

  • by Elizabeth Garner
    £16.49

    Folk tales take us beyond our own boundaries into unknown lands. Yet within these adventures, riddles and enchantments we find our common ground and shared humanity. Lost & Found is Elizabeth Garner's own retelling of fifteen treasured folk tales that have nurtured, sustained, terrified and enthralled her in equal measure. Some of the stories are taken from the books of her childhood, some are remembered, and others she has discovered in her reading over the years.Garner's tapestry of words is adorned with engraver Phoebe Connolly's beautiful woodcut illustrations that bring the friends and foes of folklore to life. Included in the collection are stories such as 'The Riddle of the Crossroads', 'The Twisted Oak', 'The Wits of the Whetstone' and many more. With a varied and diverse cast of characters, Garner's retellings expertly traverse a myriad of mysterious worlds; always staying true to tradition, while simultaneously speaking to modern times.This illustrated collection is another link in the chain between storyteller, listener and our shared ancestors: tales from the past, told to enrich the present and to be carried forward into the future.

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    by Mark Knowles
    £8.99 - 18.99

    Packed with action, adventure, and intrigue, Jason is perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Madeline Miller.They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive?Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his uncle, the scheming King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory - of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his - and, like his warrior shipmates, of home.But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead - and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem.Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers.Yet Jason's perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home...'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason's oar. Knowles's storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric' Daisy Dunn, editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review, and author of Of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece & RomeReviewers on Mark Knowles: 'A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue' Adam Lofthouse'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw

  • by Johann Karl August Musäus
    £8.99

    Richilde greift vermutlich eine historische Begebenheit auf: Die Grafentochter Margaretha von Waldeck (1533 ¿ 1554) war wegen ihrer Schönheit weithin bekannt und hatte eine strenge Stiefmutter. Mit 16 Jahren schickte sie ihr Vater über das Siebengebirge an den kaiserlichen Hof von Brabant in Brüssel, um mit einem Prinzen verheiratet zu werden. Doch als mehrere hochrangige Persönlichkeiten um sie warben, darunter der Thronfolger Philipp, wurde ihre Gesundheit plötzlich zusehends schlechter und sie starb am 13. März 1554 im Alter von 21 Jahren, vergiftet durch Arsenik.In dieser Ausgabe wurden veraltete Ausdrücke in heute übliche Sprache übersetzt, sodass ein flüssiges Lesen und Verstehen auch ohne Nachschlagen möglich ist. Einige historische Anspielungen werden im Glossar näher erläutert. Romantische Bilder von Ludwig Richter illustrieren die Texte. Zum Vergleich wurde die Schneewittchen-Fassung angefügt, die die Brüder Grimm dreißig Jahre später aus mündlichen Überlieferungen niedergeschrieben und in ihre Kinder- und Hausmärchen aufgenommen haben.

  • by Paola Giometti
    £9.49

  • Save 10%
    by Adam Alexander Haviaras
    £35.99

    The Blood Road is a story of love, hate and the choices faced by a hero caught between worlds. It is the sixth book in Adam Alexander Haviaras' #1 bestselling Eagles and Dragons historical fantasy series.

  • by Adam Alexander Haviaras
    £23.49

    The Stolen Throne is the fifth book in Adam Alexander Haviaras' #1 best selling Eagles and Dragons historical fantasy series set in the Roman Empire.

  • Save 11%
    by Adam Alexander Haviaras
    £39.99

    Isle of the Blessed is the fourth book in Adam Alexander Haviaras' #1 bestselling Eagles and Dragons historical fantasy series set in the Roman Empire.

  • by Robin Ginther Venneri
    £22.49

    This second edition book covers the 12 days of yuletide and mythical gift-bearing creatures like the Christmas Witches, Yule Lads, and Krampus. You'll find easy witch tips, herb and crystal correspondences, upcoming retrogrades, and lots more. With over 350 pages of history, information, and associations, you'll have everything you need to celebrate the season.The Yule Guide is the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.This indispensable guide also includes detailed instructions for creating:Historical Yule Traditions and LoreWitch ballsWitch bellsTraditional Yule logRecipe for WassailingCrystal and Herb CorrespondenceVarious magic and spells

  • by Francis André-Cartigny
    £15.99

  • by Tony Whitefield
    £17.99

    Hypsipyle is one of those mythical characters from ancient Greek literature who was well known at the time of Apollonius, Ovid and Statius, butis largely unknown today. From her life as the daughter of King Thoas and Queen Myrina on the northern Aegean island of Limnos, through her short reign as a monarch who was eventually sold into slavery, Tony Whitefield recreates her story using the existing literature and a fair degree of imagination. We are introduced to her life through the eyes of Peter, an ageing story teller from Limnos, who has made his living re-telling her story to any group who will employ him. This is to be his last time as a storyteller, as he is old and wants to retire to a quiet life on the remote island of Chryse with his goats and sheep for his remaining years.

  • by Jacob J. Akol
    £18.49

    THESE MYTHS and folktales are a collection from my own pool of stories, told when I was a child in the village and locked up somewhere in the recesses of my memory. Although much has decayed with time or been wiped out by other peoples' stories fighting for front-page in my brain, I am sure there is a lot more in there that I cannot recall at the moment but which will come to the fore in due time. All I need is a catalyst, such as returning to the village, even if briefly. The village environment and atmosphere in which these stories are told impress them very firmly on the memory of the listener. Just imagine yourself as a child member of a family sitting around a wood fire on a dark night in the centre of your household compound, or lying in bed in a mud and thatched hut. All around you is darkness. Maybe it is raining, and there is lightning and thunder.

  • by Julia Eccleshare
    £7.99

    A classic collection of stories by Michael Rosen, Alexander McCall Smith, Ted Hughes, Michael Morpurgo and others, specially chosen for young readers of around eight by children's book expert, Julia Eccleshare. Mary Poppins takes Jane and Michael on a topsy-turvy day; a boy watches over a beautiful swan...These classic stories are wonderful to share and enjoy with your child at any time of the year, or would make the perfect birthday gift.

  • by Julia Eccleshare
    £7.99

    A classic collection of tales for young readers of about six, featuring beloved characters and lively stories by P.L. Travers, Jill Barklem, Michael Morpurgo and others, chosen by children's book expert, Julia Eccleshare.The Banks family are searching for a nanny; Macaw the parrot helps out at the fish and chip shop and a stonecutter dreams of becoming an emperor...These classic stories are wonderful to share and enjoy with your child at any time of the year, or would make the perfect birthday gift.

  • by Julia Eccleshare
    £7.99

    A classic collection of tales for young readers of about five, featuring beloved characters and lively stories by Michael Bond, Jill Barklem, Elizabeth Laird and others, chosen by children's book expert, Julia Eccleshare.Paddington Bear tries to buy a birthday present, the animals of Brambly Hedge set off to the seaside; A greedy queen insists on having the biggest tree in the world, but will Cinderella get to go to the ball?These classic stories are wonderful to share and enjoy with your child at any time of the year, or would make the perfect birthday gift.

  • by Julia Eccleshare
    £7.99

    A classic collection of tales to tell children of about four, featuring beloved characters and lively stories, by Michael Bond, Jill Barklem, Anne Fine amongst others, chosen by children's book expert, Julia Eccleshare.Paddington Bear has a magical moment, the animals of Brambly Hedge are struggling at the dusty mill: Lara's godmother sorts out a noisy lion and Rapunzel is rescued from the tower...These classic stories are wonderful to share and enjoy with your child at any time of the year, or would make the perfect birthday gift.

  • by M. R. Anglin
    £9.99

  • by Maren Pusch
    £12.99

  • by Knox Wilson & Herbert Spencer Robinson
    £16.49 - 79.49

  • by Benjamin Thorpe
    £20.99

    This detailed volume delves into the rich history of folklore and superstitions in Denmark, detailing the myths surrounding trolls, elves, gods, and ghosts.First published in 1851, Tales of Folklore and Superstition from Denmark is a wonderful read for those who wish to immerse themselves in the legendary world of Danish mythical and supernatural beings. Also included in this volume are family traditions and tales of battles fought and lost.

  • by Various
    £14.99

    This collection of informative essays are a fascinating examination of Malaysian folklore.Detailing the history of spiritualism in Malaysia and the Malaysian peninsula, these essays explore a variety of cultures and examine the differences and commonalities of various tribes and indigenous peoples from the islands and jungles.

  • by Vassar College Folk-Lore Foundation
    £25.49 - 32.49

  • by Edouard Schure
    £19.99 - 26.99

Mythology
Mythology is the foundation of many of today's stories, take for example the stories of King Arthur and Merlin, a well-known story that goes back to the celtic mythologies. It has fascinated many writers all around the world and with good reason. Myths take you on fascinating and sometimes even magical journeys and into the ancient worlds of the past. The mythologies build on folklore and you can learn a lot about the ancient lifestyles by reading mythology books. The themes in mythologies are often built around honor and bravery, but the tales also have their own universal moral message. 

Norse mythology books
In the Nordic countries we have a long and proud history of folk tales and some of them can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages and even before that, to what we describe as the Norse period, where all the Scandinavian countries were connected as one and not divided into nations. The North was instead formed by many smaller societies, who lived comparatively insulated and connected to nature. Such a life could be hard and created fertile soil for folklore and the belief in supernatural creatures, which are found in many folk tales. Most of the tales were part of an oral tradition and were often handed down through many generations. The mythology tales were first written down and converted into mythology books many years after they were told for the first time. 
We cannot mention the Norse period without the Vikings. Vikings are known all over the world for their strength, ships and sometimes brutal conquests, but the Vikings were defined by so much more than that. They had for example a vivid and intriguing tradition for mythology. To the Vikings they were so much more than myths, it was their religion. The Norse religion referred to as Asatru consists of multiple gods, goddresses, brave heroes and volvas, which were strong female sorcerers and fortune tellers. If you want to find your way to get started in Nordic mythology you can find a good description and overview in Penguin Book of Norse myths - Gods of the Vikings

Greek mythology books
Some of the greatest and most famous myths are found in Ancient Greece. You might have heard about the gods Zeus and Prometheus, the goddesses Athena and Aphrodite, and the heroes Hercules and Achilles? They are just a few of the unique figures of Ancient Greek mythology. They are found in some of the greatest classics of world literature; the Iliad and the Odyssey written by Homer. At Tales you can get them as mythology books in their traditional verse form, but we would also recommend you to take a look at Stephen Fry’s interpretations of the classical tales. Fry takes the timeless classics into modern times by rewriting the mythologies in a modern, easy understandable english, but he still keeps the essence of the Ancient mythologies. You can find Stephen Fry’s Heroes and Mythos in our selection of mythological books. 

Egyptian mythology books
Another world of mythologies is found in Ancient Egypt. Here we come across Ancient gods and goddesses with faces formed as animals. One of the central gods in Egyptian mythology is the sun god Ra. Ra was the incarnation of the sun, which was the foundation of life. In Egyptian mythology we also find mummies. Mummies were the deceased faraos, who were embalmed and covered in gaze to restore them for the afterlife. The god Osiris would then help them on their way through the afterlife. The mummies were placed in their own pyramid, who would show the greatness of the faraos for the times to come. The pyramids still stand in Egypt and show the history of the past. Among our egyptian mythology books you find the book Egyptian Mythology, which has collected all the fascinating tales of Ancient Egypt and all its gods, goddesses and legendary creatures. 

Japanese mythology books 
You can also find japanese mythology books in Tales’ selection. The japanese myths are little known to people, but contain many amazing stories. You can for example find the story behind the samurais, an Ancient collection of warriors in the japanese armies. A samurai had to live up to certain virtues in order to keep his status. A samurai should both be loyal and have a high level of endurance, modesty, and honor. You could learn a lot about a country from its mythology, because it is the foundation of the country’s culture, although a lot of changes have found place since then. If you aren’t familiar with japanese mythology, we recommend you to read the Handbook of Japanese Mythology among our collection of japanese mythology books. 

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