Myths and Legends from Around the World brings you some of the most influential stories ever told. Encompassing the vast range of human experience, they perhaps tell us all we need to know about ourselves.

The tales are drawn from many different literary and cultural traditions - from Scandinavia, the Americas, Japan, Africa, and Europe - and are re-told with the modern reader in mind. Within these pages, you will find the passions, the sacrifices, the dilemmas, the tribulations, the humour, the deeds of heroism and evil, which make up the rich pattern of life.

You will meet true heroes (Beowulf, Roland) great chivalric lovers (Black Colin, Gawain), spiritual saviours (Countess Cathleen, Miao Shan), errant Gods (Thor, Zeus), temptresses (Tlazolteotl), icons of patience (Hercules) and victors of the sex wars (Goroba Dike and Mamadi).

Illustrated throughout, Myths and Legends from Around the World takes you to the sources of inspiration for generations of storytellers.