Myths and World Stories

Description Myths of Greece, Rome, ancient Norse legends, and stories from around the world.
Name Excerpt Link
The Gentleman who saved a tigerAn Indian story about a tiger and a man who sets him free. A good deed deserves at least a nice thank you, you might think. But that is not what the tiger has in mind. https://www.storynory.com/the-gentleman-who-saved-a-tiger/
Tam O’Shanter or How Maggie lost her TailBurns Night is a celebration held on the 25th of January in honour of Scotland's famous poet, Robert Burns. We celebrate this Scottish evening with the story of Tam O'Shanter (originally told in a poem by Burns) who stays out late and meets a gang of witches on his way home. https://www.storynory.com/tam-oshanter-or-how-maggie-lost-her-tail/
The Firebird and the Grey Wolf!The classic Russian fairy story of a Prince who goes in search of the mystical and wonderful firebird or yar-bird. https://www.storynory.com/the-firebird-and-the-grey-wolf/
The Tiny Birds and the Mighty SeaA wise story from India about two tiny birds who take on the full force of the mighty sea. https://www.storynory.com/the-tiny-birds-and-the-sea/
Lizard Wisdom in 3 FablesThree Mythical Stories about Lizards filled with ancient wisdom. https://www.storynory.com/lizard-wisdom-in-3-fables/
PandoraHello This is Jana, And I am here with a creation myth from Ancient Greece. A creation myth is a story that explains how the world began. For instance, in the Bible we hear that the first humans were called Adam and Eve and they lived in the garden of Eden. Well the Greeks don’t […]https://www.storynory.com/pandoras-jar/
NarcissusEver heard someone called "narcissistic?" It means they love themselves a LOT. The word comes from an ancient Greek boy named Narcissus who was so into his own reflection, he forgot about everything else! Imagine missing out on life because you're too busy looking in a mirror. A water nymph named Echo tried to say “hi” to him but he was too in love with his own reflection to notice her. https://www.storynory.com/narcissus/
The Year of the Dragon 2024Happy Chinese Year of Dragon 2024! All over the world, including London’s Chinatown, you can see Chinese processions with banging drums, clashing symbols and a dragon dance performance. This story celebrates the rain-making qualities of Chinese Dragons https://www.storynory.com/the-year-of-the-dragon-2024/
The Blue JackalA story from India's Panchatantra about a hungry Jackal who is dipped in blue dye. The animals in the jungle think that he is a god... and he takes full advantage of the situation. Also look out for our friends' podcast, Kids' Stories, Science and Secrets! https://www.storynory.com/the-blue-jackal/
The Enchanted Tea KettleThe story of a tea kettle that comes alive and performs circus tricks! https://www.storynory.com/the-enchanted-tea-kettle/
Master Snotty NoseAn old Woodcutter donates his logs to the River Dragon. In return he receives a boy to look after - the boy has a constantly running nose, and is called Master Snotty Nose. Will he be a blessing or a nuisance to the old man?https://www.storynory.com/master-snotty-nose/
Two Stories from AfricaTwo charming stories from Nigeria. The first is a funny fable about a Spider, a Hippo and an Elephant. The second is about a wise man who rides on a Hyena on the way back from Mecca. Umar Isa Dandago links up with us from Nigeria to introduce the story and play the part of the tricky spider. He also tells us about the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, which is taking place now and features in the second story. https://www.storynory.com/two-stories-from-africa/
Phaethon, The Boy who flew in the Sun’s Chariot.A Great Greek myth for you! It's a tale of a Greek boy named Phaethon and his extraordinary adventure that changed the face of the world. .Get ready for a tale of gods, superpowers, and a lesson that will stay with you! Listen on, and you will learn how the Sahara in Africa became a desert - or at least you will hear the story, according to ancient Greeks. Sponsored by https://kiwico.com/story - crates of innovative and educational projects. https://www.storynory.com/phaethon-the-boy-who-flew-in-the-suns-chariot/
Cap-O-RushesHere are two fairy tales from England along the theme of "She Shall Go To the Ball!' There's a touch of Cinderella and hint of King Lear. These two stories are romantic and fun. Sponsored by Kiwico, promo code "story".https://www.storynory.com/cap-o-rushes/
Childe RowlandChilde Rowland to the Dark Tower Came .... an ancient story from England about the son of King Arthur... and maybe the first of more stories.https://www.storynory.com/childe-rowland/
Honest JackHappy Valentines! A folk tale from England about an honest boy who wants to marry his sweetheart - and receives some magical help.https://www.storynory.com/honest-jack/
The Chinese Year of the RabbitWishing you prosperity for the Year of the Rabbit with this traditional Chinese story about the Moon Rabbit.https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-year-of-the-rabbit/
Sir BuzzBZZZZZZZ! A failytale from India about a magical Soldier called Sir Buzz who plays the part of a Genie.https://www.storynory.com/sir-buzz/
The Greedy BearA story from India about a couple that tricks a hungry bear into bringing them half a ton of wood. https://www.storynory.com/the-greedy-bear/
How Apollo found his LyreTwo musical Greek myths about the origins of the Lyre and the flute. The characters include the Sun God Apollo, Hermes the Messenger when he was a baby, Pan the woodland flute player, and King Midas of the Golden Touch. Sponsored by Little Passports. https://www.storynory.com/how-apollo-found-his-lyre/
The Wise Girl and the RiddlesTwo peasants are arguing about who owns a foal. A rich widow claims that her cart gave birth to it. Her poor neighbour is sure that his mare is the mother and the foal belongs to him. The poor man's wise daughter helps him win the dispute, by solving some subtle riddles. https://www.storynory.com/the-wise-girl/
SchippeitaroWho or what do you think Schippeitaro is? This story features some Demon Cats and cat wailing FX and is a little more spooky than usual.https://www.storynory.com/schippeitaro/
Chinese Year of the Tiger2022 is the year of the Tiger. People born in the year of the Tiger are courageous and adventurous. But the Tiger did not always represent those characteristics - as this story shows. https://www.storynory.com/chinese-year-of-the-tiger/
How the Jellyfish Lost his BonesA story from Japan about how the Jellyfish lost his bones and became a lump of jelly. We pause for a moment to consider the beauty of the boneless jellyfish. A dragon king and queen and a tricky monkey also feature. https://www.storynory.com/how-the-jellyfish-lost/
The Lady Beaming Bright A poor couple adopts a magical being. But who is their beautiful and charming new daughter? Listen on to find out. https://www.storynory.com/the-lady-beaming-bright/
The Girl with a Bowl on her HeadIt's only natural for parents to worry, and sometimes they worry a little too much. Once, a girl was beautiful - and her parents worried that she was too pretty. They were so concerned that they sent her out into the world with a bowl over her head. Poor girl! How could she find a job? How could she find love? When she had a bowl over her head? https://www.storynory.com/the-girl-with-a-bowl-on-her-head/
The Doomed PrinceA fairy story from ancient Egypt without an ending -you tell us how it should end and we shall read out the best answers out on Storynory. Send to comp@storynory by 14 June 2021.https://www.storynory.com/the-doomed-prince/
The Chinese Year of the OxAn Ox is a large animal that looks like a bull, but he is generally patient, hard-working, and easy-going. And people who are born in the year of the Ox are said to be like that too! How did humans come to have this useful animal on earth to help them farm? Listen on to find out.https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-year-of-the-ox/
Hero and LeanderFor Valentine's Day, an ancient romantic story - Hero and Leander - two lovers separated by a stretch of water, the Hellespont. Will Leander swim to meet his love?https://www.storynory.com/hero-and-leander/
Gilgamesh Part 5 -The Great FloodGilgamesh is searching for the secret of Immortality. He visits Utnapishtim the Far Away who tells him how he survived the Great Flood when the gods decided to destroy humankind.https://www.storynory.com/gilgamesh-part-5-the-flood/
Gilgamesh Part 2 – Humbaba the DragonGilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his adopted brother, the wildman Enkidu, travel to Lebanon to fight the dragon, Humbaba. Adapted from the myth from ancient Mesopotamia.https://www.storynory.com/gilgamesh-part-2-humbaba-the-dragon/
The Crow and his FriendsA story from ancient India, in which a crow makes friends with three animals that are very different from him, and together they face dangers. https://www.storynory.com/the-crow-and-friends/
Why the Back Door is FrontA traditional Welsh story about an old woman who is falsely accused of being a witch. https://www.storynory.com/why-the-back-door-is-front/
The Red Bandits of MontgomeryA story from Wales that is a little like Rumplestiltskin https://www.storynory.com/the-red-bandits-of-montgomery/
Chinese Year of the Pig2019 is the Chinese year of the Pig. We tell you a famous pig story to celebrate ! Dedicated to Penny who supports us on Patreon. https://www.storynory.com/chinese-year-of-the-pig/
5 – Peer Gynt: The Button MakerPeer returns home after 20 years abroad. Will anyone remember him? He meets some strange beings who do in fact know who he is. https://www.storynory.com/5-peer-gynt-the-button-maker/
4 – Peer Gynt: The Sahara DesertPeer travels to Egypt - meets the mysterious Anitra - and seeks the answer to the riddle of the Sphinx https://www.storynory.com/4-peer-gynt-the-sahara-desert/
3 – Peer Gynt. The BøygHow can Peer not be himself? The Bøyg speaks to Peer in Riddles. Featuring Solveig's song sung by Jana. https://www.storynory.com/3-peer-gynt-the-boyg/
2 – Peer Gynt. In The Hall of the Mountain KingPeer Gynt, a poor boy with big dreams, has run away to the mountains. He meets a green lady who introduces him to the Mountain King of the Trolls. https://www.storynory.com/2-peer-gynt-in-the-hall-of-the-mountain-king/
1 – Peer Gynt. The Magic Reindeer RideThe famous Norwegian fairy tale that includes trolls and flying reindeer ! Peer Gynt is a storyteller - his mother calls him a fibber - but his tales are spellbinding and hilarious. https://www.storynory.com/1-peer-gynt-the-magic-reindeer-ride/
The Two Witch CatsA welsh story about a magician who catches thieves. https://www.storynory.com/the-two-witch-cats/
Taffy Morgan’s HarpAn amusing Welsh story about a lad who thinks he is a musical genius - but few agree. https://www.storynory.com/taffy-morgans-harp/
The Old Woman Who Lost Her DumplingA story from Japan that will make you laugh, featuring a funny old woman, a Jizo and some Oni with giant appetites. https://www.storynory.com/the-old-woman-who-lost-her-dumplings/
Finette Part TwoFinette and Yvon arrive in Brittany and Kerver Castle. Finette fears that Yvon will forget all about her and their love. Is that possible ?https://www.storynory.com/finette-part-two/
Finette Part OneFinette loves bright clothes and golden jewellery. In particular she wears a necklace made of golden bullets. She is trapped in the service of a giant. One day a new stable boy, Yvon, starts work for the giant. Soon Yvon has to complete some impossible tasks. Only Finette can help him. A story from Brittany in France. https://www.storynory.com/finette-part-one/
The Goblin SpiderA creepy-crawly story from Japan about a Samurai who must stay the night in a temple haunted by a giant Goblin-Spider https://www.storynory.com/the-goblin-spider/
The Pot of BrothA cunning old soldier has a "magical" stone that can make a pot of broth - although it could taste better with the help of Sibby Connelly's Chicken - adapted from a play by WB Yeats https://www.storynory.com/the-pot-of-broth/
Halloween at the castleAn Irish tale for Halloween sometimes known as Jamie Freel and the Young Lady. This story is both spooky and sweet - but perhaps not for small children as there is a quite sad and heavy passage towards the end - before the happy ending. https://www.storynory.com/halloween-at-the-castle/
Princess GoldenA French fairytale in which a king sends a messenger to woo a princess on his behalf. Avenant (the messenger) is helped on the way by a carp, an owl and a crow. https://www.storynory.com/princess-golden/
The Dog and the ElephantA story from India that shows how friendship is more important than fine food and living the high-life.https://www.storynory.com/the-dog-and-the-elephant/
The Evil MouseAn old French story about an evil mouse who orders a young girl to play with fire. https://www.storynory.com/the-evil-mouse/
The Boy Who Loved to Draw CatsA boy is training to be a zen monk in Japan. Life in the monastery is hard. There is one thing he loves to do - and it is not to study or work in the garden. https://www.storynory.com/boy-loved-draw-cats/
The Ugly BoatmanA story from Vietnam about a fisherman who plays a bamboo flute - if only his face was as beautiful as his music ! https://www.storynory.com/the-ugly-boatman/
The Three DogsA boy sets out with three loyal dogs and they slay a dragon on their way. Watch out for twists and turns in the story! https://www.storynory.com/the-three-dogs/
The Boy Who Spoke to the BirdsA story from Russia about a boy who who could speak to the birds and who proved homself to be an excellent son. https://www.storynory.com/boy-spoke-birds/
Why Cats and Dogs are EnemiesA story from China that explains why cats hate dogs. Told by a mouse.https://www.storynory.com/cats-dogs-enemies/
A Spooky Irish StoryFor Halloween, a spooky story from Ireland about some witches with horns growing from their heads. https://www.storynory.com/a-spooky-irish-story/
The Weaver and the DragonAn Irish weaver becomes a knight, serves 'The King of Dublin' and takes on a dragon. https://www.storynory.com/the-weaver-and-the-dragon/
The Pooka in the KitchenThe servants in a large Irish House are grateful to a Pooka who comes every night to do their work for them. At Christmas, they decide to reward him. https://www.storynory.com/the-pooka-in-the-kitchen/
Thor’s WeddingThor the Thunder is often pictured carrying his hammer called Mjolnir, which he uses as a battle axe. In this Norse Myth, he has to dress up as a girl.https://www.storynory.com/thors-wedding/
Jack HannafordA cunning old soldier plays a trick on a naive couple. A traditional English folk story. https://www.storynory.com/jack-hannaford/
The Wheelie PeopleAn unusual story from Ancient Greece about the meaning of love, originally told in Plato's Symposium. https://www.storynory.com/the-wheelie-people/
The ‘Cat’ who scared the Christmas TrollsA Christmas story from Norway about a bear that some trouble-making trolls mistake for a cat.https://www.storynory.com/cat-scared-christmas-trolls/
Andromeda and PerseusPrincess Andromeda tells us how she was rescued from a ghastly sea monster by the Greek hero Perseus. We learn about Perseus's secret weapon, the snaky head of Medusa that can turn men to stone. https://www.storynory.com/perseus-and-andromeda/
PygmalionA sculptor on the island of Cyprus scorns all women until he falls in love with a statue that he has made. https://www.storynory.com/pygmalion/
The Labours of Heracles Part 2We continue the Labours of the strong-man Heracles, otherwise known as Hercules. https://www.storynory.com/the-labours-of-heracles-part-2/
The Labours of Heracles Part 1Heracles (Hercules in Latin) was the the strong-man of the ancient world. He performed twelve labours, and we tell you about the first 6 in https://www.storynory.com/the-labours-of-heracles-part-1/
The Punishment of LokiLoki, the Norse god of fire and tricks, is punished for his crime. https://www.storynory.com/the-punishment-of-loki/
BaldurThe tragic, tale of how a favourite son of the gods was killed. This one is really sad. https://www.storynory.com/the-death-of-baldur/
Fenris the WolfFenris the Wolf was so strong that he could bite through chains.https://www.storynory.com/fenris-the-wolf/
Thor’s Fishing TripThor, the Norse god of Thunder, goes on a fishing trip with a giant, and rows into the waters of the Midgard Serpent.https://www.storynory.com/thors-fishing-trip/
Song: Wine Dark SeaA haunting and romantic song about Jason and Medea, to go with the story of the Golden Fleece. https://www.storynory.com/song-wine-dark-sea/
Jason and Medea Part Four: the EscapeThe final part of Jason and Medea., the story of the golden fleece. Jason must sow the field of Ares with dragons teeth which will jump up into an army of skeleton men. Then Jason and Medea must escape. And there is a twist in the end of the tale. https://www.storynory.com/jason-and-medea-part-four-the-escape/
Song: Upstart GreekAn uptempo, amusing song about Jason and the Golden Fleece. We hope you will find this fun ! The words are a bit of a tongue-twister. https://www.storynory.com/upstart-greek/
Jason and Medea Part Three: Princess MedeaPrincess Medea takes up the story. Jason has come with the Argonauts to Colchis to seek the Golden Fleece for Greece. Medea falls in love with Jason and decides to help him. https://www.storynory.com/jason-and-medea-part-three-princess-medea/
Song: Row On BoysRow On - A bluesy rowing song for Jason and Medea sung by Gabriella Burnel https://www.storynory.com/row-on/
Jason and Medea Part Two : The Voyage to ColchisJason and the Argonauts contend with a boxing king and a blind prophet on their way to Colchis to fetch the Golden Fleece. https://www.storynory.com/jason-and-medea-part-two-the-voyage-to-colchis/
Jason and Medea Part One: The Voyage BeginsPictures by Nick Hayes for Storynory. Click to Enlarge. We begin our four part "epic" poem written in verse by Bertie for Storynory. You may know this famous story by other titles including Jason and the Golden Fleece and Jason and the Argonauts. We have chosen to call it "Jason and Medea" to emphasis the […]https://www.storynory.com/jason-and-medea-part-one-the-voyage-begins/
BrynhildeDownload the audio, Right Click Save As We have already met the Norse hero, Sigurd . After killing a dragon, he rode his horse through a ring of fire to discover a sleeping princess - a Valkyrie or War Maiden. Her name was Brynhilde. He woke her with a kiss - but was it happily […]https://www.storynory.com/brynhilde/
Sigurd and the DragonPrince Sigurd comes of age by fighting a dragon. His teacher Regin gives him a sword and sets him the task of killing the fearful reptile, Fafnir.https://www.storynory.com/sigurd-and-the-dragon/
Odin’s EyeHow the chief of the Norse gods gained True Wisdom and the terrible price he paid for it. https://www.storynory.com/odins-eye/
Idun and her Golden ApplesIn this Norse Story, we learn how the gods of Asgard are able to stay forever young.https://www.storynory.com/idun-and-her-golden-apples/
Sif and her Golden HairLoki, god of fire and mischief, steals Sif's beautiful golden hair. In doing so he enrages Sif's powerful husband, Thor.https://www.storynory.com/sif-and-her-golden-hair/
The Samurai and the Tea MasterThis traditional story from Japan is about the time a Samurai warrior challenged a tea master to a duel. It shows how if you are the master of yourself, you can be the master of anything.https://www.storynory.com/the-samurai-and-the-tea-master/
SadkoA musical story from Russia. Sadko famed for his beautiful singing voice and his skill on the gusli, a wooden instrument shaped like a wing. His music won the favour of Tsar Morskoi, the Lord of the Sea, who brought him great fortune... and trouble followed.https://www.storynory.com/sadko/
The Tortoise and the GeeseA fable from India which shows why it's wise to think before you open your mouth and speak. https://www.storynory.com/the-tortoise-and-the-geese/
UrashimaA Japanese fairy tale about a kind-hearted fisher boy who catches a turtle and lets it go free. https://www.storynory.com/urashima/
When the Sun Hid in Her CaveA legend from Japan about how the world was plunged into darkness when the Sun goddess sulked. The other gods gathered to remedy the situation and invented fun and music. https://www.storynory.com/when-the-sun-hid-in-her-cave/
Dido and AeneasThe tragic tale of Queen Dido's love for Aeneas from Virgil's Aeneid. https://www.storynory.com/dido-and-aeneas/
The Grateful CraneA story from Japan about a poor farmer who rescues a crane and finds that his luck changes for the better until his curiosity gets the better of him. https://www.storynory.com/the-grateful-crane/
The Firefly PrincessThe Fire-Fly princess has many suitors. She tells them all that she will marry the one who can bring her a flame. A glittering story from Japan.https://www.storynory.com/the-fire-fly-princess/
OrpheusThe ancient Greek story of Orpheus the musician, who traveled down to The Underworld to try and bring his bride back from the dead. Told in Bertie's verse. Tragic and sad .https://www.storynory.com/orpheus/
How the Tiger Got his StripesThe Year of the Tiger starts of February 14 2010. We mark the Chinese New Year with a legend from Asia about How the Tiger Got His Stripeshttps://www.storynory.com/how-the-tiger-got-his-stripes/
The Watermelon PrinceA story from Vietnam that tells how the delicious fruit, the watermelon, came to Vietnam. A king adopts a boy who grows up into a wise prince. His bother plots against him and he is banished to an island where he discovers a sumptuous new fruit.https://www.storynory.com/the-watermelon-prince/
The Midas TouchKing Midas entertains a satyr. As a reward he receives a gift - everything he touches turns to gold. He soon learns that the gift is a curse .https://www.storynory.com/the-midas-touch/
Baba Yaga – A Scary Story for HalloweenA SCARY STORY for Halloween. Baba Yaga is one of the most famous and frightening witches in all literature. She lives in a strange hut on hens legs. Vasilissa, a young girl, is sent to visit her.https://www.storynory.com/baba-yaga-a-scary-story-for-halloween/
The Boy Who Flew Too HighThe myth of how Daedalus made wings out of feathers and wax and flew away from imprisonment by King Minos on the island of Crete. His son Icarus ignored his warnings and flew too close to the sun.https://www.storynory.com/the-boy-who-flew-too-high/
The MinotaurHow Theseus killed the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne - an exciting myth from Ancient Greece with some historical background about King Minos and Crete woven in. https://www.storynory.com/the-minotaur/
Lazy JackLazy Jack goes out to work, but he's not used to earning a living, and he gets into all sorts of muddles. An amusing fireside tale from the North of England. https://www.storynory.com/lazy-jack/
The Homecoming of OdysseusOdysseus returns home 20 years after leaving for Troy. He arrives on his rocky island kingdom of Ithaca disguised as a beggar and finds that his palace is full of suitors wooing his wife, the faithful Queen Penelope.https://www.storynory.com/the-homecoming-of-odysseus/
The Chinese Years of the AnimalsHow the Chinese years came to be named after the animals. It was all decided by a swimming contest. https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-years-of-the-animals/
Circe the Beautiful WitchOdysseus sends his men to explore the interior of a mysterious island. They are enchanted by the singing voice of the beautiful Circe who then turns them into pigs. Odysseus comes in search of his missing men.https://www.storynory.com/circe-the-beautiful-witch/
In the Cyclops CaveHow Odysseus and his men found themselves trapped in the cave of the terrifying Cyclops, the one-eyed giant. Only one of the famous tricks of Odysseus can save them. https://www.storynory.com/in-the-cyclops-cave/
The Wooden HorseOne of the most famous tricks of all time. The war between the Greeks and the Trojans is in its tenth year. The Trojans rejoice when they wake up one day to find that the Greek army has finally departed. They have left behind them a strange gift - a giant wooden horse.https://www.storynory.com/the-wooden-horse/
Troy Although on an epic scale, the Battle for Troy involves some very personal grudges between the warriors. The climax of our story is the showdown between the Greek Achilles and the Trojan Hector. https://www.storynory.com/troy/
Helen of TroyIn Greek mythology, Helen was the most beautiful woman from the age of the heroes. She was the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta . After Helen ran away with Paris, prince of Troy, the Greek armies fought a ten year long war against Troy to win her back, as told by Homer. Christopher Marlowe, called her, the Face that Launched a Thousand Ships.https://www.storynory.com/helen-of-troy/
The Gingerbread ManRead the Gingerbread Man and listen to the FREE audio story. It's a fast-paced folktale about a cake who runs away down and is chased by people and animals. https://www.storynory.com/the-gingerbread-man/
The Cat’s ElopementThis charming tale comes from Japan. Two cats - Gon and Koma - fall in love and run away together. They are separated when they meet a fierce dog. Gon becomes the pet and defender of a princess - but will he ever see his true love again?https://www.storynory.com/the-cats-elopement/