Myths, legends and folktales from Japan, the Arab world, South Asia, West Africa, China and the Celtic lands, told clearly and respectfully.
20 articles
The full story of Heer Ranjha, Waris Shah's 1766 Punjabi epic of love, flute music, a jogi's disguise and tragic poison. Characters, history and meaning explained.
From Momotaro the Peach Boy to Urashima Taro and Princess Kaguya, discover 12 famous Japanese folktales, their stories, morals and cultural meaning.
The legend of Lake Saiful Muluk in Kaghan Valley tells of Prince Saif-ul-Malook, fairy princess Badi-ul-Jamal and a jealous demon. Full story, poem and visitor tips.
What is One Thousand and One Nights? Learn the Scheherazade frame story, its Persian, Indian and Arabic origins, the most famous tales and the Aladdin mystery.
The full story of Sohni Mahiwal, the potter's daughter who crossed the Chenab every night on a clay pot. History, versions, Sufi meaning and where it happened.
The original Aladdin story is set in China, has two genies and first appeared in French, told by a Syrian storyteller. Here is the full tale and its true history.
Ten classic Panchatantra stories with morals, from the Monkey and the Crocodile to the Lion and the Rabbit, plus the history of the world's most traveled book.
A guide to 20 famous Japanese yokai, from kappa and tengu to kitsune and yuki-onna, including what they look like, their behavior and where they come from.
What are jinn? A respectful guide to jinn in Arabian and Islamic tradition, folklore types like ifrit and marid, and how they became the "genie" of stories.
The original Mulan story is a short Chinese poem, the Ballad of Mulan, from around the 5th or 6th century. Learn its plot, history and how later versions changed her.
Who is Anansi? Discover the spider trickster of Akan folklore, how he bought all the world's stories from the Sky God, and how his tales crossed to the Caribbean.
Meet the creatures of Irish and Scottish folklore, from selkies and banshees to kelpies, púcas and changelings, with their legends and meanings.
The full story of Sassi Punnun, the washerman's adopted daughter of Bhambhore and the prince of Kech Makran, told by Shah Abdul Latif and Hashim Shah.
The original Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: "Open Sesame," Cassim's fate, and how the clever servant Morgiana really saves the day. Plus the story's surprising history.
Fifteen classic Mulla Nasruddin stories with their morals, from "Eat, my coat!" to the lost key under the lamp, plus who Nasreddin Hodja really was.
The full story of Mirza Sahiban, Punjab's tragic love legend: childhood love, the mare Bakki, the jand tree and Sahiban's fateful choice to break Mirza's arrows.
What is a kitsune? Japan's fox spirits explained: why they have nine tails, Inari's messengers, famous legends like Tamamo-no-Mae and Kuzunoha, and kitsune in pop culture.
The story of Laila and Majnun, from the 7th-century Arabian poet Qays to Nizami's 1188 Persian masterpiece, and why "Majnun" means madly in love.
A clear summary of all seven voyages of Sinbad the Sailor: the whale island, the roc, the valley of diamonds, the Old Man of the Sea and more, with their history.
The tragic story of Rostam and Sohrab from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh: the lost horse, Tahmineh, the father and son who meet in battle, and the elixir that came too late.