The Pachamama’s Blessing
A Peruvian Myth of Earth's Mother Nurturing the Andean Harvest
Top Ancient Stories on GatherTales
Encompassing the earliest civilizations, from the dawn of humanity to the fall of the Roman Empire. Stories from this period often feature myths, legends, and historical accounts of great empires, epic battles, and the birth of various cultures.
The Lake Spirit of Saimaa: Finland’s Enchanting Water Sirens
A haunting Finnish legend of sirens whose song frees seals yet tempts travelers into icy waters
Birth of Jesus: A Palestinian Tale
A vivid retelling of the nativity in a humble Palestinian village.
The Whispering Winds of El Salar: A Bolivian Legend of Ancestral Secrets
On the great salt flats of Bolivia, ancient winds whisper secrets that guide the lost through shimmering expanses.
El Dorado: Quest for the City of Gold
A perilous expedition through misty jungles and sacred rites in search of an elusive golden city.
Tonche: The Shape‑Shifting Demon of the Amazon
A haunting legend of a demon that mimics voices to lure wanderers into the jungle’s heart.
Chullachaki: The One-Footed Spirit of the Amazon
In the heart of the Peruvian rainforest, a mischievous spirit lures wanderers astray with familiar voices.
Mama Coca: Guardian of the Andean Leaf
An evocative myth of healing, fertility, and mountain spirits entwined in emerald foliage.
La Madre Monte: Colombia’s Vengeful Forest Spirit
A mythic tale of a Colombian nature spirit protecting the wild from human greed.
Talab Inca: The Song of the Mountains
A mystical journey through the dawn of the Andes that reveals the origins of an empire.
Muki: The Andean Mine Guardian Dwarf
A haunting Peruvian folktale of a diminutive guardian dwelling in the Andean depths
Echo and Narcissus: A Tale of Vanity and Unspoken Love
A haunting retelling of how unspoken longing and self-obsession entwine in a sunlit Greek glade.
Sisyphus: The Endless Climb
A dramatic retelling of Sisyphus’s eternal punishment under the Greek gods.
Pyramus and Thisbe of Babylon: A Tragic Love Beyond Walls
Two lovers in ancient Babylon, kept apart by a garden wall, face a fateful misunderstanding that seals their doom.
Prometheus: Titan of Fire and Sacrifice
A Titan dares to steal the flame from Olympus, gifting humanity with fire at the cost of his own freedom.
Romulus and Remus: The Legendary Founders of Rome
Twin princes nursed by a she-wolf overcome fate to establish an eternal city.
Threads of Destiny: The Moirae’s Chronicle
An ancient Greek myth of the Moirae—Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos—who determine the tapestry of mortal lives.
Intellectual Girl: A Folktale of Wit and Courage from India
A young maiden in ancient India uses quick wit and a fearless heart to outsmart every challenge and restore justice to her village.
The Rabbit on the Moon
A charming Japanese myth of a rabbit crafting rice cakes atop the moon
Mr. Spider, His Family, and the Dead Elephant: Anansi’s Clever Trick
In a Ghanaian forest, Anansi cleverly outwits the mighty elephant and teaches his family the art of wisdom and resourcefulness.
A True Friend: An Indian Folktale of Loyalty
Two friends embark on a journey that tests their loyalty against deceit and danger under the watchful gaze of fate.
The Roof of Leaves: A Tale of Anger and Forgiveness from the Congo
When conflict brews beneath the green canopy, only forgiveness can calm the storm.
Gordias and the Gordian Knot: Legend of Bold Resolution in Phrygia
A myth of Gordias’s clever ascent to Phrygian throne and Alexander’s daring solution that changed Anatolian lore forever.
Arachne the Weaver: Warning Against Hubris
When mortal skill challenged goddessly pride, a legendary tapestry wove Arachne’s fate into legend.