Category Archives: What Tales Tell

20 Must-Read Middle Grade Fairytale Retellings

Peruse this list to find your next read.

Greek Myths Have Scary Ideas About Robots and A.I.

While robots and artificial intelligence may seem like recent concepts, some argue that those ideas originated in ancient Greece.

More ‘disease’ than ‘Dracula’—how the vampire myth was born

Historians still aren’t quite certain of vampires’ origins, but they have theories. Read more to find out what they are.

5 Real-Life Examples of Fairy Tales Coming True

Turns out some of the afflictions in well-known fairy tales can be scientifically explained.

The ancient origins of the Olympics

Curious about how the games first came to be? Watch the video to learn more.

The truth about a strange blood-sucking monster

A trail of bodies, seemingly left behind by the vampire-like Chupacabra, enabled one man to solve the mystery.

Was Paul Bunyan a real person?

Learn about how the legend of Paul Bunyan began and how it continued to grow over the years.

Types of Ancient Greek Medicine

Read about how ancient Greek medicine inspired many modern practices.

Is Bigfoot real? You likely already know the answer.

For decades, hundreds of people claimed to have seen the creature known as “bigfoot” or “sasquatch”. When examined logically, it the existence of this creature really plausible?

10 Facts about Madame D’Aulnoy Who Coined the Word Fairytale

D’Aulnoy helped create the fairytale genre we know and enjoy today. Skim the article to find out some interesting facts about her life and work.

The long-standing myth of sea monsters has a dark explanation

Robert France argues that mythical sea serpent sightings were probably marine animals tangled in fishing gear.

Savitri and Satyavan: The legend of the princess who outwitted Death

Watch this short video about the legendary Hindu princess Savitri and her devotion to her one true love.

Holiday movies for kids feature compelling stories new and familiar

Stories rooted in different traditions, time periods, and experiences appeal to families this holiday season.

The Curse of King Tut: Facts & Fable

Is the curse surrounding King Tut’s tomb real? Some people think so— read about why.

How teachers are debunking some of the myths of Thanksgiving

Consider what you’ve learned about Thanksgiving over the years. How does it compare to what is said in this video?

The Real Story of Hua Mulan Is More Impressive Than Any Disney Version

The recently released Mulan movie is actually based on an ancient ballad. Many debate whether this ballad is fact or fiction…

Japan university awards first-ever ninja studies degree

Think ninjas are just made-up characters who only live in stories? Think again! Genichi Mitsuhashi is the first students to graduate from a Japanese university with a master’s degree in ninja studies.