The theme of class can be reflected in photographs as well as prose. Compare Twain’s story with the 1920 King George V incident.
Category Archives: What Tales Tell
The Fairy Tales That Predate Christianity
Could the tale of Little Red Riding Hood be more than 2,000 years old? Find out about its evolution and the 58 different versions related to this familiar tale.
The World’s Oldest Papyrus and What It Can Tell Us About the Great Pyramids
A recently discovered treasure trove of papyri tells us more about ancient Egyptian life and culture. Read what a travel journal found with the other papyri reveals about the lives of everyday workers during the time period when the Pyramids were built at Giza.
Top 8 Special Animals in Greek Mythology
These mythological creatures are not your usual pets. Find out about a three-headed dog, a chimera, and other strange animals that appeared in ancient Greek tales.
Eight female authors your class should know for the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Emma”
Like Mark Twain, Jane Austen wrote tales that made her one of the most popular writers in her day. Find out what other female authors became popular in their day and some little-known facts about each one.
Why the Story of Cinderella Endures and Resonates
The story of Cinderella has been told for centuries. James Deutsch, a professor of folklore, explains why Americans are particularly drawn to the tale.
A Life Lived in a Rapidly Changing World: Samuel L. Clemens, 1835 – 1910
Author Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain. Find out about why and how his work shaped his literary life.
Odysseus’ Ship
In 1988, an ancient ship was found in the sea near the coast of southern Sicily. Learn how scientists and scholars decided that this old vessel could possibly be of the same time period as one of Odysseus’ ships.
How the Vikings Worked
Many people have heard of the Viking god Thor and his mighty hammer. But the Vikings worshiped many gods and goddesses, just like the ancient Greeks. Read about their gods, evil giants, Valhalla, and more of their mythology as told in their sagas.
Chinese New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year celebrations were started in order to chase away a mythical beast. Exactly when is Chinese New Year? Why is the dragon one of the favorite animals of this celebration? Find out the answers to these questions and interesting facts and tales in this article and video.
Flood Tablet: The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 – 700 BC)
Without writing, the world would not have records of science or literature. This early clay tablet holds a version of Gilgamesh, a great epic of world literature. Listen to this podcast from the British Museum to learn how early writing began and became a part of culture.
Fairy Tales: Help or Hinder?
In fairy tales about knights, dragons, princes, and princesses, good wins over evil. But should children think that nothing bad happens in real life? Should fairy tales be read to children today? Read the author’s opinion and decide whether or not you agree with what fairy tales really tell.
Asian Dragons
Dragons are creatures of power in the tales of many cultures. In Asian legends, dragons are wise, protect people, and control the water of the earth.
Artful Animals
Through the years, African artists have crafted animal artifacts as symbols of specific ideas and traits. Explore the many links on this site to view some artifacts and to discover how the traits of various animals play a key role in African folktales.
Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper was just one of many famous stories written by Mark Twain. Learn about the author’s life, the struggles he faced, and the tales that brought him worldwide fame.
Atlantis—True Story or Cautionary Tale?
The legend of the lost island city of Atlantis is thousands of years old. But is it true? This article explains some of the theories behind Atlantis, and what the story of the city may really mean.
Archaeological Evidence of Homer’s Trojan War Found
Archaeological evidence now supports the idea that the city of Troy was not only larger and more important than previously realized, but that it also may have been able to withstand a ten year siege, just as Homer reported in the Iliad. Was the war really about the kidnapping of Helen? Or might it have been about the city’s overwhelming power? Read to find out.
In Search of Myths & Heroes
Human beings have been telling tales for a very, very long time. Check out this site to learn about four tales you may never have heard before, the stories of the Queen of Sheba, Shangri-La, King Arthur, and Jason and the Argonauts.
Fairy-Tale Adaptations: It’s Ever After, All Right
Adaptations of fairy-tales are nothing new, but a few years ago, they started popping up on prime time television. What would the Brothers Grimm have thought? Check out this report to see what’s going on—and why.
Trojan War
The tale of the Trojan War has fascinated people for centuries. Why? Check out this site to learn the story of the war, the epics that mention it, and what archaeologists have discovered over the years. While you’re there, be sure to click links to related topics, such as “Greek Mythology” and “Ancient Greece.” There’s a lot to learn.