Legends and myths are at the heart of human culture. If we would understand the religion or literature of a people, we must first understand their myths and legends. Sometimes, the myths and legends, as sacred stories, embody the entire religious tradition of a people. Sometimes, as in Judaism and Christianity, the stories are both the origins of the religious tradition and also a later expression of their ethical message and messianic hopes. Now the major myths, legends, and sagas of the world's major cultures have been summarized in a single volume for the first time. The result is a reference work in the form of stories from all parts of the world.