What Is a Myth?

Every culture in human history has created its own myths to describe how the natural world works. These stories that explain the cultural lessons, values, and religious beliefs of a specific group of people are a prime component of the Common Core Reading standards for grade levels 2 and 3, and within this book some of the best-known myths are reproduced in a way that readers can grasp and interpret their meanings. Norse, Egyptian, and Chinese myths are among those included—each told in a way that prompts cross-cultural comparisons and awakens an interest in exploring more myths.