Guest Blog: Stella Caldwell
Author of The Amazing Book of World Mythology
Still Relevant: Modern Retellings of Myths and Legends
A love of storytelling
I was about eight when my father first opened Old Peter’s Russian Tales and read the story of Baba Yaga to me and my siblings.
I can vividly recall my shiver of fear at the witch’s bony frame and her gnashing iron teeth. And then there was her house – perched on chicken legs and able to run in any direction through the dark forest! The story was terrifying, and yet it was one we begged to hear again and again.
Exploring human nature
What is it about myths, legends and folktales – some of them thousands of years old – that continue to be relevant today?
Part of the answer lies in the way they capture the essence of what it is to be human. They may be tales of gods, giants and magical creatures, but they are also stories about fear and bravery, greed and generosity, hope and loss. They are timeless because they mirror our struggles and experiences, dressed up with a sprinkling of magic.
Old stories, new lessons
For children, myths and folktales are far more than entertainment – they are a means of safely exploring the world.
In the ancient Greek story of Arachne, who is transformed into a spider by the goddess Athena, the danger of pride is laid bare. The Korean story of two brothers, Heungbu and Nolbu, shows how kindness is rewarded while cruelty invites downfall, and the Scottish Selkie legend is a haunting story of mystery, love and loss. And then there’s Baba Yaga, which delivers a delicious tremor of fear – while also showing how bravery and quick thinking can carry you through even the darkest of woods.
Modern retellings allow these myths to be refreshed without losing their power. Today’s youngsters may live in a fast-paced, digital world, yet they still delight in heroes with superpowers, talking animals and mysterious transformations. Reimagining these stories with lively dialogue and humour helps make them accessible – while vivid illustrations can soften the darker edges without erasing them.
Expanding horizons
The 20 tales in my book The Amazing Book of World Mythology come from different traditions, each illustrated by an artist who brings their own cultural perspective to the page.
When a child in the UK reads about an Arctic sea goddess or an African trickster, they encounter different traditions, values and beliefs. Such stories not only entertain but also nurture empathy and curiosity about others. And in the classroom, they may even allow a child to see their own heritage reflected, building pride and a deeper sense of belonging.
Inviting big conversations
For parents and teachers, bringing myths into children’s lives is a way of planting seeds. These tales inspire creativity and nurture a love of reading. They also invite big conversations about the things that matter – and the enduring truth that kindness, courage and wisdom almost always win the day.
Like the thrill I felt when Baba Yaga first stepped into my imagination, these stories stay with us.
Thank you to Stella for visiting our blog this week to discuss the relevance of modern mythology retellings. Stella’s book The Amazing Book of World Mythology is available to purchase from Amazon or Bookshop.
Teacher notes for the book are also available to download.
The Amazing Book of World Mythology is also a BooksForTopics October Book of the Month. Our review panel said, “In combination, the quality of the storytelling, the illustrations and the breadth of the stories offered mean this is one of those books that every child should have access to. It’s a perfect addition to any collection of mythology books for children.”
Readers may also be interested in the following booklists:
- New Books This Term
- Myths and Legends Books For Children
- KS2 Reading Lists
- Viking Children’s Books
- Ancient Greece Children’s Books
- Storytime Favourites
- Best Books This Month
Browse our curriculum topic booklists for more.
Where next?
> Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
> View our printable year group booklists.
> See our Books of the Month.