Stories from Scotland

The stories of Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and Hans Christian Andersen have dominated children's storytelling for centuries, as well as printed versions of the myths and legends of Greek, Roman, and Native American cultures, but they're hardly the only options on the bookshelf. For readers seeking new fables and tales of heroism, consider //Stories of Scotland//. This book is a marvelous compendium of tales for young and old alike, featuring the thrilling exploits of kings and heroes, the standard cautionary tales of curious fairyfolk and their encounters with the world of man, and a collection of stories about the Fians, a far-famed group of warrior brethren. Two of the highlights of the book are //Black Colin of Loch Awe//, a story of love and enchantment, and //The Adventures of Iain Direach//, the nigh-ridiculous tale of a young man burdened with Herculean task after Herculean task, all to please his less-than-pleasant stepmother. Some of these stories bear a striking resemblance to myths from Ireland and other neighboring countries, but each story has a flavor all its own, wholly beholden to the spirit of Scotland and its people, timeless and distinctive. Reviewed by Glenn Dallas