Myths, Legends and Tales for a Greener World

Myths and Legends for a Greener World is a captivating collection of stories, retold by master folklorist Rosalind Kerven, all of which offer a new and inspiring perspective on the climate breakdown that threatens our modern world.

Inspired by traditional myths and folklore from across the world and retold with integrity and respect, the stories in this collection offer a hopeful perspective on how we can better appreciate the natural environment and the species that share our planet. The book is split into five chapters: In the Beginning, The World in Trouble, Respect the Earth, Our Animal Relations, and World Without End.

Among these fascinating tales are a retelling of the Rainbow Serpent myth from Benin, a Chinese story of dragons that help to control the climate, a spiritual tale about a desert stream from Tunisia, a Canadian First Nations story about the coexistence between humans and bears, and a Norse legend about rebirth in springtime. Each story is accompanied with carefully researched notes, detailing the cultural and historical background and other related tales.

This book harnesses time-honoured wisdom to help imagine how we can transcend environmental degradation and species loss, to offer a more harmonious vision of life on earth.

Author Biography

Rosalind Kerven, “connoisseur of myths and folk tales” – The Independent, is a narrative folklorist and the author of over 70 books published in 22 countries. She has specialist knowledge of world myths, legends and folk tales and is on a mission to bring these wonderful old stories back to life for modern readers. Her bestselling titles include English Fairy Tales and Legends, Viking Myths & Sagas, Faeries, Elves & Goblins and Arthurian Legends. She lives in the Northumberland National Park.