A parent might reach for this book when their fantasy-loving child is ready for the classic stories that inspired modern wizards like Dumbledore. This collection by Roger Lancelyn Green, a renowned mythographer, brings together tales of legendary magicians from global folklore and mythology. Readers will meet the wise and wily Merlin, the enchanting and dangerous Circe, and other powerful figures from Norse, Greek, and Egyptian lore. The stories explore timeless themes of good versus evil, the temptation of power, and the courage required to face dark forces. Ideal for children aged 9-13, this book serves as a wonderful introduction to classical myths, building vocabulary and providing a rich context for the fantasy genre they already enjoy.
Death is a part of these myths, but it is handled in a brief, non-graphic manner.
Sensitive Topics
Character death and violence are present, as is common in mythology. The approach is direct but not graphic, told in a classic, folkloric style (e.g., a monster is slain, a character meets a tragic end). The context is largely pre-Christian and mythological, focusing on the beliefs and stories of ancient cultures. Resolutions align with the original myths, meaning they can be heroic and hopeful but also contain elements of tragedy and moral complexity.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 12-year-old who has read and loved series like Percy Jackson or Harry Potter and is now curious about the original myths that inspired them. This child is a strong reader, enjoys learning about lore and history, and isn't put off by a more formal, classic writing style. They are ready to move from contemporary fantasy to its foundational texts.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware the prose is of an older style and may include words like "alas" or "ere." It might be useful to frame the book as a collection of very old stories that have been retold for centuries. No specific scenes require significant pre-reading, but the classic tropes (e.g., captive princesses) are present and could be a point of discussion. A parent hears their child ask, "Was Merlin a real person?" or "Who were the wizards before Dumbledore?" The parent wants to broaden their child's reading horizons beyond modern series and introduce them to the classics of the fantasy genre.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the action and adventure: the magic spells, the battles, the monsters. They will experience it as a thrilling collection of fantasy tales. An older reader (11-13) will begin to appreciate the nuance, recognizing the archetypes, seeing the connections between different myths, and understanding how these foundational stories have influenced the books and movies they love today.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many mythology collections that focus on heroes or gods within a single pantheon, this book's unique angle is its focus on the archetype of the magician across multiple cultures. By curating stories from Greek, Norse, Arthurian, and other traditions, it highlights the universal human fascination with magic and power. Its scholarly yet accessible tone makes it a perfect bridge to more serious study of folklore and literature.
Read plot summary
This book is a collection of short stories, with each chapter dedicated to a famous magician from world mythology and folklore. Author Roger Lancelyn Green retells the classic tales of figures like Merlin from Arthurian legend, the Greek enchantress Circe, the Master Magician from Norse mythology who challenges Odin, and lesser-known figures like Urgan the Ogre. The stories focus on their most notable magical feats, clever deceptions, epic duels, and their roles in the larger legends they inhabit.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the story of Merlin, he often gives cryptic advice but doesn't solve problems directly for Arthur. Why do you think he helps in this way? Is it better to be given an answer or to be guided to find it yourself?
2
Circe is shown as a dangerous enchantress who turns men into pigs. Do you see her as purely evil, or could her actions be seen as a form of defense? How does she compare to other magicians in the book?
3
Many magicians in these stories use their magic for trickery and contests of power. What do you think is the difference between using magic for power, for helping others, and for entertainment?
4
Roger Lancelyn Green collected these stories from many different cultures (Greek, Norse, British). Did you notice any similarities in how different cultures imagined magicians and magic? What were some of the biggest differences?
