Whether it stems from a fundamental human need for certainty - to know what will happen to us, and to know that at some level fate is at play and we can rest easy at night since we may as well submit to our 'lot' - or whether grand predictions provide an irresistibly compelling narrative arc, dramatic prophecies and utterings of wise oracles are a prominent feature of world mythology and folklore. This gripping collection gathers together a wide range of tales of prediction: of disaster, of fulfilment, of origin; spoken by oracles, seers and spirits or beheld in visions and dreams; from the Norse Norns weaving the future in 'The Story of Nornagesta' to the flood prophecy of the Chinese tale 'The Spirits of the Yellow River'.

The Flame Tree Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.

Wonderful addition to the Flame Tree Epic Tales Collection, drawn from the mythologies of the world, spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

About the Author

Professor Richard Stoneman is an honorary visiting professor at the University of Exeter. The core of his research and interest has been the continuity of the Greek world and Greek tradition up to the present day. He is Series Editor for Understanding Classics, which aims to introduce major writers of the classical and early Christian worlds, providing a map of the scholarship and critical response for the benefit of students as well as scholars in other fields. He has written anthologies and travel guides reflecting these interests, one notable title being The Ancient Oracles: Making the Gods Speak (Yale University Press, 2011). His most recent books are a biography of Xerxes (Yale University Press, 2015) and The Greek Experience of India (Princeton University Press, 2019).

Book Information
ISBN 9781835622902
Author Flame Tree Studio (Literature and Science)
Format Hardback
Page Count 432
Imprint Flame Tree Publishing
Publisher Flame Tree Publishing
Weight(grams) 792g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 153mm * 36mm