The book presents 100 of the most famous myths and legends of peoples around the world: ancient myths of the Sumerians and Akkadians, the Egyptians and Indians, the Greeks and Romans; Indian, Chinese, and Japanese mythology; biblical tales and legends from medieval Europe; and also epics, traditions, and legends of Ancient Rus. In addition to a brief retelling of their content—styled close to the originals—the book traces the process of their emergence and development, the history of the study of myths and legends, and also how they are reflected in literature and art.