Tanglewood Tales

An Armenian folktale about two robbers courting the same girl.

"Circe's Palace" is a short story that draws inspiration from Greek mythology and the myth of Circe, a powerful sorceress from Homer's "Odyssey." In the story, Hawthorne reimagines the myth in his unique style. The narrative follows a group of sailors who, like Odysseus' men, encounter the enchantress Circe on an isolated island. She invites them into her palace and offers them a mysterious and alluring drink, much like the wine she gave to Odysseus' crew, which turned them into animals. As the sailors partake in the drink, they gradually undergo a transformation, experiencing altered states of being. The story explores themes of enchantment, illusion, and the power of desire. It delves into the idea of losing one's sense of self and reality when subjected to temptation and seduction. Hawthorne's "Circe's Palace" is emblematic of his fascination with myth, allegory, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. It serves as a literary reimagining of the classical myth, adding Hawthorne's own depth and symbolism to the narrative. The story is a prime example of Hawthorne's style and his interest in exploring the complexities of human nature, often through allegorical and symbolic storytelling. In "Circe's Palace," readers are invited to ponder the consequences of succumbing to seductive and enchanting illusions, with Hawthorne's characteristic blend of romantic and dark romantic themes.

"The Pomegranate Seeds" is a short story written by the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is one of Hawthorne's works of short fiction, known for its moral and allegorical themes. The story is based on a classic myth from Greek mythology, the myth of Persephone, which explains the changing of the seasons. In Hawthorne's version, he explores the idea of temptation and the consequences of yielding to it. The story centers around the character of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Proserpina, who is lured by a demon to eat pomegranate seeds from the underworld. As a result, Proserpina must spend part of each year in the underworld, leading to the changing of the seasons. Hawthorne's adaptation of the myth is notable for its moral and allegorical elements, exploring themes of temptation, loss, and the cycles of nature. It reflects his interest in retelling and reinterpreting classic myths and legends within his own literary context.

This 1920 collection includes five timeless French fairy tales written by Comtesse De Segur and illustrated by the 19 year old Virginia Sterrett.