Intellectual Girl: A Folktale of Wit and Courage from India
A young maiden in ancient India uses quick wit and a fearless heart to outsmart every challenge and restore justice to her village.
Top Popular English Short Stories on GatherTales
Welcome to our curated collection of stories, where imagination meets diversity! Dive into a rich tapestry of tales, meticulously organized to cater to every reader's preference. Our advanced filtering options allow you to seamlessly navigate through our vast library, ensuring you find the perfect story to suit your mood and interest. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or an educational tale, our platform has something for everyone. Explore stories by genre, type, and audience age, and discover the magic of storytelling like never before.
The Rabbit on the Moon
A charming Japanese myth of a rabbit crafting rice cakes atop the moon
Mr. Spider, His Family, and the Dead Elephant: Anansi’s Clever Trick
In a Ghanaian forest, Anansi cleverly outwits the mighty elephant and teaches his family the art of wisdom and resourcefulness.
A True Friend: An Indian Folktale of Loyalty
Two friends embark on a journey that tests their loyalty against deceit and danger under the watchful gaze of fate.
Welcome to the Underworld: A Modern Greek Myth Retelling
When Persephone vanishes into a neon-lit underworld, Hades must confront ancient bonds and modern desire.
The Roof of Leaves: A Tale of Anger and Forgiveness from the Congo
When conflict brews beneath the green canopy, only forgiveness can calm the storm.
The Anklet of the Desert Star
In ancient Basra, a mistreated girl discovers hidden strength in a magical anklet crafted by desert spirits.
Tansen's Gift: The Mystic Music of India
A gifted musician’s song could calm wild beasts and kindle lamps with a single note.
Gordias and the Gordian Knot: Legend of Bold Resolution in Phrygia
A myth of Gordias’s clever ascent to Phrygian throne and Alexander’s daring solution that changed Anatolian lore forever.
Arachne the Weaver: Warning Against Hubris
When mortal skill challenged goddessly pride, a legendary tapestry wove Arachne’s fate into legend.
Death and the Gardener: An Iraqi Parable of Inevitable Fate
In medieval Iraq, a humble gardener learns that death cannot be outrun, only embraced.
Land Where No One Ever Dies: An Italian Folk Tale of Mortality
A poetic exploration of mortality and the human heart in a timeless Italian land where death is but a distant whisper.
Stolen Bairn and the Sìdh: A Scottish Folktale of Courage
A mother's unyielding love defies the enchanted folk of the moors to reclaim her child.
The Mill That Ground Out Silver Coins
A spirited trickster stumbles upon a mystic mill that produces silver coins, setting off a whirl of hilarious mischief.
Coward Man and His Enemy – Somali Folktale of Igal Shidad
A witty Somali folktale of Igal Shidad who outwits fear and foes on the desert sands.
The Rat and a Crab
A tale of trust frayed by greed and redeemed by selflessness.
The Conceited Cow: An Indian Folktale of Modesty and Wisdom
A boastful cow learns humility after encountering more skilled creatures, teaching the value of modesty.
The Monster Will Sleep in Your Bed
A spooky yet playful Brazilian folktale of the Bicho Papão that encourages children to go to sleep early.
Petrosinella: An Italian Rapunzel Tale of Hope
A heartfelt retelling of the classic Rapunzel in Renaissance Italy.
The Girl Without Hands: A Tale of Perseverance and Redemption
An armless maiden confronts darkness and finds her own light.
Owl of the Magic Orange Tree
A young owl learns her true beauty beneath the enchanted orange blossoms
The Cruel Sister: A Tale of Sibling Rivalry in the English Countryside
A gripping tale of jealousy and forgiveness between two sisters beneath the hedgerows
The Dream Diviner and the Snake: An Ancient Iraqi Folktale
A young villager seeks guidance from a revered seer when a serpent from his dreams beckons him toward destiny.
The Weeping Lass at the Crossroads: A Tale of Grief and Grace
A young woman's vigil at a haunted crossroads tests the bounds of mourning.