The prose of Palmer is so direct, simple and rhythmic that
a twelve-year-old child can enjoy it. Butcher and Lang
use an older English style in the endeavor to make the
translation an accurate historical document. The archaic
language with its somewhat involved phrasing is confusing
to children and makes it less readable than the Palmer
translation.
Marvin. Adventures of Odysseus.
This book is for boys and girls to read for themselves.
So much of the Homeric spirit is retained and it is so well
done that it will be very suggestive in organizing and preparing
stories from the Odyssey for oral rendition.
Stories from the Iliad.
1. Cause of the Trojan war.
2. The quarrel of the chiefs and the results.
3. The duel of Paris and Menelaus.
The great battles and the death of Patroclus.
4. Achilles in his sorrow vows vengeance on Troy.
The armor of Achilles.
5. Death of Hector.
Priam and Achilles.
6. The wooden horse and the end of the Trojan war.
_Sources for the story teller:_
Homer. Iliad; tr. into English by W.C. Bryant.
An interesting, dignified and scholarly rendition into English
blank verse.
Homer. The Iliad for boys and girls by A.J. Church.
The Iliad translated into direct and simple prose.
Homer. Stories from the Iliad by H.L. Havell.
The atmosphere and spirit of the Iliad are well kept in
this most excellent prose version of the Iliad. It may be
used with older boys and girls and is a valuable aid in the
preparation of the stories.
NORSE CYCLE STORIES.
Norse Myths
1. Beginning of all things.
2. How Odin lost his eye.
How Odin brought the mead to Asgard.
3. Sif's hair.
4. Iduna's apples.
5. Thor and the Frost giants.
6. Balder and the Mistletoe.
7. Binding of the Fenris wolf.
8. Punishment of Loki.
9. Twilight of the gods and the new earth.
Nibelungen Lied.
10. Forging of the sword.
11. Story of Greyfell.
12. Curse of gold.
13. Fafnir, the dragon.
14. Awakening of Brunhilda.
_Sources for the story teller:_
Northern mythology:
Anderson, R.B. Norse mythology.
A complete and systematic presentation of the Norse
mythology as embodied in the elder and younger Eddas and
later sagas.
Brown, A.F. In the days of giants.
The best form for younger children. A simple narration
of the main facts of Norse mythology in story form,
suggesting the strength of the original sagas.
Buxton, E.M. Wilmot. Stories of Norse heroes.
A very satisfactory collection of Northern myths, including
the story of the Nibelungs.
Bulfinch, Thomas. Age of Fable.
An excellent text book. Gives three chapters to Northern
mythology.
Carlyle, Thomas. The hero as divinity; Odin.
_In his_ Heroes and hero-worship.
This essay is most interesting and inspiring to the story-teller
who is presenting Scandinavian mythology.
Mabie, H.W. Norse stories.
In this collection the rugged strength of the Norse tales
is modified by a style that polishes and a beauty which
(however delightful in reading), could have been present
only in a vague way in the original stories.
Nibelungen Lied.
Fall of the Nibelungers; tr. by W.N. Lettsom.
Most of the adaptations are based on this translation.
The Nibelungs; tr. from the German of F. Schmidt by G. Upton.
_Adaptations:_
Baldwin, James. Story of Siegfried.
A version of that part of the Nibelungen Lied which
relates to the story of Siegfried. Incidentally the most important
myths of the Norse gods are woven into the story.
The most popular children's version, but very freely
adapted.
Chapin, A.A. Story of the Rhinegold.
Stories of Richard Wagner's four operas which form the
'Nibelungen Cycle.' The treatment of the theme is full of
strength but differs from other versions of the Nibelungen
story.
Church, A.J. Treasure of the Nibelungs. _In
his_ Heroes of Chivalry and romance.
Brief account of the Nibelung story, leading to fuller
versions.
McSpadden, J.W. Stories from Wagner.
Contains the stories in simple form of a number of
Wagner's great operas. The tale of the Rhinegold, as
given here, is the best of the versions of Wagner for children.
Morris, William. Story of Sigurd the bolsung.
Very charming poetical version.
KING ARTHUR TALES.
1. How Arthur proved his kingship.
2. The winning of the queen.
3. How the Round Table was established.
4. Three Knights of the Round Table: Sir Launcelot, first champion.
Who was held by all men to be the most excellent, noble
perfect knight champion who was ever seen in the world from
the very beginning of chivalry unto the time when his son Sir
Galahad appeared, like a bright star of extraordinary
splendor shining in the sky.--_Pyle_.
5. Sir Tristram, second champion.
If Sir Launcelot was the chiefest of all the knights who ever
came unto King Arthur's court, then it is hard to say whether
Sir Tristram or Sir Percival was second unto him in
renown.--_Pyle_.
6. Sir Percival, third champion.
7. Quest of the Grail.
The recovery of the Grail was the crowning glory of the reign
of King Arthur.--_Pyle_.
8. Passing of Arthur.
And I do hope that you may have found pleasure in considering
their lives. For me seemed they offered a very high example
that anyone might follow to his betterment who lives in this
world where so much that is ill needs to be amended.--_Pyle_.
_Additional stories_:
Story of Merlin.
The boy of the kitchen, Sir Gareth.
Marriage of Sir Gawaine.
Story of Balin.
_Sources for the story teller_:
Malory, Sir Thomas. Boy's King Arthur ed.
by Sidney Lanier.
Follows the Malory tales very closely. The greater part of
the language is unchanged, though the spelling is modernized.
Lanier has divided the tales into six books, grouping the
stories around a central hero from whom the books derive
their name. Book 1. King Arthur, 2. Sir Launcelot, 3. Sir
Gareth, 4. Sir Tristram, 5. Sir Galahad and Sir Percival, 6.
Death of King Arthur.
Malory, Sir Thomas. Book of King Arthur and
his noble knights; ed. by Mary Macleod.
Tales selected from Le morte D'Arthur and simplified. Covers
the whole period of the reign of King Arthur and includes
stories of some of his knights, Sir Launcelot, Sir Gareth,
Sir Tristram, and Sir Galahad.
Pyle, Howard. Story of King Arthur and his knights.
--Story of Sir Launcelot and his companions.
--Story of the champions of the Round Table.
--Story of the Grail and the passing of Arthur.
Very complete and free versions of the Arthurian legends from
Malory and other sources. The style is delightful and the
language beautiful. Illustrated by the author.
Tennyson, Alfred. Idylls of the King.
_Contents_: Coming of Arthur; The Round Table; Gareth and
Lynette; Marriage of Geraint; Geraint and Enid; Balin and
Balan; Merlin and Vivien; Lancelot and Elaine, The Holy
Grail; Pelleas and Ettarre; The last tournament; Guinevere;
The passing of Arthur. Portions of the Arthur legends told in
poetic form.
CHARLEMAGNE AND ROLAND LEGENDS.
1. Roland's youth.
2. The story of Ogier, the Dane.
3. The story of Ralph.
4. "A Roland for an Oliver."
5. The deeds of Magwis and Reinold of Montalban.
6. The battle of Roncesvalles.
_Sources for the story teller_:
Baldwin, James. The story of Roland.
Some of the many legends of French chivalry that cluster
around the names of Charlemagne and Roland, translated into
English prose and woven into a story with Roland as the
center of interest. The main incidents have been derived from
a variety of sources, but the arrangement and connecting
parts are the author's own invention, making the whole an
acceptable and interesting version.
Church, A.J. Stories of Charlemagne.
The old tales shortened and compressed but still retaining
life and color and reflecting the spirit of the times. Five
of the legends which are distinct in themselves have been
used. "The four sons of Aymon," "Ralph, the Collier,"
"Fireabras," "The song of Roland," and "Duke Huon of
Bordeaux."
Greene, F.N., and Kirk, D.W. With spurs of gold.
A short account of Roland and Charlemagne, dealing
principally with the battle of Roncesvalles.
Maitland, Louise. Heroes of chivalry.
Contains a very clear, brief account of the life and
adventures of Roland, divided into five parts.
Roland. The song of Roland, translated into English verse;
O'Hagan.
The story of the Battle of Roncesvalles, The spirit of
chivalry, the bravery of the knights, the friendship of
Roland and Oliver, and the treachery of Ganelon are all told
in stirring, rhythmic verse.
CHIVALRY TALES.
Compiled to interest Boys and Girls in Historical Fiction.
_Britain, 6th Century_.
1. Winning of the queen.
_Outline_: Feast at Carleon--Messenger comes from West
country--King Arthur's journey to Tintagalon--Meeting of
Merlin and Arthur--King leaves in disguise--Arthur at
Cameliard--Maiden beholds a knight at the fountain but finds
only a gardener's boy--Lady Guinevere sees the
knight--Gardener's boy wears his cap before Lady Guinevere
and she discovers the knight of the fountain--Challenge of
Duke Mordaunt--King Arthur seeks armor and is accepted as
Lady Guinevere's champion--Duke Mordaunt overthrown--King
Arthur overthrows Sir Geraint, Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewaine and
sends them to Lady Guinevere--Meeting with Sir Pellias--The
return of the gardener's boy--Four knights serve the
gardener's boy--King Arthur proclaims himself to his four
knights--King Arthur and his knights overthrow the Duke and
his men--King Leodegrance desires to wed his daughter to the
"White Champion"--The gardener removes his cap.
_Source_:
Pyle. King Arthur and his knights.
2. Sir Marrok.
_Outline_: Marrok chosen for a great task--Marrok honored at
court--Coming of Lady Irma to the forest--Marrok summoned to
aid King Arthur--How it fared in Bedegrain with Marrok
away--Sir Marrok's return--How Sir Marrok saved the Lady
Agnes--How the wolf did its work--Story of the son of Sir
Simon--Sir Tristram and the wolf--The stranger knight--Sir
Marrok comes into his own.
_Source_:
French. Sir Marrok.
_France, 8th Century_.
3. Story of Roland.
_Outline_: Charlemagne and his peers--Bertha and her husband
flee from court in disguise--Boyhood of Roland--Quarrel with
Oliver--The wrestling match--Roland and Oliver pledge eternal
friendship--Coming of Charlemagne--Meeting between the king
and the boy of the cave--Roland goes to France--Ganelon's
jealousy of Roland--Revolt of one of the nobles--Battle
arranged between champions of king and noble--Revolt
ended--Moslem invasion of Europe--Charlemagne wars for seven
years--Envoys of peace from Moslem king--King asks
advice--Roland cries "War"--Ganelon counsels peace--Ganelon
chosen as envoy to the king--Plots treason--Departure for
Spain--The pass at Roncesvalles.
_Sources:_
Baldwin. Story of Roland. Church. Stories of Charlemagne.
Greene. With spurs of gold. Macgregor. Story of France.
_Spain, 8th Century._
4. The Alhambra.
_Outline_: Moors in Spain--The Alhambra built--Destruction of
Moorish power in Europe--Legend of the three beautiful
princesses--Legend of the Rose of the Alhambra.
_Source:_
Irving. Alhambra.
_Spain, 11th Century._
5. The Cid.
_Outline_: Time and conditions in Spain--Character of
Roderigo--He proves his father's champion--Rescues men from
Moors and wins title--The Cid and the Leper--Chosen as
champion to save the city of Calahorra--Death of King
Ferdinand--Quarrel over division of kingdom--The Cid sent to
Urrica--The queen defies her brother--Murder of
Sancho--Alfonso becomes king--His attitude toward the
Cid--The Cid banished, becomes a free lance--Captain of
Valencia--Death of the Cid.
_Sources:_
Stories from the Chronicles of the Cid by M.W. Plummer. Story
of the Cid for young people, by C.D. Wilson. Greene. With
spurs of gold. _England and France, 12th and 15th
Centuries_.
6. Richard my king; Page of Count Renaud; Armorer's apprentice.
_Source:_
Stories of chivalry retold from St. Nicholas.
_Holy Land, 12th Century_.
7. The talisman. (Part 1.)
_Outline_: Meeting and encounter of Christian and Saracen
knights--Pledge of friendship and journey to cell of the
Hermit--Scene in chapel of the Hermit--Camp of Richard, the
Lion Heart--Coming of Kenneth and the Arabian
physician--Conflict outside the tent of Richard--Kenneth
placed in charge of English banner--Kenneth deserts his post
to aid the Lady Edith--English flag dishonored--Kenneth
summoned to tent of Richard--Kenneth sentenced to death by
Richard--Kenneth becomes bond servant of Arabian physician
and leaves English camp.
8. The talisman. (Part 2.)
_Outline_: Journey of Kenneth, the physician discovered and
the departure of Kenneth in disguise to camp of
Richard--Nubian slave saves life of king and proves who was
traitor in camp--Combat arranged between Conrade and
Saladin's champion--Meeting of Richard and Saladin--The
combat--Kenneth crowned victor.
_Source:_
Scott. The talisman.
_England, 12th Century_.
9. Ivanhoe. (Part 1.)
_Outline_: Scene at dinner in home of Cedric, the
Saxon--Entrance of Templars, Palmer, the Lady Rowena, and the
Jew--Hasty departure of Palmer and Jew on the morrow--Jew
furnishes the Palmer with equipment for tournament--1st, 2nd
and 3d day--Chaplet of laurel placed on head of the
victor--"Ivanhoe" and "Palmer" one.
10. Ivanhoe. (Part 2.)
_Outline_: Departure of Black Knight to cell of "the
Friar"--Ivanhoe taken in charge by Rebecca and
father--Capture of Cedric's party by men in disguise--Victor
of archery contest with Cedric's two servants journeys to
cell of the Friar and enlists sympathy of Black
Knight--Locksley gathers his men and with the Black Knight
storms the castle of Front de Boeuf--Guilbert escapes with
Rebecca and takes her to the home of the Knights Templars
where Rebecca is proclaimed a witch--Combat--Death of
Bois-Guilbert--Black Knight proclaims that he is England's
rightful king--Marriage of Rowena and Ivanhoe--Departure of
Rebecca and her father--Death of Richard.
_Source:_
Scott. Ivanhoe.
_England, 13th Century._
11. Boy's ride.
_Outline_: Hugo attacked on his way to the castle--The cause,
treason within the walls--The plan of Lady Atherly and
Hugo--Robert Sadler sets forth on an errand--Hugo rides forth
with Humphrey--William Lorimer in charge of castle--Lady de
Atherly and her son flee--In the forest--Ferrybridge--The
Isle of Axholme--Lady de Atherly and son safe in
Scotland--Robert Sadler returns to the castle to find it
deserted--Hugo's journey to Lincoln--In the fens--Coming of
the King--Capture of Hugo and his release--Hugo and Humphrey
disguised as novice and priest and as maiden and
soldier--Lord de Launay rescues Hugo and Humphrey--Hugo
knighted.
_Source:_
Zollinger. Boy's ride.
_France, 13th Century._
12. St. Louis.
_Outline:_ Conditions in France at the time of Louis'
accession to throne--Queen Blanche as Regent--Enmity of
nobles--Marriage of Louis and Margaret--War with England--Vow
of St. Louis--Strategy of King in preparation for
Crusades--Louis in Egypt--Encounter at Nansourah--King taken
captive--Return to France--Louis as King of France--Private
life--The 8th crusade--Death of St. Louis.
_Sources:_
Macgregor. Story of France.
Perry. St. Louis.
_France, 13th Century. Reign of King Louis IX._
13. Count Hugo's sword.
_Outline_: At the inn of William, the Conqueror--Its
history--Geoffrey's connection with the inn, and the cause of
his grief--Coming of Count Hugo--The strolling jongleur
brings news from Rouen--Geoffrey secretes the "Saracen
sword"--The count discovers his loss and Geoffrey confesses
to the theft--The wrath of Count Hugo--Coming of the king's
heralds--Release of Geoffrey--Summons to court of King Louis
IX.
_Source:_
Stein. Troubadour tales.
_England and Holy Land, 13th Century.
Reign of Henry III and Richard I._
14. The prince and the page.
_Outline_: The hunter captures the two fugitives--Princess
Eleanor pleads for the pardon of Richard and his
servant--Richard becomes a royal page--The landing of the
Crusaders--Death of King Louis--Illness of John--Richard's
wrath--Return of Sir Raynal--Richard writes to
England--Richard accused of sending letter to order arrest of
Prince Henry--The combat--Richard sent as messenger meets his
brother--Richard accused of being in league with his
brothers--Edward defends his page--The pilgrim in the
hospitalier--Richard gives his life for his prince.
_Source:_
Yonge. Prince and the page.
_Germany, 13th Century._
15. The boy and the baron.
_Outline_: "Shining Knight" hides his treasure and becomes a
captive--Carl, the armorer, finds a child among the osiers
and takes him into his own home--Wulf's first visit to the
castle and what befell--Wulf makes the castle his
home--Enmity of Conradt--The baron declared an outlaw--The
baron breaks ill news to Elsie--Flight of Wulf and
Elsie--Wulf becomes messenger to the King--The battle--The
"Shining Knight" brought forth from the dungeon--Knighting of
Wulf.
_Source:_
Knapp. The boy and the baron.
_Germany, 13th Century._
16. Otto of the silver hand.
_Outline_: "Dragon's House," its inmates--Baron Conrad goes
forth to fleece the merchants and is shorn--Otto at St.
Michaelsburg--Otto returns to the "Dragon's House"--Conrad
answers the summons of the king--Capture of Otto--Hans enters
Baron Henry's castle--Flight of Baron Conrad and his
men--Conrad's last stand--Otto before King Rudolph.
_Source:_
Pyle. Otto of the silver hand.
_England, 14th and 15th Centuries.
Reigns of Henry IV and V._
17. Men of Iron.
_Outline_: Plot against life of the King--Murder of Sir John
Dale at Falworth Castle--The flight from Falworth
Castle--Life at Crosby Dale--Miles training under
Diccon--Miles takes service under the Earl of
Mackworth--Friendship of Miles and Gascoyne--Training of
esquires--Quarrel between Miles and Blunt--Sir James'
interest in Miles--"Knights of the Rose," their oath and what
came of it--Miles meets the Lady Anne and her cousin--Earl of
Mackworth finds Miles in the garden--Coming of Henry
IV--Miles is knighted and wins his first
tournament--Departure for France--In the company of the
Prince of Wales--Miles in the presence of the King challenges
the Earl of Alban to do battle--Death of the Earl of
Alban--Miles betrothed to the Lady Anne.
_Source:_
Pyle. Men of Iron.
_England, 15th Century, Reign of Henry V._
18. King Henry V.
_Outline_: Madcap prince and his companions--Death of King
Henry IV--Henry V crowned king--Meeting of King and
Falstaff--Preparation for war with France--The Dauphin's
message and the King's answer--Siege of Harfleur--Henry as
commander--King in disguise enters tents of his
soldiers--Battle of Agincourt--The King's reception on his
return to England--War with France renewed--Treaty of
peace--The King's marriage.
_Sources:_
Couch. Historical tales from Shakespeare. Shakespeare. King
Henry IV. Shakespeare. King Henry V.
_France, 15th Century._
_Reign of Charles VI and VII._
19. Joan of Arc.
_Outline:_ Conditions in France at the death of Charles
VI--Childhood of Joan--Heavenly voices tell Joan her
mission--The voices become more urgent--Her brutal reception
from the Lord Vaucouleurs--The faith of the people in
Joan--Money and an escort provided--In the presence of the
Dauphin--Before the learned men of Poitiers--March to
Orleans--The Siege--Joan before the council--End of the
siege--Surrender of Beaugency--Joan meets English army under
Talbot and utterly routs it--Coronation of Charles VII at
Rheims--Indolence of King--Refuses to renew attack on
Paris--Joan wounded--The French retreat, a blow to Joan's
prestige--People lose faith in her--Capture--Treatment in
prison--Trial--Death.
_Sources:_
Lang. Red true story book.
Macgregor. Story of France.
Boutet de Monvel. Joan of Arc.
_France, 15th Century._
_Reign of Charles VIII and Louis XII._
20. Bayard.
_Outline:_ The boy's choice--The page--Touching shields--In
the garrison--The tournament--War--Capture of Milan--The
duel--Bayard guards the bridge--Siege of Mezieres--Death of
Bayard.
_Sources:_
Andrews. Story of Bayard.
Greene. With spurs of gold.
Macgregor. Story of France.
_England, 15th Century._
_Reign of Henry VIII and Edward VI._
21. Prince and the pauper.
_Outline:_ Birth of Tom and the Prince--The occupants of
"Orful Court"--Tom visits the palace and changes garments
with the Prince--Tom as the "Prince of Wales"--The Prince's
experience in the school grounds--His meeting with Mr.
Canty--Flight of the Canty family--Tom and the King--Life in
the palace, death of the King--Meeting of Prince and Miles
Hendon--Miles becomes Protector to the "King of
Dreams"--Prince and the hermit--Prince as kitchenboy--Miles
finds his ward and takes him home--Sir Hugh denounces his
brother as an imposter and has him imprisoned--The
prison--Miles takes flogging for the Prince--The coronation
of the King--Appearance of the rightful King--Where is the
great seal?--"Long live the King"--Miles Hendon sits in the
presence of the King.
_Source:_
Clemens. Prince and the pauper.
STORIES FROM CHAUCER
1. Prologue.
The priest's tale. The cock and the fox.
2. The lawyer's tale. Constance.
3. The clerk's tale. Patient Griselda.
4. The knight's tale. Palamon and Arcite.
5. The franklin's tale. Dorigen.
_Sources for the story teller:_
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The student's Chaucer; ed. by Skeat.
_Adaptations:_
Tales of the Canterbury Pilgrims; retold from
Chaucer and others by F.J. Harvey Darton.
This is the most attractive and complete edition of the
Chaucer stories for children. The text is freely rendered and
the author has rearranged the stories in groups. The book is
charmingly illustrated by Hugh Thomson.
Stories from Chaucer retold from the Canterbury
tales by J.W. McSpadden.
An excellent rendition of the Chaucer stories. The author has
followed closely Chaucer's lines and in many places has
included the original verse. This version will be found
helpful in the preparation of the ten stories that it
contains.
Canterbury chimes; or Chaucer tales retold for
children by F. Storr and H. Turner.
This collection gives the Prologue and six of the pilgrims'
stories. It follows closely the original verse, but is not as
attractive as the McSpadden version, although the two are
similar.
The Chaucer story book by Eva March Tappan.
Includes eleven stories freely told and simplified. On this
account may be used for younger children. Some of the
atmosphere of Chaucer's original tales is lost but the plots
are made very clear, which is an aid in the preparation of
the stories.
STORIES FROM THE FAERIE QUEENE.
1. Adventures of Una and the Red Cross Knight.
The quest--The wood of Error--The knight deceived by the
magician, forsakes Una--The knight's adventures--Una and the
lion and what befell her later--The last fight and the end of
the quest.
2. The legend of Britomart.
Britomart looks into the magic mirror and later starts on her
quest--What strange adventures befell Britomart--The great
tournament for the Golden Girdle--How Britomart ended her
quest.
3. The adventures of Sir Artegall.
Minor adventures in which Sir Artegall rights many
wrongs--His adventures with the Queen of the Amazons and his
rescue by Britomart--The death of the tyrant Grantorto.
4. The adventures of Sir Calidore.
The quest--Sir Calidore's encounter with the discourteous
knight--Pasterella, and the successful ending of the quest.
_Sources for the story teller:_
Spenser, Edmund. Works; ed. by R. Morris.
_Adaptations:_
Stories from the Faerie Queene; retold from Spenser by L.H. Dawson.
Similar to the Macleod version, but not so conveniently
arranged for the story teller.
Stories from the Faerie Queene; by Mary Macleod.
This contains more stories than the other versions and the
material is so arranged that the story teller will find it a
help in making out a program for a longer cycle. The best and
most attractive edition to use with children.
Una and the Red Cross Knight, and other tales
from Spenser's Faerie Queene; by N.G.
Royde-Smith.