Myths and legends of the peoples of the world are the greatest cultural heritage of mankind, interest in which has not waned for many centuries. And not only because they themselves are masterpieces of human genius, collected and summarized by many generations of great poets, writers, and thinkers. Knowledge of these legends and myths provides the key to understanding the poetry of Goethe and Pushkin, the dramaturgy of Shakespeare and Schiller, the painting of Rubens and Titian, Bryullov and Botticelli. This publication is an attempt to enable the reader, in the most complete, literary presentation, to become acquainted with the history and culture of numerous tribes and peoples who inhabited in ancient times all the continents of our planet. This volume includes myths, legends and traditions of the peoples of Northern and Western Europe, many of which became the basis of immortal works of world literature.