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.

Tanglewood Tales for Boys and Girls (1853) is a book by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, a sequel to A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. It is a re-writing of well-known Greek myths in a volume for children.

Originally published in 1853, author Nathaniel Hawthorne delivers a vibrant selection of mythological tales inspired by some of the most popular figures in Greek lore. Tanglewood Tales is filled with whimsical characters and their fantastical stories. Nathaniel Hawthorne brings Ancient Greek mythology to life in this collection of Tanglewood Tales. The author reinterprets the stories for a younger audience with a broad appeal. The book contains heroes and heroines, as well as magicians and kings. Some of the most notable myths include “The Golden Fleece,” which centers Jason and the Argonauts. And “Circe's Palace," which follows a battle of wits between the enchantress and a formidable foe. Tanglewood Tales is a companion to Hawthorne’s previous work, A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. It expands his collection of children’s stories with more enduring tales from Greek mythology. These are timeless classics that have captivated readers for multiple generations. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Tanglewood Tales is both modern and readable.

Tanglewood Tales for Girls and Boys, Being a Second Wonder-book by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This book is a reproduction of the original book published in 1898 and may have some imperfections such as marks or hand-written notes.