Showing results by author "Robert San Souci" in All Categories

In Muslim storytelling, the wise fool is a popular figure that appears as different people in different stories. In these two funny stories, see if you can tell who the wise fool is and who is not. In one story, a father shows his son how it is impossible to please everyone. In the other, a court jester shows that he is more than just a common fool.

In the 1800s, Charley Parkhurst had a reputation in California for being one of the toughest stagecoach drivers around. He could handle horses and scare off bandits like nobody’s business! Everyone has their secrets, though, and Charley was no different. Things aren’t always what they seem!

Back in the days of the first oil wells, the oilmen passed the time by spinning tall tales. One of their favorite storytellers was Gib Morgan, whose adventures became legend! Find out about the man behind his tales and hear a tale or two from the oil fields.

The mythic origin stories of the Grand Canyon and the Native American tribes who live in and near it.

A young Haida boy in the Pacific Northwest learns the importance of honoring the spirits of the salmon caught for food.

Have you heard of the Star Maiden, Old Sally Cato, or Sweet Betsey from Pike? Everyone knows about Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, and Davy Crockett, But have you heard of these larger-than-life women? From Bess Call, who wrestles any and all challengers, to Molly Cottontail, who can outwit any critter in the woods, to Hekeke, who slays a giant singlehandedly, here are 15 funny, stormy, and always entertaining tall tales of legendary American women. They're as difference as can be, but still cut from the same cloth.