Old Wives' Tales by Robert Graves

Name: Old Wives' Tales
Author: Robert Graves

The work explores the intersection of folklore, myth, and human experience, presenting a series of tales that reflect on the nature of belief and the absurdity of certain traditional narratives. It begins with a skeptical tone, questioning the validity of the stories passed down through generations, particularly those that instill fear and wonder in children. The narrator recounts encounters with mythical beings such as mermaids and dragons, revealing a disillusionment with their fantastical representations. Instead of the expected traits—like tails for mermaids or fire-breathing for dragons—the narrator discovers that these creatures are bound by the laws of nature and embody deeper psychological truths. Mermaids are depicted as more dangerous than their enchanting appearances suggest, while dragons symbolize the intangible fears and despair that plague humanity. The text delves into the futility of human efforts to combat these fears, suggesting that courage and love are inadequate against the true nature of these mythical entities. The fiend, representing the darkest aspects of existence, is portrayed as a more significant threat than any physical monster, highlighting the limitations of faith and valor in the face of existential dread. Throughout the narrative, the author employs rich imagery and metaphor to convey the complexities of human emotion and the often absurd nature of the tales that shape cultural understanding. The work ultimately serves as a commentary on the power of storytelling, the persistence of fear, and the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with uncertainty and myth.

By Robert Graves · First published 1955 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Mythology · 294 words

First lines

Were the tales they told absurd, Random tags for a child's ear? Soon I mocked at all I heard, Though with cause indeed for fear.

Of the mermaids' doleful game In deep water I heard tell, Of lofty dragons blowing flame, Of the hornèd fiend of Hell.

Now I have met the mermaid kin And find them bound by natural laws, They have neither tail nor fin, But are the deadlier for that cause.

Dragons have no darting tongues, Teeth saw-edged nor rattling scales, No fire issues from their lungs, Poison has not slimed their tails.

What this Textopian page supports

Old Wives' Tales is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1955 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Graves
Date: 1955 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Mythology, Literary Fiction, Allegory
Length: 294 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Old Wives' Tales by Robert Graves
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Old Wives' Tales?
How does this short story by Robert Graves fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Fantasy — The themes involve mythical creatures like mermaids and dragons, characteristic of fantasy literature.
Mythology — The content draws on traditional tales and folklore, exploring mythological themes.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and explores complex themes, typical of literary fiction.