Each book in this series follows the same format as it examines one aspect of the oral tradition. This begins with a definition of a myth and the origins of creation and hero myths. Two examples follow: a Native American story “Old Man Coyote Makes the World” and “The Twelve Labors of Hercules” (abbreviated tale). Each is analyzed for characters, dialog/dialect, setting (time and place), plot and theme with an emphasis on myths as stories that explain rather than excite.