In Tibet, around the fire at night, these tales are told by the elders to the young. There are classic tales of magic, wonder,
beauty and love, of compassion, gratitude, family and truth. They are often told inside a frame story. A young boy steals the secret of magic from seven wicked and sorcerous brothers. He runs to a holy hermit for refuge and protection. When the brothers come and are going to kill the saint, the
young man kills them instead, and he must redeem himself. The master sends him off to find a magical corpse that can bring happiness to the Earth; but the boy MUST be silent until he gets it back. When the boy speaks, the corpse magically flies back to the graveyard, and the boy must begin his quest again. There are twenty-five (25) tales told in this book, including the tale of the seven sorcerers. These stories are fascinating and very well written.
In addition to the stories, there is a foreword explaining their origins and much about
Tibetan culture (although one learns even more in the course of reading the tales); a glossary of terms peculiar to
Tibetan and Buddhist culture; and a short bibliography dealing with Tibet and the Ur-culture (Bon) and Tibetan Buddhism.
This is an excellent book for older children and adults, as well as anyone who is interested in folklore and the culture of Tibet.