The myths concerning the ascent of souls to Heaven is most interesting, and the legends of the Milky Way and the Rainbow Bridge are poetic and lovely. The story of Jack and the Bean Stalk is considered to belong to the general group.
If there is time, have one meeting on the subjects of dwarfs alone. Note the differences between black, brown, and white dwarfs, and trolls, elves, pixies, kobolds, brownies, and goblins. See how closely all are related to the life of man. Contrast their cleverness with the invariable stupidity of giants.
In addition to these topics clubs will find the folk-lore of the Australians, the islanders everywhere, and of savage races, full of interest. A book just published, called The Fetich Folk of West Africa, by R. H. Milligan, bears on the last point.
The subject of myths and legends will be found of far greater interest if each topic is illustrated by pictures. There are many fairy books for children for which artists have made beautiful drawings, and some especially lovely, in colors. In studying the Hero stories, get reproductions of famous pictures of the Rhine, legends, and look up Abbey's pictures of Arthur and his knights.
Clubs composed of mothers and teachers may take up the subject of telling fairy stories to children; which ones to tell and which to omit, and how to tell them. Hero stories are always interesting to growing boys, and teachers can suggest to them which are the wisest to choose. Instead of reading stories and legends at every club meeting it is well to have them told by some one skilful in the art.
Clubs which wish to study the general subject of folk-lore in a serious way will find the topic of comparative religions most interesting and valuable; scholars are everywhere taking it up, and there are many books upon it, notably Frazer's Golden Bough, already suggested under another head.
The folk-lore of the ancient Hebrews can be either taken separately or as a part of this subject; the old hero myths of the Bible, of Samson especially, will be found delightful.