The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice

A collection of twelve traditional tales from around the world that honor the ＂return of the light＂ that takes place on the winter solstice

The winter solstice, the day the ＂sun stands still,＂ marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and it comes either on December 20th or 21st. Celebrations honoring the winter solstice as a moment of transition and renewal date back thousands of years and occur among many peoples on every continent. The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for everyone who carries on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Storyteller Carolyn McVickar Edwards retells twelve traditional tales-from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia-that honor this magical moment. These are stories that will renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

Carolyn McVickar Edwards, a teacher and storyteller in Oakland, California, is the author of The Storyteller’s Goddess and In the Light of the Moon. She is interested in the literacies and languages of earth, myths, books, folk songs and stories, and conversation. More information about her and her work is available at www.carolynmcvickaredwards.com.