ancient tales crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive list of answers for the crossword clue "ancient tales," complete with explanations to help you understand why each solution fits perfectly. Whether you're stuck or just curious, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "ancient tales crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LORE: A body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth, often ancient.
5 Letters
MYTHS: Traditional stories, often involving supernatural beings or events, explaining natural phenomena or cultural practices. These are classic ancient tales.
SAGAS: Long, heroic stories of ancient times, especially from Norse or Icelandic tradition, often detailing family histories or epic voyages.
EPICS: Long poems, typically derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation, like the Iliad or Odyssey.
7 Letters
LEGENDS: Traditional stories, sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated, featuring heroic figures or significant events from the past.
More About "ancient tales crossword clue"
The clue "ancient tales" often points to a rich vein of cultural history, drawing on themes of mythology, folklore, and legendary narratives. Crossword setters love these clues because they allow for a variety of answers depending on the specific nuance they're looking for, or the letter count required. Terms like MYTHS, LEGENDS, SAGAS, and EPICS all refer to stories that have been passed down through generations, often originating from a distant past and carrying significant cultural weight.
Understanding the subtle differences between these terms can be key to solving the puzzle. While 'myths' typically involve deities and creation, 'legends' often center on human heroes and historical-ish events. 'Sagas' specifically evoke a Norse or Icelandic tradition of long family histories, and 'epics' refer to lengthy narrative poems of grand scope. Recognizing the specific context or origin implied by other clues in the puzzle can help narrow down the possibilities for "ancient tales."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities. For "ancient tales," 5-letter answers like MYTHS, SAGAS, or EPICS are common.
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: Think beyond the literal. "Ancient tales" could also be hinted at by "folklore," "lore," or even specific mythologies like "Norse stories" or "Greek legends."
- Context is King: If other clues in the puzzle refer to a specific culture (e.g., "Viking stories" or "Greek gods"), that will heavily influence whether SAGAS or MYTHS is the correct answer.
- Practice with Variants: Familiarize yourself with how clues like "old stories," "fables," or "mythical narratives" are answered, as these often share solutions with "ancient tales."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes a myth from a legend?
Myths often explain cosmic origins, natural phenomena, or religious beliefs through divine intervention and supernatural beings. Legends, while also traditional stories, are typically more grounded in human history, featuring heroic figures or significant events, though often embellished.
Are "ancient tales" always fictional?
While many ancient tales contain fantastical elements, they often served as historical records, moral lessons, or explanations for the unknown. They can contain kernels of historical truth, reflect real societal values, or describe events that were significant to the culture that created them.
How can I improve my knowledge of ancient tales for crosswords?
Reading widely in classical mythology, folklore collections from various cultures, and historical epics (like Homer's works or the Norse sagas) can greatly expand your vocabulary and understanding of 'ancient tales,' making similar crossword clues much easier to solve.