A beautifully written collection of stories from European myth and folklore that celebrate women in the second half of life, retold by the award-winning author of Hagitude

From early childhood, we learn about the world and its possibilities through myths and fairy tales. The heroines, though, tend to be young princesses or fair maidens, and the evildoers older women: wicked witches or unforgiving matriarchs. Yet a wealth of lesser-known stories feature mature women with personality and power. Sharon Blackie has reclaimed these tales, presenting them in evocative prose that will resonate with women of all ages. Each story is accompanied by commentary that offers background to the characters and setting, highlights important themes, and reveals its insights into how we might live well, meaningfully, and authentically in the second half of life.

Women today seek to redefine their relationship with aging, and this dazzling array of not-to-be-messed-with older characters provides compelling role models. These fabulous women outwit monsters, test and mentor younger heroines, embody the cycles and seasons of the Earth, weave the world into being -- and almost always have the last laugh.

Many years of research have yielded this fresh gathering of ungainly giantesses, sequin-strewn fairy godmothers, misunderstood witches, fierce grandmothers, hairy-chinned hags, and craggy crones. These wise women manifest their wisdom in different ways, offering us inspiration for how we too can walk boldly and live authentically through the second half of life.