From the introduction: Before the written word, knowledge was passed on in stories. Myths, folktales, and all the rest are entertaining, yes. However, in all old tales there is a kernel of wisdom, and with wisdom comes power. Power that can be accessed through the impression these stories have left in the primal forces of reality. The purpose of the Akashic Tales line is to take lore, fairy tales, and legends from around the world and extrapolate them into a form that can be wielded by players and GMs alike. All the while spreading a little knowledge about the origins of these bits of human culture and imagination.