The Indian Fairy Book: From the Original Legends by Cornelius Mathews is a collection of Native American myths and folklore retold as fairy tales. Mathews, an American writer and folklorist, presents these stories with a blend of respect for the original legends and the stylistic touches of 19th-century fairy tale conventions. The collection includes a variety of tales drawn from different Native American tribes, offering readers a glimpse into the rich oral traditions and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples across North America.The stories in this book revolve around supernatural beings, animal spirits, and heroic figures who face challenges and trials to achieve great feats or impart moral lessons. Themes of nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living beings are prominent throughout the tales. These stories often feature transformation, where humans take on the characteristics of animals or gods, and emphasize the importance of harmony with the natural world, as well as the consequences of breaking those bonds.