Every story has a source.

We distinguish documented people and events from literary invention, religious tradition, and folklore. A story being recorded does not establish that its events happened. When versions differ, an article identifies the version or explains the variation.

Sources appear with every article. We prefer original texts, libraries, museums, universities, and cultural institutions. Modern retellings can illuminate a tradition but do not by themselves establish its earliest date.

The initial collection and translations were prepared with AI assistance. No invented scholar, historian, or expert reviewer is credited. Translations and historical claims should be checked against the linked sources before scholarly use; substantial editorial updates will be dated.

Illustrations are AI-generated interpretations, clearly identified as such. They are not historical portraits or evidence. Advertising, when introduced, will be labeled and separated from the editorial text.