A selection of stories adapted from the Ithihyamala, a marvelous treasury of legends of Kerala. These vibrant fables evoke a long-lost, never-never land: an enchanted world of sorcerers, exorcists and yakshis; eccentric rajas and haughty poets; martial-arts prodigies and peerless physicians; wily wits and devious gadflies; clever elephants, sly crooks, gallant brigands and a motley bunch of uncommon common people. Retold by best-selling author Abraham Eraly and superbly illustrated by Jayachandran, Tales Once Told is an engaging blend of earthy wisdom and sparkling humor.