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Tales from the Past (first published in 1916) is a masterpiece of Croatian children's literature and the most important work of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić (1874–1938), the "Croatian Andersen". The collection contains eight fairy tales in prose:

• How ​​Potjeh sought truth – the most famous: three brothers (Ljutiša, Marun, Potjeh) listen to their grandfather's advice; only Potjeh follows his heart and seeks the truth, outsmarts the evil Besomar and saves his brothers.
• Regoč – the giant Regoč and the fairy Kosjenka; the love, stupidity and wisdom of little ones.
• Fisherman Palunko and his wife – the woman's greed leads to a conflict with the fairies and the sea; saving her son Vlatko.
• Sunce dever i Neva Nevičica – the Sun helps a little girl against the arrogant empress.
• Stribor's Forest – a girl marries a wolf, Stribor's Forest is full of wonders and dangers.
• Brother Jaglenac and Sister Rutvica – brothers and sisters against the evil fairies Zatočnica.
• Lutonjica Toporko and nine županičića – nine brothers and little Lutonjica.
• Jagor – a little boy against his evil stepmother and grandmother Poludnica.

The author combines Slavic myths (Perun, Svarožić, fairies, giants), Christian motifs and her own imagination. Fairy tales are instructive: they celebrate obedience, sincerity, courage, wisdom of the heart over reason, the victory of the small over the large. The language is rich, rhythmic, archaic, but accessible – full of poetry, repetition and vivid descriptions.

The work has been translated into many languages, nominated for the Nobel Prize (twice), required reading in schools. Today it is a classic read for children and adults – nostalgic, wise and universal. Perfect for those who love fairy tales with a deep lesson and Slavic charm.