A long, long time ago, was it yesterday or was it today... Folk tales tell stories in ancient images that always have something new to say. In this book, Helmut Wittmann has compiled a wealth of traditions: from birth to growing up, the search for a partner and companionship or the lack thereof, everyday life in a profession, aging, death, and whatever else may come. With the heroines and heroes of the stories, we experience the challenges and depths, but also the heights and joys of life. They hold up a mirror to us that often astonishes. Yet, they always show a viable path to happiness through confusion and difficulties. What else is our life? Helmut Wittmann has been a professional storyteller for nearly 30 years. At his request, UNESCO has included storytelling in Austria in the list of intangible cultural heritage.