"The Pygmies" is a short story written by the American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is part of his collection of short stories titled "Tanglewood Tales," which was first published in 1853. In "The Pygmies," Hawthorne retells a classic Greek myth about the adventures of Hercules and his encounters with a tribe of Pygmies. The story is an adaptation of the original myth from Greek mythology. Hawthorne's version is written in a style suitable for younger readers and is known for its moral and allegorical elements. It explores themes of courage, strength, and the challenges of facing the unknown. Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Tanglewood Tales" is a collection of stories that adapt and retell classic myths and legends from various cultures. These stories are often aimed at a younger audience and provide moral lessons and entertainment through their imaginative narratives.