Tales from ancient times are a collection of folktales in the style of folk tales that Rebbi Nachman of Breslov told to his students. His prominent student Rebbi Natan of Breslov recorded and published them. It is customary to think that there is a gothic and Kabbalistic dimension to these stories, and they differ in style and essence from the rest of the parables and stories told by Rebbi Nachman, which appear in his writings and the writings of his disciples.

One should know that these stories have deep secrets, blessed is he who gets to understand them.

Rebbi Nachman paved new ways in Chassidot. He emphasized the value of prayer, solitude, innocence and simple faith. Rebbi Nacham taught avoidance of philosophical inquiry, even though at the end of his life he befriended the educated Jews who lived in the city of Uman. He also stressed the need to long for God and said that according to his greatness there is no one who can say that he worships God, but the main thing is longing and longing. This longing can be gained mainly with the help of simple faith.

Along with the sermons he delivered to his followers, as was the custom of the rebbes of his generation, he also told tales, which are interpreted as allegories and complement his teachings.

He emphasized the importance of being joyful, and to the resist being despaired or sadness. This characterized throughout his teachings. Examples of his own famous sayings on this subject:

Know that man has to cross a very, very narrow bridge, and the rule is that you will not be afraid at all.

It is a great mitzvah to always be happy.

There is no despair in the world at all.