The contest accepts historical and mythological short stories. For historical fiction: “A story set at least fifty years ago, which takes the social, political, or cultural atmosphere of the past into consideration. Alternative history – events that could have happened – is allowed, but no time travel.

Stories set in prehistory, before written records, are welcome if they plausibly evoke the lived experience, worldview, or oral traditions of that time.”

For mythological fiction: “A story set in the past, at least fifty years ago for this contest, which clearly draws from a myth, mythic figure, or cultural belief e.g., Circe from Greek Mythology, or Ravana from Southeast Asia, yakkas from Sri Lankan folklore. 
Stories do not need to be set in the time or place of the original myth.
Fantasy elements are welcome, but stories must remain rooted in specific mythological or folkloric traditions.
Global myths and oral traditions are encouraged; not all cultures had vast pantheons.”
They have two age categories: adults and youth (13-17 years), and “Each author may submit one story strictly between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Youth entries are strictly between 800–1,000 words.” The prize is run by World History Encyclopedia and sponsored by Oxford University Press. Please read the Licensing Terms and Conditions on their submission form carefully.
Value: $500 for the winner in the adults category; second and third prizes are $100 and $50 respectively to spend in the WHE store; youth winner gets custom artwork inspired by their story
Deadline: 22 August 2026
Open for: All writers
Details here, here, and here

Deadline: August 22nd, 2026