Native American Mythology A to Z (Mythology a to Z)

Geraldine Pinch

From BooklistStudents at the high-school level and above who are doing research on Egyptian mythology will find this volume interesting and helpful. The first chapter discusses the nature of myths and the history of Egypt from the predynastic to the postpharaonic period. The second goes through several myth complexes and cycles and their variations. The third chapter, "Deities, Themes, and Concepts, " is an alphabetical listing of well over 100 topics and is the meat of the book. Articles range in length from a single line to several pages. All have see also references, and most cite both secondary and primary sources. Entries are readable and note where particular deities absorbed characteristics of others during historical periods. The inconsistencies of Egyptian mythology are noted, as in the variations of the Osiris stories. The frankly sexual nature of many of Egypt's creation myths is not glossed over, nor are the coupling habits of the gods.A final chapter is an annotated list of print and nonprint resources on Egyptian myth, some of which may be found in many larger public and academic libraries. A few novels influenced by Egyptian myth are also listed and annotated, including Norman Mailer's Ancient Evenings and Elizabeth Peters' The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog. A few videos are reviewed, and several Web sites and CD-ROMs are listed. Pinch's annotations are clear and informative and not without a certain dry humor.A very helpful glossary defines Egyptian... Lire plus…

Barry Pritzker, Barry M. Pritzker

The history, culture, and present state of Native America is revealed, explored, and explained in this, the most comprehensive reference work on the indigenous peoples of North America ever assembled. Anyone and everyone interested in Native Americans will find Native Americans indispensable. Systematically presenting historical and modern data for all known Native American groups in Canada and the United States, the different groups are listed alphabetically within 10 culture areas. The volumes are richly illustrated and include photos and drawings, culture area and tribal location maps, a master bibliography, bibliographic citations for each tribal entry, a glossary, and a subject index. Lire plus…

Dawn E. Bastian & Judy K. Mitchell

This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume. Lire plus…

Kathleen N. Daly; Revised By Marian Rengel

This is a great book if you just need to look up some quick information on a Greek or Roman god. It does go into detail on some of the more important characters like Hercules, but most just have a few paragraphs. My main complaint is that even though it says "Greek AND ROMAN Mythology" about 75% of the characters covered are Greek in origin. It is nice that each character is labeled as either Greek or Roman though. This made writing my Roman Mythology paper much easier. A good book for anyone interested in Mythology :) Lire plus…

Michael Ashkenazi

В 1-ой главе книги дается представление о связи главных концепций японской мифологии с историческим, социальным, литературным и политическим контекстом культуры японцев, окинавцев и айнов. Во 2-ой главе даются общие описания самих мифов, как синтоистских, так и буддистских. В 3-ей главе дается алфавитный список главных концепций и мифологических персонажей всех трех культур. 4-я глава посвящена аннотированному обзору источников по японской мифологии – печатным и Интернет-ресурсам. Образцы сканов: (http://ipicture.ru/Gallery/Viewfull/11113345.html) (http://ipicture.ru/Gallery/Viewfull/11113386.html) (http://ipicture.ru/Gallery/Viewfull/11113412.html) (http://ipicture.ru/Gallery/Viewfull/11113443.html) Lire plus…

P>robert</p> <P>d.</p> <P>craig</p>

An accessible, concise reference source on Polynesia's complex mythology, product of a culture little known outside its home.Encounters with the West introduced Polynesian mythology to the world—and sealed its fate as a casualty of colonialism. But for centuries before the Europeans came, that mythology was as vast as the triangle of ocean in which it flourished, as diverse as the people it served, and as complex as the mythologies of Greece and Rome.Students, researchers, and enthusiasts can follow vivid retellings of stories of creation, death, and great voyages, tracking variations from island to island. They can use the book's reference section for information on major deities, heroes, elves, fairies, and recurring themes, as well as the mythic implications of everything from dogs and volcanoes to the hula, Easter Island, and tattooing (invented in the South Pacific and popularized by returning sailors). Lire plus…

Paul Richard Steele; Catherine Jean Allen

This book is for a general audience. It is well written with only occasional use of perhaps overly technical words, for example, chthonic for underworld. It has a very good Index and a list of essential references, at least those that have been published in English. The glossary is also quite useful. In areas in which I am somewhat knowledgeable, I find a good summary is presented but with a minimum of references. Missing is any reference to the common origin myth of the Maya (Popul Vuh) and Andeans (Huarichiri); likewise other shared myths such as the revolt of the objects are not mentioned. Further, the common substitution of body parts in Andean sculpture, such as at Chavín is not contrasted to the another region where it is well-known, China, as seen in dragons. The Maya case must represent diffusion for the degree of similarity in the quite unusual origin myth; that of China would at least apprise the reader that the Andean case is not unique. In brief, the book provides a good introduction to Inca mythology and that treatment is extended to pre-Incan peoples in some instances, such as the Moche. It is pitched to somewhere between a popular readership and one useful as a good introductory treatment in a class room at a low grade level at a university. General readers will find the alienness of the myths, less tempered by the introduction of European ones than, say, in Central America, accessible, although the hand of the ethnographer Catherine J. Allen,... Lire plus…

Dawn E. Bastian, Judy Mitchell

This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume. Lire plus…

Paula R. Hartz, Joanne O'brien, Martin Palmer

Surveys the history and basic beliefs of Native American religions. Lire plus…

Pat Remler

Egypt's myths are among the earliest in the ancient world. "Egyptian Mythology A to Z, Revised Edition" brings to life the fascinating world of Egyptian mythology and religious beliefs for young readers. This new edition has been revised and updated to reflect the latest discoveries. New information covered in this thorough reference guide includes entries on such topics as pyramids and mythology, the cult of the king, human sacrifice, and many new gods and legendary figures. A bibliography at the end of the book encourages students to investigate topics that spark their interest. With its focus on Egyptian gods and goddesses and the relationship between Egyptian myths and the later Greek and Roman mythology, this volume is a useful reference and teaching aid for students with an interest in mythological studies Lire plus…

Ann Bingham; Patricia Ann Lynch; Kathleen N Daly; Jeremy Roberts; Pat Remler; Gienna Matson

Designed specifically for young readers, the Mythology A to Z series explores the world's most important myths and legends in an accessible and entertaining manner. Each volume includes vividly written entries on the major figures, places, stories, objects, and themes of a given mythology. A vast continent, Africa is the home of the first humans and the birthplace of many cultures, ranging from nomadic bands to farmers to sophisticated civilizations. With four major language families and myriad peoples, Africa is also the source of a diverse and engaging body of myth. African Mythology A to Z is a clearly written reference guide to this lore. Containing 42 illustrations, two maps, a time line, a bibliography, an index, and extensive cross-references, African Mythology A to Z is a comprehensive and accessible reference guide for anyone interested in learning more about various African myths, traditions, and beliefs. Lire plus…

Kathleen N. Daly; Revised By Marian Rengel

Norse Mythology A to Z, Third Edition examines the characters, objects, and places whose stories make up the folklore of the Norse people, who lived in the region known today as Scandinavia. Passed down through the generations by word of mouth and finally written down in the 13th century and later, these myths include tales of gods and goddesses; heroes, giants, and dwarfs; and serpents and dragons that inhabit enchanted realms. This colorful volume brings to life many of these Nordic myths. Entries of this title include: the most famous gods and goddesses, such as Odin, Thor, and Freya; plants and animals important to Norse mythology, such as the oak tree and the eagle; stories and poems, such as "Treasures of the Dwarfs" and the "Poetic Edda"; and, much more Lire plus…

Karl Kroeber

The myths and legends in this book have been selected both for their excellence as stories and because they illustrate the distinctive nature of Native American storytelling. A collection of Native American myths and legends. Selected for their excellence as stories, and because they illustrate the distinctive nature of Native American storytelling. Drawn from the oral traditions of all major areas of aboriginal North America. Reveals the highly practical functions of myths and legends in Native American societies. Illustrates American Indians' profound engagement with their natural environment. Edited by an outstanding interpreter of Native American oral stories. Lire plus…

Ann Bingham; Patricia Ann Lynch; Kathleen N Daly; Jeremy Roberts; Pat Remler; Gienna Matson

south And Meso-america Gave Rise To Several Major Civilizations In The Region That Today Encompasses 21 Countries. The Mythology That Emerged From This Land Of Extremes Is Rich With Stories Of Floods And Fires, Horrific Monsters, Heroes Who Help Create The World Before Their Fathers Are Born, And A Host Of Gods And Goddesses Who Are Alternately Jealous, Kind, Evil, And Arrogant. South And Meso-american Mythology A To Z Is A Clearly Written Reference Guide To These Mythical Traditions. Containing 41 Illustrations, Four Maps, A Time Line, A Bibliography, An Index, And Extensive Cross-references, South And Meso-american Mythology A To Z Is A Comprehensive And Accessible Reference Guide For Anyone Interested In Learning More About South And Meso-american Myths, Traditions, And Beliefs. school Library Journal gr 6 Up-handsome, Colorful Exteriors Combine With An Appealingly Spacious Layout To Produce Inviting Surveys Of Complex Subjects. Simple Language And Modest-length Entries Introduce The Customs, Beliefs, Legends, Ceremonies, And Knowledge Of Many Ancient Peoples. Entries Often Include Translations Of Names, Alternate Spellings, And Cross-references To Other Articles. Each Volume Offers A Historical Introduction, A Time Line, Simple Maps, A Generous Bibliography Of Recent Books And Reliable Web Sites, And A Substantial Index. However, A Map Of The Area Under Discussion In South And Meso-american Does Not Specify Which Areas Comprise Meso-america And Which Make Up South... Lire plus…

Jeremy Roberts

Китайская Мифология: библиография , культура , легенды, мифы, исследования In ancient Chinese civilization, emperors were revered as the direct descendants of the gods, who ruled all of nature and the heavens. Animal bones were consulted as oracles to answer the great questions of life and death, and ancestral spirits were thought to roam the earth, negotiating with the gods on behalf of the living. From the legends of the Eight Immortals to the teachings of Confucius, Chinese Mythology A to Z, Second Edition provides a refreshing, insightful look at the stories and myths that open a window onto this civilization. Coverage of this title includes: Buddhist deities and legendary characters; animal stories, such as the fox legends; important locations, such as shrines and sacred places; allegorical figures, such as the Jade Emperor, the Rain Master, and the Lord of the Granary; and, more. Lire plus…

Patricia Ann Lynch And Jeremy Roberts, Lynch, Patricia Ann

Cover......Page 1 Native American Mythology A to Z, Second Edition......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Introduction......Page 8 Timeline of North American Cultures......Page 19 Map of Native American Culture Areas......Page 21 A-to-Z Entries......Page 22 A......Page 24 B......Page 32 C......Page 42 D......Page 54 E......Page 59 F......Page 63 G......Page 67 H......Page 69 I......Page 76 K......Page 78 L......Page 84 M......Page 87 N......Page 98 O......Page 103 P......Page 108 Q......Page 114 R......Page 115 S......Page 118 T......Page 133 U......Page 141 V......Page 143 W......Page 144 X,......Page 150 Selected Bibliography......Page 151 Index......Page 154 Lire plus…