Folk Tales From Chile

An illustrated collection of fifteen traditional Chilean tales that "represent a fusion...of the Old World culture of the Spanish soldier and priest and the native Indian culture of ancient Chile."

Translation of Cuentos folklâoricos de Chile.

A bilingual collection of enchanting folk tales from the peoples of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Paraguay, accompanied by historical and geographical background as well as color photographs. Containing numerous tales that have never before appeared in an English-language children's story collection, this book presents many of author Paula Martín's favorite stories from her many years of experience in storytelling around the world and particularly in South America. It stands as a unique folklore and storytelling resource that will give readers a better understanding of life and culture in the southern part of South America. Readers of all ages will delight in entertaining stories about animals, plants and trees, musical instruments, lost places, fantastic creatures, and witches and devils. This collection also includes never-ending tales, sky stories, and folk tales about fools. The book provides related cultural information about the lands where these stories originated as well as the people who tell these tales, traditional games of South America, and recipes for regional food items that can go hand in hand with the stories.

Mariana, a lonely old woman, lives in a hut by the sea-shore. The village children are afraid of her, though she wants to be their friend. One day a huge storm casts up a tiny Merbaby in a crab shell. Mariana loves and cares for the sea-child. She fears that its mother, a Sea Spirit, will think she has stolen it. But when the Sea Spirit comes, she thanks Mariana for saving her baby's life and asks her to look after the tiny girl until she learns to swim. Mariana's life changes: the village children love the mer-girl and discover that the old woman is their friend. Mariana knows that her beloved Merchild must return to live in the sea. When the day comes, however, she is no longer sad and lonely. The children comfort her, and the Merchild never forgets her. This poetic and lyrical re-telling of a Chilean folk-tale, first published in 2000, is now reissued in a gift format which does full justice to Jackie Morris's evocative illustrations.

A childless old woman is given a merbaby to raise until the child can safely return to the sea.

Over one hundred stories showcasing the wisdom and artistry of one the world’s richest folktale traditions—the first panoramic anthology of Hispano-American folk narratives in any language. Gathered from twenty countries and combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America, the stories brought together here represent a core collection of classic Latin American folktales. Among the essential characters are the quiet man's wife who knew the Devil's secrets, the three daughters who robbed their father's grave, and the wife in disguise who married her own husband—not to mention the Bear's son, the tricksters Fox and Monkey, the two compadres, and the classic rogue Pedro de Urdemalas. Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library edition is unprecedented in size and scope, including riddles, folk prayers, and fables never before translated into English.

Atmospheric woodcuts illustrate this Newbery Award-winning collection of 19 South American folktales. Fables of talking animals, witches, giants, and ordinary people in supernatural settings provide insights into regional values and culture.