Native American Mythology A To Z

Presents detailed coverage of the deities, legendary heroes and heroines, important animals, objects, and places that make up the mythic lore of the many peoples of North America.

The beliefs of many Native American peoples emphasize a close relationship between people and the natural world, including geographical features such as mountains and lakes and animals such as whales and bison. Therefore, many of the myths of these peoples are stories of strange occurrences where animals or forces of nature and people interact. Native American Mythology A to Z, Second Edition presents detailed coverage of the deities, legendary heroes and heroines, important animals, objects, and places that make up the mythic lore of the many peoples of North America. This new edition is now in full-color for the first time. Coverage includes: Creation accounts from many Native American cultures Influences on and development of Native American mythology The effects of geographic region, environment, and climate on myths Core beliefs of numerous tribes Recurrent themes in myths throughout the continent.

This reference offers coverage of the deities, legendary heroes and heroines, important animals, objects, and places that make up the mythic lore of the many peoples of North America from northern Mexico into the Arctic Circle.

An encylopedia of names, places, and subjects in the mythology of native people from North and South America, with over 1500 entries.

Alphabetically listed entries identify and explain the characters, events, important places, and other aspects of South American and Meso-American mythology.

This fascinating and informative compendium, assembled by a celebrated anthropologist, offers a remarkably wide range of nomadic sagas, animist myths, cosmogonies and creation myths, end-time prophecies, and other traditional tales.

Alphabetically-arranged entries provide information on more than nine hundred key characters and themes in the mythology of the Americas.

Stretching from the north to the south of the Western Hemisphere, the indigenous Americans have a long-forgotten history, and with that, myths, legends, and stories that have been passed on through generations. Many of them were in tune with nature, and had their rituals, beliefs, and mythological creatures. In this guide, you'll read about: Native American gods and goddesses that were worshiped by the aboriginals Some historical background, and the connection to their beliefs. The most important, best-known legends that have been told and written on cave walls. Stories that have been told on the American continent about the creation of the world. The myths and truths about supernatural powers shaman and other native Americans had (or didn't have). Native American beliefs about birth, death, and the afterlife. To get a grasp of the original inhabitants of the United States, Canada, and Latin American nations, it is crucial to understand the roots of where it all came from, and what was going on in people's minds before the European settlers arrived.