The Mythology of North America

The Mythology of North America
Author: John Bierhorst
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2002
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

The growing economic and political influence of Native American tribes has brought religious issues, once little noted, increasingly to the fore. Timeless in their basic structures, the continent's principal myths are now emerging as sacred histories that have contemporary significance. In this wide-ranging volume, John Bierhorst carefully delineates eleven mythological regions--from the Arctic to the Southwest and from California to the East Coast--presenting the gods, heroes, and primary myths of each area. First published in 1985, this indispensable guide has been updated to reflect the latest scholarship in Native studies. In a new Afterword, Bierhorst describes the recent impact of ancient myths in the arena of American Indian affairs and shows how Native Americans have successfully used mythology as oral evidence to reclaim land rights and to repatriate grave goods. Citing specific cases, he shows how new legislation and changing attitudes "have provided a basis for bringing myth to the negotiating table and into the courtroom." Detailed maps show tribal locations and the distribution of key stories. Indian artworks illustrate the texts and samples of differing narrative styles add enrichment, as some of the world's purest and most powerful myths are made more accessible--and more meaningful--than ever before.

The Mythology of North America

The Mythology of North America
Author: John Bierhorst
Publisher: New York : W. Morrow
Total Pages: 280
Release: 1985
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

Describes the background of the myths of the Indian cultures of the North American continent, some of which have the same themes as myths of other world cultures.

The Mythology of Native North America

The Mythology of Native North America
Author: David Adams Leeming
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2000-02-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9780806132396

Recounts more than seventy Native American myths from a variety of cultures, covering gods, creation, and heroes and heroines, and discusses each myth within its own context, its relationship to other myths, and its place within world mythology.

The Myths of the North American Indians

The Myths of the North American Indians
Author: Lewis Spence
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2023-11-16
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

Lewis Spence's 'The Myths of the North American Indians' is a comprehensive study of the rich mythology of indigenous peoples of North America. Spence delves into various tribes' myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs, providing valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of these stories. Written in a scholarly yet accessible style, the book offers a deep exploration of the literary context of Native American mythology and its impact on modern literature and popular culture. This work is essential for anyone interested in Native American folklore and traditional beliefs. Lewis Spence, a renowned Scottish historian and folklorist, was known for his expertise in mythology and ancient civilizations. His background in anthropology and archaeology enabled him to provide a well-rounded analysis of indigenous myths, shedding light on their significance and relevance in today's world. Spence's dedication to preserving and sharing these stories showcases his commitment to cultural preservation and understanding. 'The Myths of the North American Indians' is a must-read for those seeking a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of Native American folklore.

Native American

Native American
Author: Matt Clayton
Publisher:
Total Pages: 102
Release: 2019-09-28
Genre:
ISBN: 9781696130752

If you're looking for a captivating collection of Native American myths, then keep reading... Part of the history of Indigenous cultures is, of course, their traditions of storytelling. Myths, legends, and folktales all play important roles in explaining how the world came to be the way it is, as well as giving listeners entertainment with humorous or scary stories, or giving them role models to look up to in hero tales. The author of this book has endeavored to provide at least one myth from every major culture group in North America: Arctic, Subarctic, Plateau, Northwest Coast, Great Basin, Great Plains, California, Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast Forest. Of the many different genres of story available, four are chosen for this present volume. The first has to do with the origins of things, either of the world in its entirety or some aspect thereof that was significant to the people who created the story. The other side of creation is death, and so the second section concerns tales of ghosts and monsters, some terrifying, some friendly, some the victims of prank-playing living people. However, out of the acts of destruction wrought by supernatural beings there is often something new created or a change worked that is necessary for the world to function properly. Tricksters and heroes occupy the third and fourth sections of the book, respectively. Coyote is, of course, a favorite trickster character for most North American Indigenous groups, while Raven is important to peoples in the Pacific Northwest and Arctic regions. Beaver is a trickster for the Nez Perce of the Columbia River Plateau, and for the Pomo of California, little Woodrat also lives by his wits. These tricksters are by turns clever, gullible, victor, and victim, but always there is a moral lesson to be learned from the stories of their adventures. The final section of the book presents stories of Indigenous heroes. Many of these heroes are shared by multiple cultures, usually within the same or adjacent culture areas. Native American: Mythology Captivating Myths of Indigenous Peoples from North America invites you to go on a startling journey and discover the following myths: Origins Ghosts and Monsters Trickster Tales Hero Tales And much, much more! So if you want a captivating collection of Native American myths, click the "add to cart" button!