Understanding Mesoamerican Myths by
This interesting books describes the mythology of Mesoamerica, which encompasses the general region of Central America. A mixture of myths from many cultures, including the Aztecs and the Mayans, these stories about the creation of the world and the afterlife helped these ancient cultures explain what was happening in their world. Topics featured include: Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec creator god Huitzilopochtli, the supreme god of Tenochtitlanthe capital city of the Aztec empire Maya hieroglyphic writing
The Ancient Mythologies of Peru and Mexico by
Regarding the origin of the American mythologies, it is difficult to discover traces of foreign influence in either Mexico or Peru's religion. At the time of their subjugation by the Spaniard's legends were ripe in both countries of beneficent white and bearded men, who brought a fully developed culture. The question of Asiatic influences must not altogether be cast aside as an untenable theory, but it is well to bear in mind that such influences, did they ever exist, must have been of the most transitory description, and could have left but few traces upon the religion of the peoples in question. If any such contact took place, it was merely accidental, and, when speaking of faiths carried from Asia into America at the period of its original settlement, it is first necessary to premise that Pleistocene Man had already arrived at that stage of mental development in which the existence of supernatural beings is recognized-a premise with which modern anthropology would scarcely find itself in agreement.
Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks! by
Author Michael A. Schuman retells some of the colorful tales of these fascinating people. He explores the similarities between the two civilizations, highlighting their myths about the creation of the world, the origin of men and women, the birth of music, and other intriguing tales. Each story includes a detailed introduction to the culture and beliefs of the ancient Maya and Aztec, as well as expert commentary written by scholars and specialists on their mythology.
The Myths and Legends of the First Peoples of the Americas by
Many First Peoples' creation stories center on the relationships between humans, animals, and our planet. This book demonstrates the range of indigenous peoples' beliefs while also illuminating these kinds of commonalities in the stories they tell. The book features vivid retellings of myths, legends, and folktales from a variety of First Peoples nations and includes fascinating information about the history of the indigenous peoples themselves.
National Geographic Kids Everything Mythology by
National Geographic Everything Mythology is jam packed with fascinating facts and awe-inspiring imagery that brings your favorite fierce mythological heroes to life, introducing kids to gods of ancient worlds, including Greek, Norse, Chinese, America Indian, African cultures, and more. Packed with facts, colorful illustrations, and infused with humor, this fun journey through ancient lore will keep kids fascinated with every turn of the page. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
Aztec and Maya Myths by
The myths of the Aztec and Maya derive from a shared Mesoamerican cultural tradition. This is very much a living tradition, and many of the motifs and gods mentioned in early sources are still evoked in the lore of contemporary Mexico and Guatemala. Professor Taube discusses the different sources for Aztec and Maya myths. The Aztec empire began less than 200 years before the Spanish conquest, and our knowledge of their mythology derives primarily from native colonial documents and manuscripts commissioned by the Spanish. The Maya mythology is far older, and our knowledge of it comes mainly from native manuscripts of the Classic period, over 600 years before the Spanish conquest. Drawing on these sources as well as nineteenth- and twentieth-century excavations and research, including the interpretation of the codices and the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing, the author discusses, among other things, the Popol Vuh myths of the Maya, the flood myth of Northern Yucatan, and the Aztec creation myths.
Aztec Mythology by
This book discusses the origins of Aztec myths and how some of these myths have been manipulated over time. The book details the major gods found within the mythology along with some of the most memorable tales, such as creation of the world and the making of humanity. Readers learn how Aztec myths have penetrated popular culture.
Aztec Myths by
Though the Olmecs (1250-200 bc) were the first civilization in Mexico, the Aztecs (1325-1521) -Mesoamerica's last imperial civilization and the most significant of the militaristic post-Classic period - are probably who first come to mind when we think of great empires of that region. Like other Mesoamerican cultures, Aztec gods and myths reflected a natural philosophy where ideas concerning life and death were linked symbolically to the earth, sky and sea in a grand cosmic scheme. Their religion was dominated by the tribal war god Huitzilopochtli, the rain/fertility god Tlaloc and the supreme deity Tezcatlipoca, the Lord of the Smoking Mirror. This fascinating collection explores the history, culture, gods, calendar, myths and tales of this people, from migration legends to the origin myth of the Five Suns. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.
Exploring the Life, Myth, and Art of the Maya by
From stepped temples to exquisite stone carvings and jewelry, the ancient prophetic culture of Mesoamerica is vividly revealed within these pages. This book is a richly illustrated introduction to the civilization of the Maya people, the longest-lived and most widely spread of the great cultures of pre-Columbian America. Their tremendous artistic legacy can still be seen today in spectacular temple complexes, which continue to inspire awe and fascination. This civilization continues to capture and beguile the imagination, thanks to the mysteries of its prophecies, the secrets of its cryptic language, and the astonishing accuracy of its astronomer-priests in charting the movements of stars and planets. Readers will see that the glory of Maya art extends to intricate stone carvings, breathtakingly vivid wall paintings, and exquisite jewelry, many of these inspired by the rich body of Mayan mythology and religion.
Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns by
In the spirit of Tonatiuh's celebrated book The Princess and the Warrior, this preColumbian creation myth tells the story of Quetzalcoatl, or the Feathered Serpent, one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerica, and his quest to create humankind. The gods tried to make humans during each sun, or age, but each time they failed. When they grew tired, only one did not give up: the Feathered Serpent. Determined, the Feathered Serpent embarks on a dangerous journey full of fearsome foes and harsh elements, facing each trial with wisdom, bravery, and resourcefulness before confronting his final challenge at Mictlan, the underworld. With his instantly recognizable, acclaimed art style and grand storytelling, Tonatiuh recounts a dazzling creation tale of epic proportions. Includes an author's note, glossary, and bibliography.
Gods and Heroes by
Meet the Original Superheroes. Before there was Batman, Wonder Woman, or Black Panther...there was Indra, Hindu king of gods, who battled a fearsome snake to save the world from drought. Athena, the powerful Greek goddess of wisdom who could decide the fate of battles before they even began. Okuninushi, the Japanese hero who defeated eighty brothers to become king and then traded it all for a chance at immortality. Featuring more than 70 characters from 23 cultures around the world, this A-to-Z encyclopedia of mythology is a who's who of powerful gods and goddesses, warriors and kings, enchanted creatures and earthshaking giants whose stories have been passed down since the beginning of time--and are now given fresh life for a new generation of young readers. Plus, You'll Learn All About:Dragons: The Hydra, St. George's Dragon, and the Australian Rainbow SnakeGiants: Grendel, Balor of the Evuil Eye, Polyphemus, and the Purusha with the thousand headsMonsters: Manticore, Sphinx, Minotaur, Thunderbird, and Echidne, mother of the Nemean lion that nearly killed HeraclesUnderworlds: Travel to Hades, Valhalla, and the Elysian Fields
How Music Came to the World by
A retelling of the traditional legend, where the god of the sky persuades the god of the wind to journey in search of music.
Mayan and Aztec Mythology by
Who is Itzamna? What is Xolotl? Why are myths so important in our lives? Myths are a rich source of history. People use them to make sense of our world. Even before myths were written down, people told and retold the stories of the gods and goddesses of their homeland. Readers of Mayan and Aztec Mythology will learn the history of myths, as well as their deeper meaning. From the Aztec feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl to the Mayan rain god Chac, this book helps kids understand the myths that shape and direct people's lives. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Mayan Mythology by
Author Stephen Currie provides readers with an intriguing look at the mythology of the Mayan culture. He explains how the beliefs, values, and experiences of that culture are represented in its treasured stories. Topics covered include creation stories, myths of culture heroes such as the Hero Twins, and tales of the gods of maize, rain, and wind, as well as the malevolent spirits of the underworld, Xilbaba. This volume has a map of the Mayan civilization, a genealogy grid for the Hero Twins, a table of major characters with name pronunciations and brief descriptions, a glossary, sidebars, fact boxes, a bibliography of sources for further study, and a subject index.
Mesoamerican Writing Systems by
This is an anthropological study of the role of hieroglyphic writing in the prehispanic Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Maya states. First, Joyce Marcus compares the four systems with regard to eight major themes: calendrics, the naming of nobles, the naming of places, royal marriages, accession to the throne, divine ancestors, warfare, and the rewriting of history. Then she establishes a new theoretical framework within which to conduct further analysis. Her basic contention is that ancient Mesoamerican writing was a tool used by an elite minority in their competition for positions of leadership, prestige, territory, tribute, and advantageous marriages. Marcus convincingly demonstrates that while it may have been based on actual persons and events, this body of prehistoric writing is a deliberately created tangle of what we could call propaganda, myth, and fact, written for political purposes, and not (as many contemporary scholars have come to believe) reliable "history" in a modern sense. "This is a major contribution. The scholarship is first-rate!"--Jeremy A. Sabloff, University of Pittsburgh "A brilliant work, carefully reasoned and effectively argued, but balanced and not overstated. The scholarship is truly outstanding. Joyce Marcus is one of the great Mesoamericanists of our generation."--E. Wyllys Andrews V, Tulane University "A masterful piece of work. We are in the presence of a tour de force."--Robert L. Carneiro, American Museum of Natural History
Why There Is No Arguing in Heaven by
Hunab Ku, the first Creator God of the Mayas, challenges the Moon Goddess and Lizard House to create a being to worship him, but the Maize God succeeds where the others fail.