This collection of Hindu folktales for middle readers features stories about the Hindu god, Ganesha, who is easily recognized because of his elephant head. Krishnaswami introduces the stories by recalling her own introduction to Ganesha and goes on to offer a mythological context for the tales. Included among these classic stories are "Ganesha's Head", "The Broken Tusk", and "Why Ganesha Never Married". Most of the stories come from Hindu legend; one comes from Mongolia, where Ganesha made his way into the Buddhist tradition. The simple pen-and-ink illustrations support the themes and a helpful pronunciation guide and glossary are also included.
This interesting title examines the mythology and folklore of India, and discusses its importance in Hinduism. The greatest myths of India, drawn from the sacred texts and traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are presented. The Indian gods and goddesses portrayed in this colorful mythology are creators and protectors, but often they are also warriors and destroyers, particularly when fighting demons. Supported by beautiful Indian artworks and full-color photography, the text shows readers how these ancient tales helped Indians explain creation, birth, death, love, and the purpose of humans' earthly life. Topics include Vishnu, preserver of the universe, Shiva, the destroyer, and the Asuras, the demons or anitgods.
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, and Maya hieroglyphic writing.
Explore the rich worldview of Native North American tribes through their myths and legends. Tales originating from various tribes functioned in a number of important ways: they explained the story of creation, described the relationship of humans to the rest of the universe, and preserved the sacred history of the tribe. In addition, myths and storytelling helped Native Americans pass on knowledge related to hunting, fishing, farming, healing the sick, and dealing with conflict or disaster. This book also places their mythology in historical context, for example, connecting earth myths with the Native Americans' real-life, tragic struggle to preserve their lands. Topics include the Great Mystery, animal guides, and the four directions.
In this captivating book, readers are introduced to the mythology that reflects the religious beliefs and social practices of the Scandinavian people and the fearsome Vikings. Readers learn about the great Norse gods and the Nine Worlds. They will also discover how the physical geography of Scandinavia influenced their mythology. Topics include Ragnark, the prophecy of battles ending in death for many heroes, Beowulf, a legendary king, and Fenrir, the wolf.
Ten beautifully illustrated stories tell fables and folktales from different cultures featuring animal characters that often speak and act like humans in order to teach a lesson. Tales include: Anansi the Spider and Mainu the Frog, from African folktales; Brer Rabbit, an African American folktale; Wenebojo and the Buffalo, a Native American legend; the Hare and the Tortoise, a Greek fable; and Androcles and the Lion, a Roman fable. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
Ten wonderfully illustrated stories tell folktales and legends from different cultures about ghosts and spirits, and their interaction with the human world. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
