C
REATION MYTHS, quests, magic and gods, the eternal struggle between good and evil; these are some of the classic tales that still have an incredible influence over us today through movies, TV, comics, great fiction and stunning art. For many, the word ‘mythology’ brings to mind the classical traditions of the Greeks and Romans, but the whole of the ancient world was a fertile source of narratives.
People of all civilizations have always told stories, echoing the natural human desire to understand the world around us. Across the globe many traditions have developed independently, but the same themes resonate across all cultures. As civilizations began to trade with each other, legends were shared and stories evolved, so that the Norse god Odin has similar traits to the Titan-conquering Zeus; and the Celtic warrior Lugh has affinities with Odin’s son Thor.
This new book brings to life a carefully crafted selection of the most enthralling myths and legends of eight traditions from around the world:
Native American, Chinese, Celtic, Scottish, Classical Greek, Norse, Indian and
African. With unforgettable characters, the tales are packed with the great themes of life: love, loss, revenge, the obsession with power and the everlasting contest between the wily and the strong.
The popular Greek and Norse myths are populated with gods, heroes and monsters, and full of epic battles. Lesser known but deeply fascinating are the Native American folk tales which are unique due to the tribes’ isolation from outside influence for thousands of years. African stories of how the world and its inhabitants came to have their traits are delightfully inventive, while the vibrant gods of India contend with real human themes of life and love. Chinese stories have always had a mysterious and captivating appeal, coming from a country of diverse cultural influences; and the Celtic and Scottish myths are unsurpassed in their variety and power and the pure magic of their telling.
Heroism, romance and mystery all combine to create fantastical stories that attempt to explain the complexities of the world in simple human terms. This new book is a dazzling collection of the most gripping tales, vividly retold.
