Handbook of Native American Mythology

ABC-CLIO’s Handbooks of World Mythology

by Dawn E. Bastian, Judy K Mitchell

This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places.
In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property.
With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume.

Genres: Mythology, History, Reference, Nonfiction, Native American

297 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2004

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Handbook of Native American Mythology by Bastian and Mitchell covers people living from the United States to the Artic Circle. Characters, deities, rituals, sacred locations, objects, concepts and stories defining the culture of various indigenous peoples are traced across generations and shown how they remain a part of contemporary Native American life. Written in an encyclopedia like style, the annotated bibliographies are particularly valuable to someone researching or writing.

[Abhiraj Singh Dadiyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book which is hard to rate. It provides a basic introduction to native stories but doesnt go in depth with the meaning behind the stories.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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