Mythology around the world

"Considering the prevalence of war throughout history, it is understandable that every ancient human society had at least one god who oversaw its workings. In spite of the numerous cultural differences among these peoples, their war-gods had certain traits in common. All were associated with fighting, weapons, victory, and courage in battle, which were and remain universal themes"--.

"The complexity and unity of nature told in the ancient tales of human cultures all around the globe typically portray a natural world filled with intricate and often little-known physical attributes that few, if any, humans can understand. In the stories of world mythology nature was indeed simultaneously all-encompassing, awe-inspiring, and potentially either beneficial or lethal"--.

"All societies are fascinated by the phenomenon of death and its consequences for humans. In fact, most ancient societies, along with medieval and modern ones, have been captivated, at times morbidly, with death and the possible existence of an afterlife"--.

"Throughout history, all human cultures had creation stories in which one or more gods arose, often in a burst of light, from the dark depths of non-existence. That divine being then progressed to one or more acts of creation. This idea of a miraculous creation by one or multiple thinking beings is one of a few core cultural concepts-also including love, death, and war-that have long been universal to human societies"--.

Presents an introduction to African mythology, providing information on their origins and the role they play in African culture and society. Includes illustrations and examples of myths.

Presents an introduction to Mesoamerican mythology, providing information on their origins and the role they play in the culture and society of Mesoamerica. Includes illustrations and examples of myths.