"Often cited as Campbell's best book, this classic study traces the story of the hero's journey and transformation through mythologies from across the world, revealing the one archetypal hero in them all. Originally published in 1949, it has inspired generations of students and has become enormously influential. It has sold nearly a million copies. ... Building on the ideas of Freud and Jung, Campbell uses myth, like dream, as a revelation of human...

Each myth is told in clear, vivid prose that retains the major plot, characterization and style of the original and preserves its appeal as fine literature. An introduction supplements each myth with historical background and literary analysis, while questions following each myth prompt response and analysis.

"What is myth? Why do myths exist? What do myths do? Where are myths going? This reader is organized into 4 parts which explore these questions. Drawing on over 10 years of experience teaching myth in religious studies and anthropology departments in the UK, USA and Continental Europe the editors have brought together key works in the theory of myth. Key features include: a general introduction to the reader that outlines a comparative and interpretative...

Spanish Conquistadors and the Imperial Catholic Church, through murder and fire, tried to erase from history the creation stories of the Aztecs and other Mexican peoples. But bits and pieces survived. Through long research and imagination, David Bowles has woven together a remarkable tapestry of the whole, from the beginnings of the world to when Cortes first stepped onto the Continent.

Legends and myths captured David Bowles's imagination

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Jerrold E. Levy's analysis of Navajo creation and origin myths shows convincingly that the Navajo religion is as complete and nuanced an attempt to answer humanity's big questions as are the religions brought to North America by Europeans. Looking first at the historical context of the Navajo narratives, Levy points out that Navajo society has never during its known history been either homogeneous or unchanging, and he goes on to identify in the myths...

North American Indian rituals, myths, and images of the bear.--Title page.

Traces the story of how ancient cultures envisioned artificial life, automata, self-moving devices and human enhancements, sharing insights into how the mythologies of the past related to and shaped ancient machine innovations.