American Indian Myths and Legends
Author: Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz Series: The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library
The 160 legends recorded here come from the heart and soul of the native people of North America. They draw on the traditions of over 80 tribal groups across America. These tales tell about the man who married the moon, the origin of mosquitos, the theft of light and many other mythical events.
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
The 160 legends recorded here come from the heart and soul of the native people of North America. They draw on the traditions of over 80 tribal groups across America. These tales tell about the man who married the moon, the origin of mosquitos, the theft of light and many other mythical events.
Description
This magnificent collection gathers 160 tales from 80 tribal groups to offer a rich and lively panorama of the native American mythic heritage. A broad selection of contemporary Indian voices have been added to the best folkloric sources of the 19th Century to make this the most comprehensive and authentic volume of its kind.
Critic Reviews
“"We have nothing more universal than our folk myths, and in this book Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz have brought together what is probably the most comprehensive and diverse collection of American Indian Legends ever compiled. It is a worthy and welcomed addition to the literature of our native peoples" --Dee Brown "This fine, valuable new gathering of Turtle Island tales is truly alive, mysterious, and wonderful--overflowing, that is, with wonder, mystery and life." --Peter Matthiessen "Lively and varied accounts of the creation of the world, cosmic battles, love and lust, trickster intrigues, animal interference, and things that whistle in the night fill this thematic anthology with passion, wisdom, and biting humor ... This rich collection will serve scholars and satisfy general readers." --Library Journal”
“We have nothing more universal than our folk myths, and in this book Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz have brought together what is probably the most comprehensive and diverse collection of American Indian Legends ever compiled. It is a worthy and welcomed addition to the literature of our native peoples”
—Dee Brown
“This fine, valuable new gathering of Turtle Island tales is truly alive, mysterious, and wonderful—overflowing, that is, with wonder, mystery and life.”
—Peter Matthiessen
"Lively and varied accounts of the creation of the world, cosmic battles, love and lust, trickster intrigues, animal interference, and things that whistle in the night fill this thematic anthology with passion, wisdom, and biting humor ... This rich collection will serve scholars and satisfy general readers."
—Library Journal
About the Author
RICHARD ERDOES (1912–2008) was an artist, photographer, Native American rights activist, and author or editor of more than twenty books, including Lakota Woman and Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions.
ALFONSO ORTIZ (1939–1997) was a Native American scholar, anthropologist, activist and author. His works include The Tewa World: Space, Time, Being and Becoming in a Pueblo Society and The Pueblo.
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