Searchable database of over 400 entries from Harold Scheub's Dictionary of African mythology.

This collection of fascinating and revealing tales captures the sprawling diversity of African mythology. Four hundred alphabetically arranged entries touch on virtually every aspect of African religious belief, from Africa's great epic themes (dualistic gods, divine tricksters, creator gods, and heroes) to descriptions of major mythic systems (the Dogon, the Asante, and the San) and beyond. Scheub covers the entire continent, from the mouth of the Nile to the shores of the Cape of Good Hope, including North African as well as sub-Saharan cultures. His retellings provide information about the respective belief system, the main characters, and related stories or variants. Perhaps most important, Scheub emphasizes the role of mythmaker as storyteller--as a performer for an audience. He studies various techniques, from the rhythmic movements of a Zulu mythmaker's hands to the way a storyteller will play on the familiar context of other myths within her cultural context. An invaluable bridge to the richly diverse oral cultures of Africa, this collection uncovers a place where story and storyteller, tradition and performance, all merge.

These fascinating and revealing tales capture the sprawling diversity of African mythology. 400 alphabetically arranged entries touch on virtually every aspect of African religious belief, from Africa1s great epic themes (dualistic gods, divine tricksters, creator gods, and heroes) to descriptions of major mythic systems (the Dogon, the Asante, and the San) and beyond. Provides info. about the respective belief systems, the main characters, and related stories or variants. Scheub emphasizes the role of mythmaker as storyteller -- as a performer for an audience. He studies various techniques, from the rhythmic movements of a Zulu mythmaker1s hands to the way a storyteller will play on the familiar context of other myths within her cultural context. Illus.

This collection of fascinating, mysterious, and revealing tales captures the immense sweep and diversity of African mythology. The stories touch on virtually every aspect of belief: gods and goddesses, epic heroes and divine tricksters, along with epics of the world's origins, the struggle between the human and the divine, and much more.

The African continent is home to a fascinating and strong tradition of myth, due in part to the long history of human habitation in Africa; the diversity of its geography, flora, and fauna; and the variety of its cultural beliefs. African Mythology A to Z is a readable reference to the deities, places, events, animals, beliefs, and other subjects that appear in the myths of various African peoples. For the first time, this edition features full-color photographs and illustrations.Coverage includes:

Discover The Gods and Myths of African Mythology Ancient Africa holds a rich legacy of oral cultures, philosophies, and standards that reflect today's deep moral standards. For centuries, African mythology has largely been overlooked by its Western neighbors, particularly Greece and Rome, where myths and legends are typically narrated as single stories, unlike their African counterparts. But in recent years, academics and popular readers are starting to steer back to this continent, where legends and deities from ancient civilizations are just waiting to be revealed to the world.

Who was Artemis and what part did she play in the battle of the Giants? Who was the whale-monster Qaqwaii and how did he hunt his prey? This dictionary of mythology is a wonderful and invaluable reference guide to the various myths and legends from across the globe. Dip into this A-Z guide to discover the names of devious gods, enchanted objects and ancient cities, as well as the cultures that these tales originate from. These myths are taken not only from the familiar Greek, Roman and Norse traditions but also Mesopotamian, Haitian, Tibetan, Native American and many more. Painstakingly researched over 25 years, this incredible resource provides more than just scholarly information but also showcases the staggering creativity and imagination of our ancient belief systems. This beautiful hardback edition is presented in a handsome slipcase, making a perfect collectable or gift for any mythology enthusiasts.

Presents brief entries describing the gods and goddesses from the mythology and religion of a wide variety of cultures throughout history.