A concise guide to Maori myths and legends, religious beliefs, folklore and history. More than 300 entries, arranged alphabetically, reveal the subtlety and complexity of the traditional Maori view of the world.

In strange and marvellous tales of the supernatural, heroes battle with giant lizards, enormous birds and taniwha. Sometimes they are menaced by fairies ucirc; beautiful creatures with uncanny powers, who fall in love with human women. The heroes triumph over evil adversaries, and they undertake dangerous journeys to the underworlds and the distant island of Hawiki. The great Maori storytellers of the nineteenth century wrote these stories as they were accustomed to telling them. This illustrated anthology presents their writing in the original Maori and in accomplished, lively translations that make these taonga accessible to a wider audience.

"A new collection of classical M~aori stories"--Cover.

Drawing upon the work of archaeologists and historians and quoting extensively from the myths and songs recorded by the Maori writers of the 18th century, this text vividly evokes the Maori experience of Aoteaora, while the photographs present the country's landscape, birds, fish and plants.

The Maori have a rich and colourful tradition of myth and legend. Some of their most important and popular tales are retold in this classic book. The stories range from the creation of the world and the coming of life, death and knowledge, to supernatural tales of love, terror and adventure. Read about the great god Tane, about Maui who tamed the sun, about the woman on the moon, about monsters, fairies, fabulous birds and moving mountains.

Mythology Magazine provides high quality content that explores world myth and folklore. This issue features articles on Dragons in Maori tradition, the Norse god Aegir, Celtic myth on Merrows, the Sumerian epic Gilgamesh, how magic was used in ancient Greece, an Irish artist whose art features Celtic myth and alchemical themes, Little People in Celtic and Iroquois myth, a figure from Scottish folklore called the Queen of Elphame, a photographic journey through Glastonbury, and more!