The Mythology of Mexico and Central America - Softcover

John Bierhorst is the author, editor, or translator of more than forty books on American Indian myths--six of which have been ALA Notable Books--including The Sacred Path, Four Masterworks of American Indian Literature, and In the Trail of the Wind.

Grade 10 Up-- Among indigenous American populations, the Aztec and Maya--with their various tributary tribes--surely comprise two of the most colorful and controversial cultures. Bierhorst provides an in-depth and scholarly treatment of the mythology of these groups. Beginning with a discussion of what constitutes mythology, he defines myth types, motifs, and gives ethnographic information on the 30 or so tribes inhabiting the area from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. The second section of the book presents examples of 20 myth types or motifs found throughout the area. The myth is recounted, giving the teller's name--if possible--as well as the tribe and the print source. The third and final section concerns building whole mythologies. The approach is sophisticated and closer to a fully fleshed-out version of a dictionary of folklore motifs than anything else; while it has a use as a reference and research resource for high-school libraries, a college or university audience seems more likely. Younger students might benefit more from Bierhorst's own The Hungry Woman (Morrow, 1984) or Douglas Gifford's Warriors, Gods, & Spirits from Central & South American Mythology (Schocken, 1983). Although providing less background material, it is easier to read, and John Sibbick's splashy illustrations will capture the adolescent eye. For both intelligent writing and impeccable scholarship, Bierhorst is hard to beat. --Ann Welton, University Child Development School, Seattle
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