The Mythology of Mexico and Central AmericaIn this expansive volume, John Bierhorst brings to light the gods and heroes of pre-Columbian times--and demonstrates that they are very much alive today. The book provides translations of twenty "basic myths," showing how these have influenced the artistic, literary, and political life of modern Mexico and Central America. Originally published in 1990, the text has been updated to reflect recent advances in Mesoamerican studies. In addition, a new Afterword describes how these native mythologies--since the late 1980s--have begun incorporating issues of international significance, including cultural pluralism, religious freedom, and environmentalism. Detailed maps show tribal locations and the distribution of key stories. Indian artworks illustrate the texts and samples of differing narrative styles add enrichment, as some of the world's purest and most powerful myths are made more accessible--and more meaningful--than ever before. |
Contents
THE STORYTELLERS | 19 |
Southern Mesoamerica | 36 |
Lower Central America | 54 |
Copyright | |
9 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
The Mythology of Mexico and Central America: With a New Afterword John Bierhorst No preview available - 2002 |
Common terms and phrases
ancient animals Aztec Bierhorst Boruca Bribri brothers buzzard Cabécar Cakchiquel called Central America Chamula Chatino Chinantec Christ Codex Chimalpopoca Costa Rica creation crops culture deer deity earth father fire Flood Myth gods Gossen Guatemala Guaymí hero Hidden Corn HMAI Huastec Huichol human husband Indian Ixil Jacaltec Jicaque KANJOBAL Kauyumari Kekchi killed Lacandon Laughlin legend Lenca live lords lore Maya Mazatec Mesoamerica Mexican Mexico and Central Middle America Miskito Mixtec Mopan mother mythology Nahua NAHUA NAHUA Nahua of Durango Nahua of northern Nahuatl native Nicaragua northern Puebla Oaxaca old woman OTOMI Pipil Popol Vuh Popoluca Quetzalcoatl Quiché rain Sahagún Sibú southern Spanish spirit story storytelling Sumu Sun and Moon tale Tarahumara Tarascans tell Tepecano Tepehua Tezcatlipoca told Toltecs tortillas Totonac traditions tree tribes trickster Trique Tzeltal Tzotzil TZUTUJIL underworld variant Veracruz versions Yaluk Yaqui Yucatec Zapotec Zoque