Essential African MythologyAfrican myths reflect the creative traditions of hundreds of tribal groups and reveal fascinating perspectives on nature, humanity, and the divine, as well as on the origin and destiny of the world.While some stories have remained unchanged for generations, others are constantly evolving. "Essential African Mythology" records a sampling of these unusual traditions, revealing both ancient beliefs and emerging ideas. Each of these tales depicts a close relationship with the land- and a deep interest in the spiritual realm. Here spirits can be distant and mighty, as the sky god in thunder, or present and mysterious through individual possession. They may reside in the creatures of the tropical rain forests but possess human traits- for they are men and women in disguise. Filled with interesting views on how life was created, how fire was discovered, and "How Humans Were Scattered, " this collection offers a revealing portrait of Africa's diverse culture and heritage. |
Contents
Chapter One Myths of Origin and Extinction | 1 |
Chapter Two The Elements and Celestial Powers | 58 |
Chapter Three Gods and Spirits | 77 |
Copyright | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Alatangana alujan kijan animals antelope Ashoremashika asked Babalawo beautiful became began bird brother bush rat bush spirits calabash called carry chameleon Chichinguane Cock cried dance dancing tree daughter Doondari drinking horn drum earth Egbe elephant Eshu father fire forest frog gave girl Gungu happened heard human hunter Ijapa Isembi journey Kalunga Kamunu Kangomba Kigbo kija kill king's Kitamba land leopard Lightning Lindsay Clarke Liongo lived Lizard look Lord Kalunga lyapo magic messenger Mokele Moluka Moon morning mother mystic powers Mythology never Ngunza Kilundu Nigeria night No-King-Is-as-Great-as-God Nyambe Nzame Obatala Ogboinba Ogungbemi Ojola old palm tree once Osanyin palace palm tree palm wine returned river Shango sheep skin song stone story tell things told took Tortoise village waited walked wife woman wood Woyengi yams Yasi Yoruba young