A Dictionary of World MythologyThe powerful gods of Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia, the more mystical deities of Buddhist and Hindu India, and the stern spirits of the African and American continents all reflect very different civilizations, yet they also demonstrate the unity of mankind in its fundamental need for explanations of the unknown. Arthur Cotterell sets out clearly the chief myths of the world and explains why different mythologies arose in different lands. * Comprehensive coverage in seven main sections of West Asia, South and Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania * Clear and informative section introductions highlight the history and lifestyle of ancient peoples and the landscape in which they lived * Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and maps of each key area `An excellent reference book, as well as a good book for dipping into at leisure.' Greek Review |
Common terms and phrases
According Africa Ahura Mazdah Amaterasu America Literally ancestors ancient animals Aphrodite appears Asia Literally Avalokitesvara Aztec became believed bird birth bodhisattva Brahma brothers Buddha Buddhist Central Asia century BC chief Chinese Christian cosmic creation creator deity cult daughter dead death demon descended divine earth East Asia Egypt Egyptian Emperor Enlil Europe evil father fertility fire fish giant gods Greek head heaven hero Hindu human immortality Inanna Inca Indian Indra island Izanami killed king Kronos land legend legendary Literal meaning living lord magic mankind Maya moon mother goddess mountain myth mythology Oceania Odin origin Osiris primeval Quetzalcoatl rain religion ritual river Roman ruler sacred sacrifice serpent Shiva sky father snake souls South and Central spirit stone Sumerian supreme deity Ta'aroa temple Tiamat tradition tree tribes Tsohanoai underworld Vishnu warriors West Asia wife woman women worship Yahweh Yurlungur Zeus