The Mythology of Mexico and Central America: With a New Afterword

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Oxford University Press, 2002 - Fiction - 249 pages
In 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.

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Contents

Central Mexico
19
Southern Mesoamerica
36
Lower Central America
54
Copyright

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About the author (2002)

John Bierhorst's many books on Latin American folklore & mythology include "The Mythology of South America", "The Mythology of Norther America" & "The Mythology of Mexico & Central America". A specialist in the language & literature of the Aztecs, he is the author of a Nahuatal-English dictionary & the translator of Cantares Mexicanos. He served as editorial advisor for the Smithsonian Series of Studies in Native American Literature; editorial associate for The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces; & editorial consultant for the Encyclopedia of North American Indians. He lives in West Shokan, New York.

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