Embark on a Journey Through the Mystical Legends of Mexico Discover a land where ancient gods walk among mortals, spirits linger in the shadows, and the echoes of mythical creatures resound through the ages. Folk Tales from Mexico: Ancient Myths and Haunting Legends invites you into a world steeped in rich cultural heritage and timeless stories that have been passed down through generations. This beautifully crafted volume brings together some of Mexico’s most treasured folk tales, capturing the essence of a culture that continues to inspire and captivate. In this first installment of our Folk Tales from Mexico series, readers of all ages will encounter the wisdom of the legendary Quetzalcoatl, the chilling lament of La Llorona, the mischievous Aluxes, the eerie presence of La Lechuza, the divine creation of the Fifth Sun, and the haunting figure of El Sombrerón. These stories, deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of the Mexican people, offer not only thrilling adventures but also profound lessons that resonate across time and space. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom More than just a collection of stories, this book is a gateway to the profound teachings and cultural values of Mexico. Each tale is a pleasure to read, filled with the timeless knowledge and wisdom that have shaped the hearts and minds of countless generations. Perfect for readers of all ages, these folk tales serve as a bridge to understanding the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, offering a unique window into the values, fears, and aspirations of a people who have long revered the power of storytelling. At the heart of this collection is a mission to preserve and celebrate the invaluable cultural inheritance these stories represent. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling—distilled teachings that carry the essence of a culture’s identity. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll find a wealth of Mexican tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that belongs in every home, library, and classroom—a keepsake to be passed on to future generations, so they too can be inspired by the wisdom and wonder of these ancient legends. Whether you are a lover of mythology, a seeker of adventure, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the richness of Mexican folklore, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Mexican Myths and Legends: Immerse yourself in the captivating folklore of Mexico, with stories that have been cherished and retold for centuries, reflecting the heart and soul of the nation’s cultural heritage. Perfect for All Ages: These tales are as educational as they are entertaining, making them suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Mexican culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the Folk Tales that shaped the identity of this vibrant and diverse nation. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this volume is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Folk Tales from Mexico is more than just a book; it’s an invitation to explore the mysteries of a culture that has long held a deep reverence for the power of stories. Add this volume to your collection today, and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire, teach, and connect us to the world and to each other.

Presents folktales of Mexico dealing with saints, sinners, men, and beasts

Gathers riddles, rhymes, folk poetry, stories, ballads, superstitions, customs, games, foods, and folk arts of the Mexican-Americans

Retells eleven Mexican legends, results of European influence of traditional Indian lore.

This collection of Newfoundland folk narratives, first published in 1996, grew out of extensive fieldwork in folk culture in the province. The intention was to collect as broad a spectrum of traditional material as possible, and Folktales of Newfoundland is notable not only for the number and quality of its narratives, but also for the format in which they are presented. A special transcription system conveys to the reader the accents and rhythms of each performance, and the endnote to each tale features an analysis of the narrator’s language. In addition, Newfoundland has preserved many aspects of English and Irish folk tradition, some of which are no longer active in the countries of their origin. Working from the premise that traditions virtually unknown in England might still survive in active form in Newfoundland, the researchers set out to discover if this was in fact the case.

Urban Los Angeles is the setting in which Elaine Miller has collected her narratives from Mexican-Americans. The Mexican folk tradition, varied and richly expressive of the inner life not only of a people but also of the individual as each lives it and personalizes it, is abundantly present in the United States. Since it is in the urban centers that most Mexican-Americans have lived, this collection represents an important contribution to the study of that tradition and to the study of the changes urban life effects on traditional folklore. The collection includes sixty-two legendary narratives and twenty traditional tales. The legendary narratives deal with the virgins and saints as well as with such familiar characters as the vanishing hitchhiker, the headless horseman, and the llorona. Familiar characters appear in the traditional tales—Juan del Oso, Blancaflor, Pedro de Ordimalas, and others. Elaine Miller concludes that the traditional tales are dying out in the city because tale telling itself is not suited to the fast pace of modern urban life, and the situations and characters in the tales are not perceived by the people to be meaningfully related to the everyday challenges and concerns of that life. The legendary tales survive longer in an urban setting because, although containing fantastic elements, they are related to the beliefs and hopes of the narrator—even in the city one may be led to buried treasure on some dark night by a mysterious woman. The penchant of the informants for the fantastic in many of their tales often reflects their hopes and fears, such as their dreams of suddenly acquiring wealth or their fears of being haunted by the dead. Miller closely observes the teller's relation to the stories—to the duendes, the ánimas, Death, God, the devil—and she notes the tension on the part of the informant in his relation to their religion. The material is documented according to several standard tale and motif indices and is placed within the context of the larger body of Hispanic folk tradition by the citation of parallel versions throughout the Hispanic world. The tales, transcribed from taped interviews, are presented in colloquial Spanish accompanied by summaries in English.

This collection of Newfoundland folk narratives, first published in 1996, grew out of extensive fieldwork in folk culture in the province. The intention was to collect as broad a spectrum of traditional material as possible, and Folktales of Newfoundland is notable not only for the number and quality of its narratives, but also for the format in which they are presented. A special transcription system conveys to the reader the accents and rhythms of each performance, and the endnote to each tale features an analysis of the narrator’s language. In addition, Newfoundland has preserved many aspects of English and Irish folk tradition, some of which are no longer active in the countries of their origin. Working from the premise that traditions virtually unknown in England might still survive in active form in Newfoundland, the researchers set out to discover if this was in fact the case.

The region of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado holds a unique place in the world of Spanish folk literature. Isolated from the rest of the Spanish-speaking world for most of its history since its first settlement in 1598, it has retained, even into our own time, much of its Hispanic folkloric heritage from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries-ballads, songs, poems, folktales, sayings, anecdotes, proverbs, riddles, and folk drama. In this book, written in the late 1930s and never before published, Aurelio M. Espinosa, New Mexico’s pioneer folklorist, presents the first comprehensive, authoritative account of the relict folklore, bringing together the results of his collecting during the first third of this century, in the Southwest and in Spain, and his many ground-breaking scholarly studies.

A comprehensive guide to multicultural literature for children, this valuable resource features more than 1,600 titles—including fiction, folktales, poetry, and song books—that focus on diverse cultural groups. The selected titles, pubished between the 1970s and 1990s are suitable for use with preschoolers through sixth graders and are likely to be found on the shelves of school and public libraries. Topics are timely, with an emphasis on books that reflect the needs and interests of today's children. Each detailed entry includes bibliographic information. Use level is also included, as are cultural designation, subjects, and a summary. The invaluable Subject Access section incorporates use level culture information.