Provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spirtual landscapes and pantheon of gods and goddesses through 99 classic myths.

Who is Devi? What is Ganesha? Why are myths so important in our lives? Myths are a rich source of history. People use them to make sense of our world. Even before myths were written down, people told and retold the stories of the gods and goddesses of their homeland. Readers of Indian Mythology will learn the history of myths, as well as their deeper meaning. From the mother of the universe Sarasvati to Indra, the king of gods, this book helps kids understand the myths that shape and direct people's lives. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

The stories and myths of India are a rich and varied tapestry unlike any other in the world. Their purpose is greater than just entertainment: they are examples of how to live, or not live, a good life. Placed within a context of history, archaeology, religion, folk beliefs, and culture, these richly embroidered, mysterious myths and folk tales encompass love, war, loyalty, feast, famine, treachery, magic, miracles, heroes, villains, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Dozens of full-color images illuminate the rich storytelling.

Presenting a subject rarely studied, the author shows there is a history of ideas about evil in Hinduism.

Delve into the epic world of the Mahabharata, the longest poem ever written and a cornerstone of Indian mythology. This SEO description entices readers with the vastness of the story while offering specific entry points for those unfamiliar with the tale. Unravel the grandeur of the Mahabharata: Explore the clash between the righteous Pandavas and the power-hungry Kauravas. Witness the divine intervention of Krishna, delve into the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, and grapple with complex moral dilemmas. Unmask the iconic characters: From the valiant Yudhishthira to the fiery Draupadi, meet the unforgettable heroes and villains who bring the Mahabharata to life. Uncover their motivations, witness their triumphs and tragedies, and learn timeless lessons about duty, justice, and the human condition. Journey beyond the battlefield: Discover how the Mahabharata weaves its magic into the fabric of Indian mythology. Explore interconnected stories like the Ramayana and gain a deeper understanding of the themes that resonate across generations. Witness the epic's influence on art, music, and social discourse in India. Find meaning in the modern world: Though ancient in origin, the Mahabharata's themes remain strikingly relevant. The struggle between good and evil, the importance of ethical conduct, and the devastating consequences of war – these issues continue to resonate in our times. Learn from the epic's timeless wisdom and find inspiration to navigate the complexities of life. Embrace a captivating adventure: Explore the Mahabharata for the first time or revisit its familiar paths with fresh eyes. Beginner-friendly resources unveil the core narrative, while deeper analysis delves into philosophical questions and cultural significance. Whether you seek a thrilling adventure or profound insights, the Mahabharata offers a journey unlike any other.

Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie is a comprehensive collection of mythological tales from India. The book delves into the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, featuring captivating stories of gods, goddesses, heroes, and epic battles, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious heritage of the subcontinent. Key Points: Mackenzie's collection brings to life the captivating myths and legends from various regions of India, including stories from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, showcasing the diversity and complexity of Indian mythology and its enduring significance in the lives of its people. The book explores the symbolism, moral lessons, and cosmic themes embedded in Indian mythology, shedding light on the beliefs, rituals, and spiritual practices associated with these ancient tales, offering readers a glimpse into the profound wisdom and spiritual depth of Indian culture. Indian Myth and Legend serves as a valuable resource for those interested in comparative mythology, religious studies, or those simply captivated by the enchanting stories of gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes that have shaped the collective imagination of India for centuries.

In analyzing the parallels between myths glorifying the Indian Great Goddess, Durgā, and those glorifying the Sun, Sūrya, found in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, this book argues for an ideological ecosystem at work in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa privileging worldly values, of which Indian kings, the Goddess (Devī), the Sun (Sūrya), Manu and Mārkaṇḍeya himself are paragons. This book features a salient discovery in Sanskrit narrative text: just as the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa houses the Devī Māhātmya glorifying the supremacy of the Indian Great Goddess, Durgā, it also houses a Sūrya Māhātmya, glorifying the supremacy of the Sun, Sūrya, in much the same manner. This book argues that these māhātmyas were meaningfully and purposefully positioned in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, while previous scholarship has considered this haphazard interpolation for sectarian aims. The book demonstrates that deliberate compositional strategies make up the Saura–Śākta symbiosis found in these mirrored māhātmyas. Moreover, the author explores what he calls the "dharmic double helix" of Brahmanism, most explicitly articulated by the structural opposition between pravṛtti (worldly) and nivṛtti (other-worldy) dharmas. As the first narrative study of the Sūrya Māhātmya, along with the first study of the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa (or any Purāṇa), as a narrative whole, this book will be of interest to academics in the field of Religion, Hindu Studies, South Asian Studies, Goddess Studies, Narrative Theory and Comparative Mythology.

More than 160 tales from eighty tribal groups present a rich and lively panorama of the Native American mythic heritage. From across the continent comes tales of creation and love; heroes and war; animals, tricksters, and the end of the world. “This fine, valuable new gathering of ... tales is truly alive, mysterious, and wonderful—overflowing, that is, with wonder, mystery and life" (National Book Award Winner Peter Matthiessen). In addition to mining the best folkloric sources of the nineteenth century, the editors have also included a broad selection of contemporary Native American voices.

The author discusses the tragi-comic aspect of Chola kingship in relation to other Indian expressions of comedy, such as the Vidiisaka of Sanskrit drama, folk tales of the jester Tenali Rama, and clowns of the South Indian shadow-puppet theaters. The symbolism of the king emerges as part of a wider range of major symbolic figures--Brahmins, courtesans, and the tragic" bandits and warrior-heroes. Originally published in 1986. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Applying the legend of the "stranger king" to Caonabo, the mythologized Taino chief of the Hispaniola settlement Columbus invaded in 1492, Keegan examines how myths come to resonate as history--created by the chaotic interactions of the individuals who lived the events of the past as well as those who write and read about them. The "stranger king" story told in many cultures is that of a foreigner who comes from across the water, marries the king's daughter, and deposes the king. In this story, Caonabo, the most important Taíno chief at the time of European conquest, claimed to be imbued with Taino divinity, while Columbus, determined to establish a settlement called La Navidad, described himself as the "Christbearer." Keegan's ambitious historical analysis--knitting evidence from Spanish colonial documents together with data gathered from the archaeological record--provides a new perspective on the encounters between the two men as they vied for control of the settlement, a survey of the early interactions of the Tainos and Spanish people, and a complex view of the interpretive role played by historians and archaeologists. Presenting a new theoretical framework based on chaos and complexity theories, this book argues for a more comprehensive philosophy of archaeology in which oral myths, primary source texts, and archaeological studies can work together to reconstruct a particularly rich view of the past.  A volume in the Florida Museum of Natural History: Ripley P. Bullen Series