Essential African Mythology: Stories that change the world - Tapa blanda

Reseña del editor

This is a unique collection of stories from the African heartland, taken from many different tribes and retold in a powerful and accessible style that vividly captures the imaginative uniqueness of the African spirit. These primal myths give a compelling glimpse into the beliefs of the early African people and how they saw their world. Spirit gods, mythological animals and nature deities characterize these myths that tell of the beginning and end of time, how the forces of the cosmos created life, and how the deeds of heroes inventer fire and built communities.

Contraportada

African myths reflect the imaginative traditions of hundreds of tribal groups, revealing beliefs about nature, history and the destiny of the world gods, humanity and society. Some have remained unchanged through generations of storytellers, others are constantly evolving reflecting the changing cultures as tribes meet, traditions mingle and stories merge.

These tales reflect close bonds with the land: everything in nature had its deity or spirit. Some were distant, mighty and mysterious, like the 'sky' god seen in thunder: some entered the individual through spirit possession. Other spirits were seen in the creatures of the tropical forests and the savannah who possessed essentially human traits, for these mythological animals are men and women in a different guise. Finally there are myths that tell of the beginning and end of time, how the forces of the cosmos created life, and how the deeds of heroes invented fire and built communities.

Ngangar Mbitu and Ranchor Prime are writers, broadcasters and travellers with a special interest in the myths and legends of Africa, India and Europe. They have worked on educational and environmental research projects and are members of Icorce.