Who is the crafty god Maui? What is the Honey Water of Poetry, and what gifts did it bestow upon those who drank it? What did ancient Egyptian mythology say about the Underworld? This book answers these and many other questions about over 80 myths from around the world.

Written in simple and understandable language, with stunning diagrams and captivating stories, it analyzes the myths and their significance for the cultures that created them with a fresh perspective. From Loki and Thor to Viracocha and Cuchulainn, each section examines the fascinating heroes and their deeds, as well as the meaning of each myth.

Whether you are exploring mythology for the first time, are a lover of traditions and myths, or simply enjoy reading well-written stories, here you will find myths that will enthrall and captivate you.

CONTRIBUTORS

Philip Wilkinson has written over 50 books on History, religion, the arts, and mythology, including Mythology and Religions from the Eyewitness Companions series by DK, Myths and Legends, and A Celebration of Customs and Rituals of the World, which was adopted by the United Nations.

Georgie Carroll is a PhD candidate at SOAS, University of London, focusing on eco-aesthetics in Indian literature. Dr. Mark Faulkner lived and worked in Africa for 17 years before returning to university for his doctorate, which focused on the Bonny hunter-gatherer community.

Dr. Jacob F. Field is a historian and research fellow at the University of Cambridge. Dr. John Haywood studied Medieval History at the universities of Lancaster, Cambridge, and Copenhagen. Michael Kerrigan has contributed to the Chambers Dictionary of Beliefs and Religion (1993) and The Times World Religion (2002).

Neil Philip is the author of numerous books on folklore and mythology. Dr. Nicholaus Pumphrey is an Associate Professor of Theology and Curator of the Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. Juliette Tocino-Smith is a postgraduate student at University College London.