Myths and Legends: An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins and Meanings (DK Compact Culture Guides)

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Based on archaeological evidence discovered in numerous tombs, Egyptian mythology dates to at least 4000 BCE. However, throughout history, other mythologies made their way to North Africa through extensive trade. With the natural sharing of ideas and beliefs, mythology evolved. At some point, Greco-Roman gods were introduced, expanding the Egyptian pantheon. If you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to Norse mythology without the fluff, look no further. The Viking Spirit: An Introduction to Norse Mythology and Religion is as easy to understand as it is informative. That, and you’ll get 34 – trust us, that’s a lot – myths retold. Myths and legends are the stories we tell about ourselves: how we came to be, what we care about, the ways in which we behave, the ideas and places that are important to us. Either religious or secular, myths are fundamental to our sense of self, and that is why reading (or listening to) myths from different cultures is a fantastic way to get a bit closer to people and places which might not be that familiar to us.

As one can imagine, Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology can tell the reader a Norse legend or two. Told in unmistakable prose with a spot-on characterization of the gods, Gaiman’s book breathes new life into the myths of ancient Scandinavia. The Mabinogion is based upon a 14th century manuscript known as ‘Red book of Hergest’. The work is a collection of eleven tales of early Welsh literature and draws upon the mystical word of the Celtic people intertwining myths, folklore, tradition and history. Hardcover Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition): Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith HamiltonBelow are the best Greek mythology books that shed new light on some of the Western world’s most ancient myths and legends. Circe by Madeline Miller Chinese Mythology: Classic Stories of Chinese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters by Scott Lewis

The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day as translated by Raymond Faulkner and Ogden Goelet Much of the mythology does span centuries of Chinese history as well. A sprinkling of monsters and Chinese gods within historical events is pretty standard. Chinese Mythology: Classic Stories of Chinese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters by Scott Lewis Scientists estimate that the Japanese archipelago has been inhabited since prehistory. Its earliest legends emerged during the Jōmon period (1400-300 BCE), during which the nation was founded by the legendary Emperor Jimmu. As the Age of Humans’ Jōmon period immediately follows the “Age of the Gods” (per Shinto beliefs), it is safe to say that Japan has quite a bit of legendary history. A fantastic choice for students and those new to mythology overall, World Mythology: An Anthology of Great Myths and Epics (3rd Edition) is the book to have. Rosenberg has impressively gathered more than 50 epic legends from around the world. The audience will be able to learn about cultures across Greece, Rome, the Middle East, the Far East and Pacific islands, the British Isles, Northern Europe, Africa, and the Americas through a handful of their most treasured myths. We get it: this sounds like a pretty intimidating undertaking for those who are newer to Japanese mythology. Thankfully, with translations provided by Gustav Heldt, the origins of traditional Japanese myths have never been more accessible.The Codex Borgia: A Full-Color Restoration of the Ancient Mexican Manuscript by Gisele Díaz and Alan Rodgers Parizi’s Japanese Mythology strives to build a bridge between Japanese mythology and the more mainstream mythologies of the Western world. First accounting for Japan’s history, Parizi goes on to tell the audience several myths and their interpretations. In case you’re worried about mispronouncing or misunderstanding words, the terminology you will need to know is provided. Chinese mythology is known for its colorful characters and magical settings. Drawing inspiration from early Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist beliefs, traditional Chinese mythology was originally passed on through oral traditions. Therefore, much of Chinese mythology acts as a base for broader Chinese folk religion.