The Aztec Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Stories and Legends (Myths)

The Aztec Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Stories and Legends (Myths) PDF Author: Camilla Townsend
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500779325
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
The essential guide to the world of Aztec mythology, based on Nahuatl-language sources that challenge the colonial history passed down to us by the Spanish. From their remote origins as migrating tribes to their rise as builders of empire, the Aztecs were among the most dynamic and feared peoples of ancient Mexico, with a belief system that was one of the most complex and vital in the ancient world. Historian Camilla Townsend returns to the original tales, told at the fireside by generations of Indigenous Nahuatl speakers. Along the way, she deals with human sacrifice, the raising of great temples, and the troubling legacy of the Spanish conquest. Few cultures are generally understood to have been so controlled by their religion as the Aztecs, and few religions are envisioned as being as violent and celebratory of death as theirs. In this introduction to the Aztec myths, Townsend draws from sixteenth-century historical annals and songs written down by Nahuatl-speaking peoples, now known as the Aztecs, in their own language to counter this narrative, inherited from the conquering Spaniards. In doing so, she reveals a rich tapestry of mythic tradition that defies modern expectations. Townsend retells stories ranging from the creation of the world, revealing the Aztec cosmological vision of nature and the divine, to legends of the Aztecs’ own past that show how they understood the foundation of their state and the course of their wars. She considers the impact of colonial contact on the myths and demonstrates that Indigenous engagement with the new cultural customs introduced by the Europeans never entirely uprooted old ways of thinking.

The Aztec Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Stories and Legends (Myths)

The Aztec Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Stories and Legends (Myths) PDF Author: Camilla Townsend
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500779325
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 225

Get Book

Book Description
The essential guide to the world of Aztec mythology, based on Nahuatl-language sources that challenge the colonial history passed down to us by the Spanish. From their remote origins as migrating tribes to their rise as builders of empire, the Aztecs were among the most dynamic and feared peoples of ancient Mexico, with a belief system that was one of the most complex and vital in the ancient world. Historian Camilla Townsend returns to the original tales, told at the fireside by generations of Indigenous Nahuatl speakers. Along the way, she deals with human sacrifice, the raising of great temples, and the troubling legacy of the Spanish conquest. Few cultures are generally understood to have been so controlled by their religion as the Aztecs, and few religions are envisioned as being as violent and celebratory of death as theirs. In this introduction to the Aztec myths, Townsend draws from sixteenth-century historical annals and songs written down by Nahuatl-speaking peoples, now known as the Aztecs, in their own language to counter this narrative, inherited from the conquering Spaniards. In doing so, she reveals a rich tapestry of mythic tradition that defies modern expectations. Townsend retells stories ranging from the creation of the world, revealing the Aztec cosmological vision of nature and the divine, to legends of the Aztecs’ own past that show how they understood the foundation of their state and the course of their wars. She considers the impact of colonial contact on the myths and demonstrates that Indigenous engagement with the new cultural customs introduced by the Europeans never entirely uprooted old ways of thinking.

The Aztec Myths

The Aztec Myths PDF Author: Camilla Townsend
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780500025536
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The essential guide to the world of Aztec mythology, based on Nahuatl-language sources that challenge the colonial history passed down to us by the Spanish.

The Japanese Myths

The Japanese Myths PDF Author: Joshua Frydman
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500777349
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 291

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Book Description
This is a smart and succinct guide to the rich tradition of Japanese mythology, from the earliest recorded legends of Izanagi and Izanami, their divine offspring and the creation of Japan, to medieval tales of vengeful ghosts, through to the modern-day reincarnation of ancient deities as the heroes of mecha anime. While many around the world love Japans cultural exports, few are familiar with Japans unique mythology - enriched by Shinto, Buddhism and regional folklore. Mythology remains a living, evolving part of Japanese society, and the ways in which the people of Japan understand their myths are very different today even from a century ago, let alone over a millennium into the past. Offering much more than any competing overview of Japanese mythology, The Japanese Myths not only retells the ancient stories but also considers their place within the patterns of Japanese religions, culture and history, helping readers to understand the deep links between past and present in Japan, and the ways these myths live and grow. Joshua Frydman takes the very earliest written myths in the Kojiki and the Nihonshoki as his starting point, and from there traces Japans mythology through to post-war State Shinto, the rise of the manga industry in the 1960s, J-horror and modern-day myths. Reinventions and retellings of myth are present across all genres of contemporary Japanese culture, from its auteur cinema to renowned video games such as Okami. This book is for anyone interested in Japan, as knowing its myths allows readers to understand and appreciate its culture in a new light.

Aztec Myths

Aztec Myths PDF Author: J.K. Jackson
Publisher: Flame Tree 451
ISBN: 9781787552975
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Though the Olmecs (1250–200 bc) were the first civilization in Mexico, the Aztecs (1325–1521) –Mesoamerica’s last imperial civilization and the most significant of the militaristic post-Classic period – are probably who first come to mind when we think of great empires of that region. Like other Mesoamerican cultures, Aztec gods and myths reflected a natural philosophy where ideas concerning life and death were linked symbolically to the earth, sky and sea in a grand cosmic scheme. Their religion was dominated by the tribal war god Huitzilopochtli, the rain/fertility god Tlaloc and the supreme deity Tezcatlipoca, the Lord of the Smoking Mirror. This fascinating collection explores the history, culture, gods, calendar, myths and tales of this people, from migration legends to the origin myth of the Five Suns. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

Aztec Mythology

Aztec Mythology PDF Author: Jim Barrow
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
Embark On a Unique Historical Journey and Learn More about Aztecs, Their Culture, Gods, And Mythology! One of the most magnificent journeys you can undertake is embarking on a historical adventure to discover the fascinating cultures of an ancient civilization - that is precisely what this overview of Aztec culture and mythology offers. Through captivating narrative, Aztec Mythology: Gods, Heroes, Legends, and Myths of the Aztec People by Jim Barrow, will take you all the way back to the year 1325 and even before - it will be like you have your personal time machine, perfect for any history lover out there. How Aztecs founded their city, Tenochtitlan, which would later go on to become one of the largest empires in the American region? How they managed to build such a rich and interesting culture? Who were the gods that they worshipped and prayed to? What are the stories that they passed on through generations? You will find the detailed descriptions, answers to these questions, and answers to many other questions you may have about Aztecs. Here are some of the topics that this Mesoamerican mythology guide covers: The early Aztec history - where did they come from, and how they settled The blossoming Aztec society - all about their politics, art, economy, agriculture Fascinating Aztec religion explained - Complete Aztec pantheon with major and lesser deities Captivating Aztec culture and customs - main legends and myths; breakthroughs in medicine and science What happened to Aztecs and what is left of them today And much more! If you want to quench your thirst for knowledge and learn more about the magnificent culture of Aztecs, let this book take you on a unique historical journey where you will get all of that and much more. So what are you waiting for? Scroll up, click on "Buy Now with 1-Click," and Get Your Copy Now!

The Usborne Book of Myths and Legends

The Usborne Book of Myths and Legends PDF Author: Anna Milbourne
Publisher: Usborne Books
ISBN: 9780746074848
Category : Fables
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
A gorgeous collection of classic myths, legends and stories which any young reader will treasure. this wonderful storybook is crammed with traditional tales of monsters and magic, powerful gods and goddesses, clever animals and much, much more: a treasury of much-loved favourites, as well as less well-known gems. Ages 4+

Aztec Mythology

Aztec Mythology PDF Author: Hasty History
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781983272578
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 47

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Book Description
This book is dedicated to exploring the gods and goddesses that the Aztec people on the pre-Columbian American continent worshiped, and within the pages you will find subtopics like: The origins and influences on Aztec beliefs, or in other words: Where they got it all from. The most important themes in Aztec mythology. Gods and goddesses, and their background stories, from Aztec mythology. Aztec myths about the creation of the world. Details about the Aztec empire, their art, religion, and more. Legends about Aztec women who became goddesses after they died from childbirth. Aztec mythology is intricate, complex, and the ideals behind some of their mythological beliefs were often intertwined with real life events. This book will examine how both myth and fact contributed to the culture and traditions of the Aztecs, and how these influences and some stories continue to live on throughout the centuries. Add this book to cart now.

Aztec Mythology: The Gods and Myths of Ancient Mexico

Aztec Mythology: The Gods and Myths of Ancient Mexico PDF Author: Sebastian Berg
Publisher: Creek Ridge Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Discover the mythology of the Aztec civilization The Aztec civilization of Central Mexico consisted of several communities with distinct cultures and languages. The Nahuatl-speaking tribes were the most popular and celebrated rituals based on their own version of myths and stories. While the Mesoamerican cultures shared many stories, rituals, and myths with the Aztecs, they were recognized as a separate community. The Aztecs were believed to come from the regions around Lake Texcoco and the Anahuac Valley. These regions collectively form the modern Mexico City we know today.

The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends

The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends PDF Author: Garry J. Shaw
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500772010
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
An authoritative guide to the Egyptian myths that sheds new light on an ancient way of understanding the world This survey of Egyptian mythology explores how the ancient Nile-dwellers explained the world around them. It delves into the creation and evolution of the world and the reigns of the gods on earth, before introducing us to the manifestations of Egypt’s deities in the natural environment; the inventive ways in which the Egyptians dealt with the invisible forces all around them; and their beliefs about life after death. Through his engaging narrative, Garry Shaw guides us through the mythic adventures of such famous deities as Osiris, the god murdered by his jealous brother Seth; the magical and sometimes devious Isis, who plotted to gain the power of the sun god Re; and Horus, who defeated his uncle Seth to become king of Egypt. He also introduces us to lesser known myths, such as the rebellions against Re; Geb’s quest for Re’s magical wig; and the flaying of the unfortunate god Nemty. From stars and heavenly bodies sailing on boats, to the wind as manifestation of the god Shu, to gods, goddesses, ghosts, and demons—beings that could be aggressive, helpful, wise, or dangerous—Shaw goes on to explain how the Egyptians encountered the mythological in their everyday lives.

Aztec Mythology

Aztec Mythology PDF Author: Matt Clayton
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781724087256
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
If you're looking for a captivating collection of Aztec myths then keep reading... The Aztecs believed that offerings of human blood and human lives were necessary to the continued running of the universe. Indeed, in Aztec myths the gods themselves make sacrifices of their own blood and even of their entire bodies in order to create a universe humans can live in and, in one story, to create humans themselves; humans therefore must make blood sacrifices in turn to feed the gods and to keep the universe in existence. To the ancient Aztecs, these practices seemed fitting, necessary, and honorable, helping to connect the world of humans to the divine world of the gods, a universe that in Aztec myth took shape in cycles of creation, destruction, and rebirth. Aztec Mythology: Captivating Aztec Myths of Gods, Goddesses, and Legendary Creatures invites you to go on a startling journey to discover stories such as: The Legend of the Suns The Deeds of Mixcoatl The Origin of Maize and the Creation of Pulque The Fall of Xochiquetzal The Fate of Souls Huitzilopochtli and the Founding of Tenochtitlan Huemac Plays the Ball Game And many more! So if you want a captivating collection of Aztec myths, click the "add to cart" button!