American Indian Myths and Legends - (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library) by Richard Erdoes & Alfonso Ortiz (Paperback)

About the Book

Gathering 160 tales from 80 tribal groups to offer a rich and lively panaramaof the Native American mythic heritage. 100 illustrations.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"We have nothing more universal than our folk myths, and in this book Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz have brought together what is probably the most comprehensive and diverse collection of American Indian Legends ever compiled. It is a worthy and welcomed addition to the literature of our native peoples"
--Dee Brown

"This fine, valuable new gathering of Turtle Island tales is truly alive, mysterious, and wonderful--overflowing, that is, with wonder, mystery and life."
--Peter Matthiessen

"Lively and varied accounts of the creation of the world, cosmic battles, love and lust, trickster intrigues, animal interference, and things that whistle in the night fill this thematic anthology with passion, wisdom, and biting humor ... This rich collection will serve scholars and satisfy general readers."
--Library Journal

About the Author

RICHARD ERDOES (1912-2008) was an artist, photographer, Native American rights activist, and author or editor of more than twenty books, including Lakota Woman and Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions.

ALFONSO ORTIZ (1939-1997) was a Native American scholar, anthropologist, activist and author. His works include The Tewa World: Space, Time, Being and Becoming in a Pueblo Society and The Pueblo.