Handbook of Native American Mythology (Handbooks of World Mythology) by Dawn E Bastian, Judy K Mitchell

Handbook of Native American Mythology (Handbooks of World Mythology) by Dawn E Bastian, Judy K Mitchell

The volume is designed as an accessible textbook and library reference. Rather than overwhelming readers with isolated story fragments, the authors establish a solid cultural and historical baseline before providing an encyclopedic reference section.

The handbook's layout organizes this immense body of cultural knowledge into four primary operational zones:

1. Introduction to Indigenous Oral Traditions

The book opens by examining the fundamental nature of oral storytelling. Bastian and Mitchell explain how stories serve as multi-functional tools within indigenous societies—functioning simultaneously as historical records, moral codes, legal structures, ecological blueprints, and entertainment. They challenge the Western classification of these sacred narratives as mere "fables" or "fairy tales."

Kinship with the Natural World

A central theme running through the entire volume is the total breakdown of the barrier between humans, animals, and landscapes. In indigenous worldviews, animals are often seen as older, wiser "people" who willingly share their wisdom and substance with humans when treated with proper ritual respect. Rocks, mountains, rivers, and winds are recognized as living, sentient entities possessing their own agency and spiritual power (animism).

Emergence vs. Creation Ex Nihilo

The authors highlight a major distinction between typical Western creation myths (creation out of nothing) and many Native American traditions, particularly in the Southwest. Many indigenous traditions focus on Emergence Myths, where humans and animals originally lived in dark, chaotic subterranean worlds, slowly migrating upward through consecutive underground caves or dimensions before finally emerging into the current, modern world.

Language: English.

Genre: Mythology.

Binding: সেলাই করা বাইন্ডিং

Quality: Premium Quality Books.

Printing: High Quality Printing.

Paper: Eye Friendly paper (Cream White)

Cover: Matt cover (Paperback).