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.

The king of one country threatened by the beast's arrival was advised to offer it a weekly sacrifice of seven virgins. In desperation the king eventually issued a proclamation offering his kingdom, his daughter's hand in marriage and a magic sword to anyone who could destroy the monster. Author-illustrator Thiago de Moraes discusses why myths and legends are so important for children to read and listen to. To tell new stories using ancient myths is to gently guide readers towards doors that lead into other times, places and peoples. If they find a door interesting, they can step through it via other books and stories, and spend more time in these wonderful worlds. None of this is a surprise. These are stories that have captivated millions of people for thousands of years and continue to do so, both in traditional and more contemporary formats.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. Some topics discussed are not advised for younger audiences, but that does not take away from the heart-aching beauty of The Woman Warrior. A catharsis in and of itself, Hong Kingston’s story adds further insight into the complexity of Chinese mythology and its impact. 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.

The passage of time paired with occupation and assimilation at the hands of the Romans meant that many Celtic myths were either forgotten or tailored to fit a new narrative. Still, a lot of Celtic mythology has managed to survive. It is best remembered through Middle Age manuscripts detailing the Ulster Cycle, the Mythological Cycle, the Fenian Cycle, and the Cycle of the Kings. As with most things, religion and beliefs shift with the passage of time. Some folklore is adapted to an ever-changing world. We’ve gathered four of the top-notch mythology books on ancient Egyptian myth. Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many by Erik Hornung

How to Vote

Chinese Mythology: Classic Stories of Chinese Myths, Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters by Scott Lewis Five of the remaining stories involve the legend of Arthur and his knights. The setting for Culhwych and Olwen is Arthur’s Court and includes a list of his knights. Arthur’s Court is again the setting in The Dream of Rhonabwy, which tells of a story involving Arthur and his knights, fairy heroes and Celtic warriors.

Not only will The Codex Borgia: A Full-Color Restoration of the Ancient Mexican Manuscript shed new light on pre-Columbian religions of Mexico, it is a must for any history buff to get their hands on! Each tribe has its own unique myths and legends. These can vary regionally, especially when considering outside influences. That being said, most myths shared several overarching motifs. From Coyote to Spider Woman, Native American mythology is filled with colorful tales about Native American gods for all ages. Coyote &: Native American Folk Tales by Joe Hayes You’ll find several books below that capture various aspects of Japanese mythology. From a compendium of Oni to a collection of traditional myths, there’s sure to be one to catch your eye. Japanese Mythology by Roberts Parizi Like the last recommendation this is another book that, as a child, you feel must contain some kind of magic. The illustrations and design of the book are made to look an ancient artefact and the information is presented through the lens of an explorer (Emily Sands) as she hunts for the tomb of the god Osiris, which is a perfect way to get a child invested in learning about mythology. It is also worth adding that The Kane Chronicles is getting its very own Netflix adaptation. The release date has yet to be announced – we are certainly keeping an eye out for it!

These tales are thought to have a much more ancient provenance, being passed down through the generations by word of mouth by the early Welsh bards. These early Welsh or Celtic storytellers wandered Britain and beyond, swapping their many tales for board and lodging. The tales they told tended to be memorised only in outline, the details being filled in and embellished as the story unfolded. Like many other mythologies we’ll be discussing, Celtic mythology had almost been lost to time. As a culture that relied on oral tradition as means to communicate valued stories, the Celts were among the many ethnic groups that were susceptible to fragmented history. And, it wasn’t by their own doing, either.