Myth

"Throughout history, all over the world, human beings have used myths to articulate their feelings about the gods, the birth of the universe, good and evil, sex, the nature of society, death and the afterlife. Myths bind together the societies which create them - and they offer the rest of us an unparalleled window into our species' creative, poetic and philosophical imagination." "The first part of this guide explores the major myth traditions of every continent, from the Americas and Middle East to Europe and Africa. The origins and historical significance of each legend are examined and recurring motifs are traced through the ages and around the world." "Over 2,500 detailed entries form the second part of this guide, providing a fascinating and comprehensive reference source to one of the most influential and misunderstood strands of social and literary history."--BOOK JACKET.