Comprehensive and cross-referenced, this informative volume is a rich introduction to the world of nature as experienced by ancient peoples around the globe. 51 halftones.
Twenty-four stories gathered from Polynesia, Australia, Mexico, Africa, China, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, ancient Greece, and other locations about the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
Based on the author's previous publication The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, this handbook contains an array of symbols and motifs, accompanied by succinct explanations. It provides treatment of the essential Tibetan religious figures, themes and motifs, both secular and religious.
'An energy, a pulse form of quantum physics perhaps, alive at the margins of sleep or madness, and more often in the whispering of a single unwelcome thought.' The Economist According to Islamic tradition, Allah created three types of beings: angels, made of light; humans, made of earth; and jinn, made of smokeless fire. Supernatural, shape-shifting, intelligent and blessed with free will and remarkable powers, jinn have over the ages been given many names - demon, spirit, ghoul, genie, ifrit and shaitan. Neither human nor immortal, they roam the earth inhabiting dark and empty places, luring humans to their deaths or demonically possessing them if harmed or offended. Despite the fact they cannot be seen, jinn are said to be strangely human-like - marrying, bearing children, forming communities and tribes, eating, sleeping, playing and facing judgement like any other human. They are ever-present partners in the human experience, causing endless mischief, providing amazing services and sometimes inducing sheer terror. Believed in by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world and from all faiths, jinn have played a particularly central role in the literature, culture and belief systems of the Middle East and the Islamic world. Legends of the Fire Spirits explores through time and across nations the enduring phenomenon of the jinn. From North Africa to Central Asia, from the Mediterranean to sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, this riveting, often chilling, yet reasoned book draws on long-forgotten ancient testimonies, medieval histories, colonial records, anthropologist's reports and traveller's tales to explore the different types of jinn, their behaviour, society, culture and long history of contact with humankind. It documents their links with famous figures in history such as King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and illustrates the varied and vivid portrayals of jinn in world literature. In essence Legends of the Fire Spirits demonstrates the colourful diversity of human culture and the durability of faith and is a magnificent and indispensable portrayal of the rich folklore of the Islamic world.
As the sun settles down, the mind starts working. Creating and remembering hundreds of stories. These are told to kids and elders, just to be told again to other people. So it goes on, until eventually someone questions the veracity of them.
This study presents the myths, beliefs and customs of the indigenous peoples in North America. This collection is comprised of many bodies of traditional narratives associated with religion from a mythographical perspective. Contents: The Myths of the North American Indians Myths of the Cherokee Myths of the Iroquois A Study of Siouan Cults Outlines of Zuñi Creation Myths The Mountain Chant - A Navajo Ceremony
Legend of the Rainbow Warriors is a journalist's account of one of the core myths of America, and an electrifying exploration of how that myth is playing out in real time as we approach the crucial year of 2012. One dominant myth is formed by advertising images of vast, luxurious wealth-the myth of materialism. Another myth is conjured in the bloody, sorrowful images that pervade movies, music and computer games-the myth that the world is hate-filled and chaotic beyond redemption. The Legend of the Rainbow Warriors offers a spiritual alternative of hope and real possibility based upon respect, freedom and responsibility. As drawn from dozens of historical accounts, the Legend of the Rainbow Warriors relates that "when the Earth becomes desperately sick, people of all colors and faiths will unite, and rise to face the overwhelming challenges with insight, honesty, caring, sharing, and respect." Veteran writer Steven McFadden weaves the myths and the headlines together seamlessly in a rich work of literary journalism that is adroitly crafted, eye-opening, and soul-inspiring.
The nations of Europe all have rich cultures of myth and folklore which give the different regions their particular individual flavor. Here we have grouped traditional stories from Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Spain according to the four elements: earth, air, water and fire. They are specially adapted to adult learners and can be used to develop language or ICT skills among your students while enhancing intercultural understanding.