English 111 - Davis: Background Info

This collection of of tales captures the sweep and diversity of African mythology. Scheub not only retells each story, but provides information about the respective belief system, the main characters, and related stories or variants. Scheub emphasizes the role of mythmaker as storyteller - as performer for an audience.

Passed down from generation to generation, the myths of Native Americans form a religious and cultural base from which all members of each society maintain a sense of community, health, identity, family, and self.

This book describes medieval myths and legends; customs and activities; religious beliefs of pagans, Christians, and Muslims; oral and written works; holidays; and traditional music and art.