This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume.

这部具有启发性的作品向读者介绍了从美国到北极圈的美国原住民的神话--这是一个丰富、复杂和多样化的传说，与其他民族和地方的神话相比，它仍然不太为人所知。美国原住民神话手册》以专题章节和百科全书式的条目，研究了界定各原住民神话文化的人物和神灵、仪式、圣地和物品、概念和故事。通过尽可能地追溯这些传统，并跟踪它们一代又一代的演变，《美国原住民神话手册》为美国原住民的历史、文化和价值观提供了一个独特的视角。它还显示了这些传统对当代美国原住民生活的重要性，包括为土地权利、经济平等和文化财产的归还而进行的持续斗争。这里有40多张照片、插图和地图，是对北美原住民的神话遗产最全面、最容易理解的一卷介绍。