Alfonso Ortiz (1939–1997)

A very well done over view of Native American Myths across the United States (With a few stories south and north of the border).

What I found most amazing is just how similar in themes the stories are to the fairy tales of Europe - basically - don't do this or else.

I especially liked the stories where animals and people were equal, and could talk to each other.

I suspect that this is a good introduction into Native stories, but for a serious scholar in the subject, probably not deep enough.… (plus d'informations)

This is an excellant collection of the oral myths and legends of the Native American people. It is well organized with the various legends having common elements. The only way I found to truly enjoy the book was to get out of the Western Thinking mode as it applies to myths and legends. These stories do not necessarily have a moral behind it, and quite often no real begining or end. They often are just a partial episode that could centuries into a tribes traditions.

It is interesting to note the similarities of tales from peoples on opposite sides of the continent. It seems that life itself becomes legend, as chance encounters with new animals or tribes from distant lands give rise to the creation of a story.

All in all, a great book which should be in everyone's library.… (plus d'informations)