What had summoned the beast of Itsumade into the skies? For how long would it reign in terror?
Why is Anansi one of the most popular myths across Africa?
We have all been exposed to a mythological beast in one form or another. Whether it is Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson playing an oversized scorpion man in The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, or the character of Anansi in Neil Gaiman's American Gods; these magical creatures have a deep connection to the mythologies and folktales of ancient cultures.
Where did they come from? What relevance do they serve in mythology? Why are some so obscure, while others become pop-culture enigmas? Get the answer to these questions, and learn about beasts from different world cultures.
Folklorist Zayden Stone dives deep into the stories of these magical beasts and provides
a fictional anecdote,
a retelling of the original myths,
an analysis of the symbolism and relevance of the creatures,
and then pairs it with some beautiful black and white illustrations reimagined by artist Herdhian.
In the second volume of the Mythical Creatures and Mythological Beasts book, the illustrated guide takes you through six themes that have been specifically chosen since they are consistent across cultures. The categories include:
arthropods for insects, crustaceans, and arachnids;
avian for birds;
canines for wolves and dogs;
serpents for snakes and dragons;
ungulates for hooved animals like horses and cows; and
aquatic for water dwelling beasts.
Presenting the creatures in categories makes it easier to see what the beasts have in common. You will find some overlapping themes across ancient cultures that point to universal ideas in how humans perceive the world.
If you have a love for the myths and want to learn about the unique beasts that dwell within them, this book is a great way to do it. Not only will you learn about ones you may have never heard of, but you will also be able to draw parallels between cultures and see how they interpreted their surroundings through stories of mythical creatures and magical beasts.
If you haven't already, then don't forget to check out the first volume of Mythical Creatures and Mythological Beasts by Zayden Stone.