Understanding Mesoamerican Myths

by Natalie Hyde

Overview

Ancient peoples created myths to help explain the world around them-creation, death and the underworld, seasons and agriculture, natural disasters, class structure in society, and commerce. Myths Understood features important myths from different ancient cultures and describes the roles and relationships of the gods that were the foundation of their religions.

Understanding Mesoamerican Myths explores the roles and relationships of the heroes and gods in early Mesoamerica. Several myths, including "The Hero Twins Hunuaphu and Xbalanque" and "Quetzalcoatal and the Ant," are retold, describing how these stories helped people in ancient Mesoamerica interpret their world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778745259
Publisher:	Crabtree Classics
Publication date:	11/15/2012
Series:	Myths Understood Series
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.35(d)
Lexile:	950L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

Table of Contents

What are Myths? 4

What are myths, and how do Mesoamerican myths relate to the modern world? The differences between myths, legends, and fables.

Ancient Mesoamerica 6

The region of Mesoamerica and its different climates and landscapes. The role played by creation, nature, and landscape myths.

Religion and Gods 10

The importance of religion in Mesoamerica, and the many gods and their different roles. The cycle of life and death, and the gods of creation, rain, and death.

The Natural World 16

The often dangerous landscape lived in by the Mesoamericans. Myths about food, volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains.

Daily Life 24

The layers of Mesoamerican society, and the importance of the family. Calendars and writing, and how the gods made people look different.

Trade and Warfare 34

Trade in Mesoamerica, and the importance of jade and chocolate. Weapons of war, and how Huitzilopochtli created the Moon and stars.

Mesoamerican Legacy 40

The modern-day legacy of Mesoamerica, as seen in numerous buildings, languages, festivals, and in design and style.

Time Chart 45

Glossary 46

Learning More 47

Index 48