South and Meso American Mythology A to Z 2nd Edition by Jeremy Roberts, Ann Bingham ISBN 1604134143 9781604134148

South and Meso-American Mythology A to Z (2nd Edition) by Jeremy Roberts and Ann Bingham offers a rich and accessible exploration of the vibrant mythological traditions of the indigenous cultures of Central and South America. In this comprehensive reference guide, the authors introduce readers to the beliefs, deities, legends, and cosmologies that shaped the lives of civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, Inca, Olmec, and many other pre-Columbian peoples. The book serves as both an educational tool and a cultural preservation effort, highlighting how myths were deeply intertwined with everyday life—governing agriculture, warfare, art, ritual, and even astronomy. Through alphabetically organized entries, the volume covers a wide array of mythic figures like Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli, and Viracocha, along with sacred places, ceremonial practices, symbols, and stories passed down through oral and pictorial traditions. The introduction provides historical context for how colonization and European conquest disrupted, yet did not erase, these rich belief systems. The authors emphasize the importance of mythology as a means of understanding indigenous perspectives on creation, nature, the afterlife, and human purpose. With detailed entries, a helpful timeline, a map, and suggestions for further reading, this updated edition not only honors the mythological heritage of South and Meso-America but also invites readers of all ages to appreciate its enduring influence and complexity.