This is a new release of the original 1925 edition.

This is an A-Z dictionary of mythologies of the Asian continent. Major characters, places and events of Asian mythology, as well as certain relevant themes and cultural traditions are included.

These 130 articles Aisan mythologies and cover such topics as Buddhist and Hindu symbolic systems, myth in pre-Islamic Iran, Chinese cosmology and demons, and the Japanese conceptions of the afterlife and the "vital spirit". Also includes myths from Turkey, Korea, Tibet, and Mongolia. Illustrations.

The extensive ritual and mythological lore of the Chinese Triads form the scope of this new paperback title in Brill’s Scholars’ List. The author critically evaluates the extant sources and offers a wealth of contextual information. The core of the book is formed by a close reading of the initiation ritual, including the burning of incense, the altar, the enactment of a journey of life and death, and the blood covenant. Different narrative structures are also presented. These include the messianic demonological paradigm, political legitimation, and the foundation of myth. Triad lore is placed in its own religious and cultural context, allowing radically new conclusions about its origins, meanings and functions. This book is of special interest to social historians, anthropologists, and students of Chinese religious culture.

The first anthology in English of South-East Asian myths, this book is an engaging look at these rich storytelling traditions. It includes new translations of some shorter tales and concise paraphrases of longer epics. There are separate sections devoted to poetry, drama, proverbs, and prose from various regions and cultures. A wide range of readers will find themselves absorbed in the romance, tragedy, drama, and adventure of South-East Asian kings, princes, princesses, heroes and heroines, and ordinary people.

AN Authoratative a-z guide to the mythologies and legends of China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia

This is your lucky day! You just got a book of 3 manuscripts for a discounted price. Do yourself a favor and pick up this fascinating account of Chinese folklore and mythology, which includes the following three books: Book 1: As you begin to read or listen to this book, you will become familiar with all the gods and goddesses of Chinese culture. The historical context will become clear, as well as the institutions, the law, the rules about sexuality, marriage, and children, and so much more. Understanding these aspects of their society before fully becoming engaged in the folklore that was the popular belief at the time, is essential to your comprehension of the cultural anecdotes in those tales. Towards the end of the book, you’ll also learn about Confucianism, Monism, Taoism, Buddhism, and other dominating religious or spiritual paths that have been common in China. Book 2: Have you ever heard about the Old Mother of Waters? How about Miao Shan? Or the medicine god? The Chinese had so many gods that it was probably a huge task to remember or memorize them all. For almost everything, there was either a god or a goddess. But a simple list of all the gods wouldn’t suffice to satisfy your appetite for the mystery of religious history in this massive country. So to help you enjoy the book, the intricate stories of betrayal, supernatural powers, love, and hatred are described in detail in this guide. You will learn about the fire and water gods the Chinese believed in, the ruler of the heavens they perceived, and the complicated patterns some of these heroes or villains supposedly created in their lives. Book 3: In this book in the series, the most important legends from China will come to light. You will read about the famous monkey who became a god through his clever trickery and struggles, for instance. This is an amazing story that has inspired millions to depict the protagonist in paintings, sculptures, and other art works. Another interesting story that has been shown in Asian movies in great detail, is the battle of all the Chinese gods. The eight immortals that are mentioned in Chinese mythology will be described, and so many other things that will keep you reading or listening.