Provides folktales from Amazonian fishermen, hunters, lodgers, small plot farm gardeners, and villagers in Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. The kinds of tales are as follows: Tales of origin, Tales about anacondas and boas, Tales about dolphins and other Aquatic Seducers, Tales of beasts and Forest Defenders, Tales of dark and malevolent Shamans, Tales of Punishment for ill behavior, and Tales of special places, plants, and Birds.

This book tells the story of the Tree of Life, a traditional Amazonian folk tale. In it, the people of an Amazonian village learn the importance of taking care of nature and the dangers of being too greedy.

Encyclopedic in its coverage, this one-of-a-kind reference is ideal for students, scholars, and others who need reliable, up-to-date information on folk and fairy tales, past and present. Folktales and fairy tales have long played an important role in cultures around the world. They pass customs and lore from generation to generation, provide insights into the peoples who created them, and offer inspiration to creative artists working in media that now include television, film, manga, photography, and computer games. This second, expanded edition of an award-winning reference will help students and teachers as well as storytellers, writers, and creative artists delve into this enchanting world and keep pace with its past and its many new facets. Alphabetically organized and global in scope, the work is the only multivolume reference in English to offer encyclopedic coverage of this subject matter. The four-volume collection covers national, cultural, regional, and linguistic traditions from around the world as well as motifs, themes, characters, and tale types. Writers and illustrators are included as are filmmakers and composers—and, of course, the tales themselves. The expert entries within volumes 1 through 3 are based on the latest research and developments while the contents of volume 4 comprises tales and texts. While most books either present readers with tales from certain countries or cultures or with thematic entries, this encyclopedia stands alone in that it does both, making it a truly unique, one-stop resource.

Unveil the Mystical Heart of Brazil’s Folk Legends Step into a land where the rainforest hums with magic, where heroic leaders defy oppression, and where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural dissolve into the mist. Folk Tales from Brazil: Mystical Legends and Enchanting Myths invites you on a journey through Brazil’s most captivating stories, woven from the rich tapestry of its diverse cultural heritage. In this first volume of our Folk Tales from Brazil series, readers of all ages will be enchanted by tales of mischievous forest spirits like Curupira, whose backward feet lead the unwary astray, and O Boto, the enchanting river dolphin who transforms into a handsome man to steal hearts. Experience the legendary bravery of Zumbi dos Palmares, the leader who became a symbol of resistance, and feel the tragic sorrow of O Negrinho do Pastoreio, a young slave whose enduring spirit continues to inspire. These timeless stories, steeped in the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, offer profound lessons that resonate across generations. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom More than just stories, these folk tales are the distilled teachings of human culture, brimming with profound knowledge and timeless wisdom. They are a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of love, bravery, transformation, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales are not only entertaining but also serve as a bridge to understanding the culture from which they originate. At the heart of this collection is a mission to preserve the valuable cultural inheritance that these stories represent. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling, offering a unique window into the values, fears, and aspirations of a people. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you’ll find a rich tapestry of Brazilian tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired and draw teachings from our ancestors' stories. Whether you’re a lover of mythology, a seeker of adventure, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of storytelling, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Mystical Brazilian Legends: Immerse yourself in the rich folklore of Brazil, with stories that have been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of the country’s mythological heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf. Folk Tales from Brazil is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of a culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire and teach us about the world and ourselves.

A rich brew of more than 40 traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales—draws on the varied cultural traditions of indigenous peoples, people of African descent, those of European (and particularly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. The stories are retold by today's accomplished Brazilian storytellers. Also includes background information on the country and the tales, color photographs, traditional recipes, and children's games. Brazil, the largest country in South America, covers a vast terrain that ranges from the tropical rain forests of the Amazon basin and upland farms, to towering mountains and sandy beaches; from highly populated urban centers to virtually inaccessible interior jungle regions. Its population is composed of indigenous peoples (e.g., Tupy, Kaxinawa, Taulipang), people of African descent, those of European (mostly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. Drawing on the varied cultural traditions and ethnic diversity of the country, this collection offers readers a rich brew of traditional Brazilian tales—from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales. More than 40 stories are included, along with background information, color photographs, recipes, and games. There are very few collections of Brazilian folktales currently available in English, and none with this depth and range. This is a wonderful treasury for storytellers, folklorists, and educators. Also a great resource for educators planning units on the Amazon rain forest! All grade levels.

Anything is possible in the world of Latin American folklore, where Aunt Misery can trap Death in a pear tree; Amazonian dolphins lure young girls to their underwater city; and the Feathered Snake brings the first musicians to Earth. One in a series of folklore reference guides ("...an invaluable resource..."--School Library Journal), this book features summaries and sources of 470 tales told in Mexico, Central America and South America, a region underrepresented in collections of world folklore. The volume sends users to the best stories retold in English from the Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations, Spanish and Portuguese missionaries and colonists, African slave cultures, indentured servants from India, and more than 75 indigenous tribes from 21 countries. The tales are grouped into themed sections with a detailed subject index.

Material Ecocriticism offers new ways to analyze language and reality, human and nonhuman life, mind and matter, without falling into well-worn paths of thinking. Bringing ecocriticism closer to the material turn, the contributions to this landmark volume focus on material forces and substances, the agency of things, processes, narratives and stories, and making meaning out of the world. This broad-ranging reflection on contemporary human experience and expression provokes new understandings of the planet to which we are intimately connected.