All cultures have their own myths and legends. Many of these stories have survived until present day. In other words, they have been passed on from one generation to the next with the odd change. This book tells the story of four of these tales that have been kept “alive” by the storytelling tradition of southern Mexico. Large grasshoppers, turtles, birds, toads… are the main characters in these tales that were once the delight of the indigenous children in olden days and which continue to marvel children from other places and cultures. The view that the indigenous ancestors had of creation was that at the beginning of time, animals could speak and men lived in harmony with nature. Thus, the large grasshopper tells us that each living being must fulfil its role in nature. The turtle refers us to human qualities and to patience. The motmot bird reminds us that we must keep our obligations and the toad speaks to us of the dangers of boasting and deception...

“Leyendas y cuentos indígenas de Hispanoamérica” del escritor e investigador chileno Antonio Landauro, busca poner en valor el patrimonio cultural oral de la actual América Latina hispanoparlante, a través de la recolección de diferentes leyendas, mitos y cuentos,propios de las distintas etnias que habitaron y aún subsisten en nuestro continente. En esta nueva edición mejorada y ampliada, se han agregado dos nuevas narraciones provenientes de las culturas Diaguita y Selk’nam, así como también, se ha actualizado el uso del lenguaje a uno más inclusivo, de modo de hacer cercanas las narraciones a las nuevas generaciones, manteniendo viva de este modo nuestra tradición oral.

American Indians have always told stories filled with characters, creatures, and legends that have fascinated people around the world. This book mixes dramatic retellings and nonfiction information to give a full picture of American Indian stories, exploring the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make American Indian stories and legends so compelling. Fully translated Spanish text. Los relatos de los indígenas americanos están llenos de personajes, criaturas y leyendas que fascinan a la gente en todo el mundo. Esta serie combina espectaculares relatos e información de no ficción que ofrecen una imagen completa sobre las historias de los aborígenes de América del Norte. Este libro ecxplora los dioses y diosas, héroes, villanos, estafadores y aventuras que hacen fascinantes estos mitos y leyendas.