Kniha přináší interpretaci dvojice indoevropských mytologických témat s důrazem na jejich komplexní historický a sociálně-kognitivní kontext. Zvolený přístup umožňuje jak přehodnotit tradiční interpretaci všeobecně známého mytologického cyklu, tak i zároveň uvést mytologické téma dosud neuchopené. V první časti knihy je diskutována látka indoevropského stvořitelského mýtu. Závěrem je tvrzení, že protoindoevropský kulturní prostor pravděpodobně vznikl jako důsledek předhistorického kargo kultu. Předprotoindoevropští lovci-sběrači reagovali na příchod afroasijských farmářů způsobem připomínajícím chování moderních domorodých populací, náhle konfrontovaných s přítomností západního industriálního světa. Z toho důvodu jsou stěžejní témata a motivy indoevropského stvořitelského mýtu interpretovány jako možné relikty ideologie předprotoindoevropského kargo kultu. _x000D_Druhá část knihy je věnována vymezení nové indoevropské mytologické struktury, takzvaného mýtu o honu na čarodějnice. Prostřednictvím analýzy rozličných lokálních podob příběhu o konfliktu elity s démonickým vojskem vedeným čarodějnicí je identifikován základní vzorec tohoto narativu. Jeho sémantika je následně interpretována jako produkt sociálních a rodových nastavení archaických indoevropských společností.

You thought the Wicked Witch of the West was evil, but have you met the Wicked Witch of Eastern Europe? If you’re familiar at all with Baba Yaga, you’ll likely say she is a cannibalistic witch. This infamous Slavic fairy-tale character is also perhaps one of the most complex you’ll find. While most others are strictly good or bad, Baba Yaga can be both simultaneously. Tales about Baba Yaga have terrified children throughout the ages. Not all are scary, though; some are enlightening or amusing. But who was she really? Did she ever exist? And, more importantly, does she still exist today? This in-depth study of Baba Yaga looks at not only academic studies, but it also digs deeper into her character and looks at popular and even controversial topics. You’ll discover a side of the witch as she is perceived by those who say they have had an encounter with her. By the time you finish reading her story, you’ll either want to crawl back into bed with the covers over you, or you’ll seek out the witch of witches for her guidance.

Cherry Wilder's The Rulers of Hylor series established a detailed and intricate fantasy world. Katya Riemann completed and polished this last Hylor novel, a tale of warring kingdoms, treacherous advisers and generational conflicts, set in a world of rich physical beauty, vibrant life and a realism leavened with occasional and startling magic. Gael Maddoc, the child of struggling peasants, leaps at the chance when she is offered training as a kedran, a mounted soldier. She wins glory bringing her charges home safe across a huge desert, seeking aid from the Shee. But the Shee--the dwindling Fair Folk--then recruit her for their own purposes. Her nascent magical talents and her resourcefulness show her to be the Wanderer, a legendary figure for whom they've been waiting. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

In this haunting and provocative collection, some of the best-known authors of the fantastic and the mysterious explore the legends and lore of witches and witchcraft. From Dean Koontz’s tale of a witch’s revenge on a purse-snatcher to Jane Yolen’s story of sorcery in old Scotland, from S.P. Somtow’s eerie look at Magic in modern-day Hollywood to Tanith Lee’s story of enchantment in an exotic land—here are spectacular stories transcending time and place. Stories by Various Authors Introduction by Philip José Farmer Cover art by Bruce Jensen Illustrations by Lars Hokanson

Patience is a Drawn Bow. Rage, its Relentless Arrow. Shukracharya’s plan to break the unity of Vikramaditya’s Council has borne bitter fruit. Friends have become sworn enemies, and brother has turned against brother, setting Avanti on the path to self-destruction. Even as Vikramaditya prepares to counter a Huna invasion, a rebellion brews within Ujjayini, while a devious conspiracy is hatched to humiliate him. With Indra’s spies swarming the palace and Shukracharya making a bold bid to take the Halahala, the king is dangerously close to the brink of defeat. Alone and abandoned by those dear to him, fighting to protect his people, trying his best to keep his promise to Shiva, will the samrat rise one last time to defend his love, his city and his honour? As the asura and deva forces muster in a final, desperate gamble to claim the Halahala, The Wrath of the Hellfires brings an explosive conclusion to Vikramaditya’s epic tale of action and adventure. SHATRUJEET NATH is the creator of the runaway national bestseller series Vikramaditya Veergatha, a four-book mytho-fantasy arc which comprises The Guardians of the Halahala, The Conspiracy at Meru, The Vengeance of Indra and The Wrath of the Hellfires. Described as “a new face to Indian mythology” by DNA, Shatrujeet writes for movies and web shows as well. He is also the author of The Karachi Deception, an Indo-Pak spy thriller. “Flawlessly clubs fiction with Indian mythology” —DNA

As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world--and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great. The desires of a high priest. Alaric, Poseidon's High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there's one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he's willing to put Quinn's wishes first, regardless of the consequences. The warning of a threat reborn. The final jewel of Poseidon's trident has turned up in the hands of mysterious Ptolemy Reborn, who claims to be descended from Atlantean royalty. He's about to reveal to the world that Atlantis is real, positioning himself as king. But this magical terrorist is bent on chaos. The only warrior who can stop him is following his own path, driven by the even more powerful force of love. Atlantean powers over the sea could prove just as cataclysmic--for Quinn's love, Alaric might drown the entire world.