Published in 1990 under the title Los mitos del tlacuache, this is the first major theoretical study of Mesoamerican mythology by one of the foremost scholars of Aztec ideology. Using the myth cycle of the opossum and the theft of fire from the gods as a touchstone, López Austin constructs a definition of myth that pertains to all of Mesoamerican culture, challenging the notion that to be relevant such studies must occur within a specific culture. Shown here is that much of modern mythology has ancient roots, despite syncretism with Christianity, and can be used to elucidate the pre-Columbian world view. Analysis of pre-Columbian myths can also be used to understand current indigenous myths. Subtopics include the hero and his place in the Mesoamerican pantheon, divine space and human space, mythic event clusters, myth as truth, and the fusion of myth and history.

Published in 1990 under the title Los mitos del tlacuache, this is the first major theoretical study of Mesoamerican mythology by one of the foremost scholars of Aztec ideology. Using the myth cycle of the opossum and the theft of fire from the gods as a touchstone, Lopez Austin constructs a definition of myth that pertains to all of Mesoamerican culture, challenging the notion that to be relevant such studies must occur within a specific culture. Shown here is that much of modern mythology has ancient roots, despite syncretism with Christianity, and can be used to elucidate the pre-Columbian world view. Analysis of pre-Columbian myths can also be used to understand current indigenous myths. Subtopics include the hero and his place in the Mesoamerican pantheon, divine space and human space, mythic event clusters, myth as truth, and the fusion of myth and history. This book presents a unique description of the Mesoamerican world view for students of comparative religion, history of religion, folklore, ethnology, and anthropology.

Illustrated with scores of drawings and halftone photos, this guidebook to the mythology of Mexico and Central America focuses mainly on Mexican Highland and Maya areas, due to their importance in Mesoamerican history.

Possums may steal your garbage…but with this book, they’ll also steal your heart! Possums are more than the ugly-cute icons of the internet. These so-called trash animals and pointy kitties are not only relatable avatars for anxious but resilient people everywhere, but nature’s secret clean-up crew. Organized around common myths that have given possums a bad reputation, this fun and offbeat book reveals the truth about possums through dozens of adorable photos, informative illustrations, and fascinating facts. Did you know that… • Possums protect people and pets from disease! A single possum can eat up to 4,000 ticks per week! • Possums excel at interspecies friendships, often sleeping in other animals’ dens. • Possums are shy creatures: when they “play dead,” they are actually fainting from anxiety! Written by wildlife rehabber and possum advocate Ally Burguieres, known for her popular Instagram account @ItsMeSesame, this accessible and giftable guide explains why possums deserve our admiration and offers tips on how we can protect and advocate for these magical marsupials.

McKenzies best friend in the whole world is Petunia, a possum. She is extra special because she is a princess possum. A soft and furry creature, Petunia likes to have a comfy bed to sleep in, and she borrows items from around the house to make her nest. This little possum collects items like freshly ironed napkins, pieces of extra cloth, sparkly gold Christmas decorations, and even one of grandmas sports bras. Petunia is an interesting animal and has a funny way of doing a lot of things. She loves to hide in garbage cans and play in the freshly laundered clothing, and she loves to eat chicken, apples, bananas, and scrambled eggs. But most of all, Petunia is a good friend. An informative and fun picture book for children based on the life of a possum and a little girl, Princess Petunia and Me dispels some of the myths and fears surrounding possums (opossums) through the eyes of a child.

Everyone has their unique and adorable favorite wildlife animal. Few choose the opossum. BUT you are reading this, so you really need to consider the opossum!It is a misunderstood animal that serves a vital role in the forest ecosystem. Opossums seldom win beauty contests, but upon reading about their special "superpowers," you are going to learn and earn a greater respect and admiration for them. There are many misconceptions people have about opossums. This book will walk you through them and give you a better understanding of these misunderstood marsupials (the only marsupials in North America).