Unrequited love, revenge and forgiveness, Mother Earth, creation and death our ancient ancestors told and retold myths and legends to explain the inexplicable, excite or soothe children, reinforce social codes and cultural identity, and more. Stories are an indelible part of human community in South Africa and the world over. Mythology is the indispensable anthology of tales from historical periods, such as the Ancient Greeks and Romans and the Celts, and vibrant ethnic traditions including Southern, Central, Eastern, Western and Northern African, and Sahel and Savanna; Icelandic; Indian; Native American; and New Zealand Maori. The myths feature the full panoply of extraordinary heroes, gods, monsters, and kings that inhabit the traditional stories of the world. This is sure to be a treasured and much-read addition to any collection of reference works.