Critical survey of mythology and folklore : deadly battles & warring enemies
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Legendary battles between gods and gods, between gods and humans, between humans and fabled beasts, and between humans and humans have fascinated readers for centuries. Salem Press's latest entry in the Critical Survey of Mythology and Folklore series, Deadly Battles & Warring Enemies, focuses on famous clashes and renowned heroes and heroines in folklore and mythology. These struggles chronicles suffering, bravery, and patriotism, as well as indifference, cowardice, and duplicity. People throughout the ages have often compared these mythological wars to the real ones they have been forced to live through. Readers will find, in the twelve sections of these two volumes, well-known battle myths from Greece, ancient Rome, and Northern and Celtic Europe as well as myths from sub-Saharan Africa, Native North America, East Asia, the Near East, Oceana [sic], (particularly Hawaii), India, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Coverage of female warriors from around the world highlights the role women have played in mythological battles throughout history. While many standard stories have been included, this volume also contains roughly 130 myths about wars and battles that are less widely known. Each section contains an overview of a region's religious practices, literature, and culture followed by essays that discuss selected stories or deities related to battle, for a total of more than 400 articles, including 100+ new essays."--,from Publisher's Note (page xi).