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Tales of gods, monsters, and heroes have persisted for as long as humankind has recorded stories. These books describe the origins of famous monsters such as the vampire and werewolf; while others outline more modern mythologies, such as the extensive legendarium of Tolkien.
The Slavic Myths by Noah Charney, (NEWANF) While Slavic cultures are far-ranging, comprised of East Slavs (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus), West Slavs (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland), and South Slavs (the countries of former Yugoslavia plus Bulgaria), Charney acknowledges this and presents the cornerstones of Slavic myth, showing how they are connected by tales of adventure and magic with roots in a common lore. "The Slavic Myths" serves as a great primer for the gods and monsters of Slavic tradition, tracing back the historic origins of both the vampire and werewolf, two of the most famous monsters in the contemporary world. The book also features an extensive and well researched bibliography, along with including 38 black and white illustrations that aid in bringing the stories to life.
The Illustrated World of Tolkien by David Day, (NEWANF) Perhaps the best example of modern myth, the fantasy world created by Tolkien has become unparalleled in its scope and influence on the genre. This full-color guide outlines and provides descriptions for the beasts, monsters, races, nations, deities, and the flora and fauna of Middle Earth and the Undying Lands. Also included are: maps, chronologies, and two special indexes that direct you to sources from Tolkien's works for each entry.
Myths of the Underworld by Lindsay Christinee, (NEWANF) A collection of retellings of the stories of gods and goddesses of the underworld, that explores how themes of death, love, and revenge are depicted in folklore and mythology by different cultures around the world. Some of the included tales are: Hades and Persephone from Greek myth, Anubis the god of the underworld from Egyptian myth, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacíhuatl the lovers who ruled the Aztec underworld, the Japanese spirits of the underworld the Shinigami, and more.
God's Monsters by Esther J. Hamori, (NEWANF) Giants, Leviathan, demons, spirits, seraphim, and cherubs are all outlined in this guide to the inhuman beings of The Bible. Hamori, a professor at a respected seminary school, views the stories of these monsters through the lens of an anthology written at various points in history by writers who were trying to make sense of the world. For anyone interested in monsters, myths, folklore, demons, and more, God's Monsters is an entertaining deep dive into some of the stranger aspects of The Bible.
Divine Might by Natalie Haynes, (NEWANF) A fresh take on the classic legends and stories, "Divine Might" focuses on the goddesses of Greek myth and their prowess, passions, and jealousies. Rather than a retelling, this is a set of discussions and ideas about these goddesses, drawn from existing sources and the authors own observations. The Muses, Hestia, Demeter, The Furies, Hera, Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite are some of the primary subjects of this complex and nuanced guide.
By Thayer Yates
Reference Assistant