Gods, warriors, religion, and customs intertwine in a new series exploring world mythologies. These short, colorfully illustrated books provide an insightful introduction to a country’s mythology, key tenets, practices, and deities. In Chinese Mythology, the entry delineates how these stories have influenced many aspects of contemporary China, such as religious practices and observances, such as the “Celebration of the Moon Goddess.” There are love stories too, which resulted in a rich history of poetry and folktales, such as the tale of “The Butterfly Lovers.” Indian Mythology features from the elephant-headed god Ganesha to the universe creator Brahma. Hindu mythology is filled with themes of good versus evil, karma, mythological creatures, and gods and warriors; here, the author presents the magic-filled stories ranging from the creation of the universe and humanity to religious devotion to bloody wars. This book also dives into the theology of Hinduism as a religion, showing some parallels and differences with Christianity and other religions. The myths—or at least their themes—endure. As the author notes, it’s a “living” mythology, informing life today. Informative sidebars, pull-out explanations, and colorful illustrations make these texts accessible.VERDICT Either of these is an excellent starting point for those seeking more information about world religions, folklore, and cultural history.

A brief introduction to key figures and stories from Chinese mythology.
Beginning with the legend of Pangu bursting out of a cosmic egg and triggering the creation of the world, Nardo guides readers through Chinese stories of lovers, heroes, and mythical beings at a brisk pace. From the tale of moon goddess Chang’e and its connection to the Mid-Autumn Festival to the story of the Four Valiant Dragons who formed China’s largest rivers, the author traces the ways in which myths have shaped and continue to influence Chinese culture and tradition today. The book covers a lot of ground, but the inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate naming of characters may confuse readers who are new to the subject. Additionally, the brevity of each account results in the loss of some of the luster and excitement of the original tales. For example, in the legend of the Cowherd and the Cloud Weaver, the traditional bittersweet ending is omitted, shifting their story from an annual reunion that is observable in the stars today to one that concluded in ancient times. Still, the structure of the book may serve as a useful starting point for students beginning to explore this topic. Supporting images and text bubbles are peppered throughout the title, reinforcing ideas and allowing for quick reference. Adequate as a road map for more in-depth research.