Summary

In a world thought to have been created—and nearly destroyed—by the primordial gods Izanagi and Izanami, mythic heroes battled ferocious dragons and giant spiders, while ordinary bamboo cutters and farmers made unexpected contact with the supernatural. Japanese Mythology A to Z, Second Edition is a valuable, colorful reference for anyone with an interest in mythology or Japanese culture.

Coverage includes:

• The early Japanese deities who created the world and the later deities who protect it
• Kami, the spirits of all aspects of the living world
• Animals and mythological creatures
• Demons and bogeymen
• Shrines and other sacred places
• Stories from Kojiki and other historical records of ancient myths
• Historical emperors, empresses, heroes, and heroines whose deeds live on in legend
• And more.

Specifications

Full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps. Bibliography. Cross-references. Appendixes. Index.

About the Author(s)

Jeremy Roberts has published nearly two dozen books for young readers. His recent books include biographies of King Arthur and Joan of Arc. He has studied mythology for more than a decade, and two of his novels for adults, Coyote Bird and War Breaker, make extensive use of motifs from Asian mythology.