Mythology

I just finished reading The Mythology of Mexico and Central America by John Bierhorst. It was an interesting read, giving in-depth analysis of the different myths of the region, as told by different Indian tribes living there, and how they inter-relate. It looked at how native culture was affected by the Spanish and it's influence on their mythology. It was well organized and gave me a greater understanding of the core myths at the center of their beliefs.

Unfortunately what I was really looking for when I purchased this book, was simply a book detailing the different myths of the Mayan's and Aztecs, their mythologies and gods. I think I should probably have gotten a copy of the translation of Popol Voh. I feel bad though saying that this wasn't what I was looking for. Perhaps I should say it wasn't what I was originally looking for. It was a fascinating study on the living mythology of the region, what stories people believe today and how it affects their culture. I think part of the problem was that I was not already familiar with the myths, and so their telling seemed very abbreviated and dry. I think if I'd read the same book about Chinese myths I would have enjoyed it a great deal more. Not that the Chinese myths are better, I'm just more familiar with them and so would have been able to appreciate the analysis more.