The Myths of the New World

"The Myths of the New World," by Daniel G. Brinton, is an intriguing investigation of the intricate mythology of the Americas' indigenous peoples. Some stories are violent and strange, while others creep up on you and slowly suck you in. Brinton, a well-known anthropologist and historian, digs into the numerous cultural narratives that span continents, providing a comprehensive investigation of the myths, stories, and cosmologies that created these civilizations' worldviews. Brinton dives into the stories' origins, themes, and symbolic interpretations through rigorous research and engaging prose. He illustrates how various North, Central, and South American tribes saw creation, human existence, and the divine. Brinton not only maintains these legends, but also evaluates their importance in relation to the societies that gave rise to them. He skilfully reveals the common lines that connect these legends while honoring the individuality of each national heritage.