The Traditions of the Hopi (Myths, Legend and Folk Tales from Around the World) - Softcover

A HOPI proverb states "The one who tells the stories rules the world." The 110 Hopi tales and legends presented in this volume were collected in the vernacular and without an interpreter, by H. R. Voth, during the early part of the 20th C. He did this in connection with other investigations among the Hopi which he made for the Field Columbian Museum's Department of Anthropology in an investigation provided for by Mr. Stanley McCormick. The Hopi maintain a complex religious and mythological tradition stretching back over centuries. However, it is difficult to definitively state what all Hopi, as a group, believe. Like the oral traditions of many other societies, Hopi mythology is not always told consistently and each Hopi mesa, or even each village, may have its own version of a particular story. But, in essence the variants of the Hopi myth bear marked similarity to one another. Folklorist Harold Courlander (1908 - 1996) stated, "there is a Hopi reticence about discussing matters that could be considered ritual secrets or religion-oriented traditions." If this is indeed the case then there must be a massive library of untold Hopi folklore and mythology out there somewhere. But for now we will have to do with these 110 tales collected over 100 years ago - and who knows how old they were when they were recorded? So join with us and find a comfy chair, kick back and relax and enjoy these 110 tales from the mesas of Arizona and the mists of time - and in their retelling maybe you'll feel as if you rule the world. 33% of the net profit from the sale of this book will be donated to the American Indian Education Fund.