In the times of the ancients, people were unruly and murderous. The Moon wept with sadness at the violence and hatred people had for one another. As the Moon's tears fell upon the lands, seven animal spirits manifested. These spirits began to seek out the most righteous soul from each land. The seven chosen souls became one with their animal spirit and became kings over their people. They were forever protected and enlightened by their animal spirit which the people called "Shama." Each of these original Shama were known as: The Spirit of the Kings As the world became peaceful again, the Moon blessed all future newborns with their own Shama as a reward for the end of violence. Generations of peace followed, however, the people would, naturally, turn to violence once again. A great war erupted between the lands. All seven spirit of the kings were lost. They were now merely a memory: a legend. Noble families were elected to rule the lands in the absence of the true heirs. For generations, these families ruled the lands, however, rumors reached the queen of Azira that one of the sacred animals was seen heading towards the small colony of Canary Glenn. After many years, the true heir of the land would be born within a colony of peasants. This was an event that the royal family would prevent at any cost.

A collection of African myths, legends and fables about gods, spirits, ghosts, heroes, and animals.

This fascinating book features 35 stories from the Zulu, Swahili, Bantu, Ashanti and other African cultures, passed down from generation to generation that are still told today. Filled with magnificent, full-color illustrations, an index, map and a guide to symbols in the mythology.

This landmark book shows how five African civilizations—Yoruba, Kongo, Ejagham, Mande and Cross River—have informed and are reflected in the aesthetic, social and metaphysical traditions (music, sculpture, textiles, architecture, religion, idiogrammatic writing) of black people in the United States, Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad, Mexico, Brazil and other places in the New World.