Presents folktales of Mexico dealing with saints, sinners, men, and beasts

Publisher Description

The Aesop Prize 2001, American Folklore Society Editor's Choice 2001, "Booklist

Originally published under title: Dictionary of Chicano folklore. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, c2000.

Over one hundred stories showcasing the wisdom and artistry of one the world’s richest folktale traditions—the first panoramic anthology of Hispano-American folk narratives in any language. Gathered from twenty countries and combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America, the stories brought together here represent a core collection of classic Latin American folktales. Among the essential characters are the quiet man's wife who knew the Devil's secrets, the three daughters who robbed their father's grave, and the wife in disguise who married her own husband—not to mention the Bear's son, the tricksters Fox and Monkey, the two compadres, and the classic rogue Pedro de Urdemalas. Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library edition is unprecedented in size and scope, including riddles, folk prayers, and fables never before translated into English.

Traditional Mexican stories tell of ghosts, evil spirits, devils, curses, and supernatural forces.

In the summer of 1931, folklorist Espinosa traveled throughout northern New Mexico asking Spanish-speaking residents for tales of olden times. These tales are available once again, in the original Spanish and now for the first time in English translation.