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Author
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Comment
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allen
Unregistered User
(9/26/04 1:11 am)
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epic literature
I don't know if this question is appropriate but - I'm interested in reading all of the great epic literature of the world's cultures (The Mahabharata, Journey to the West, etc.) and I am wondering if there is a good resource for such literature. What titles am I missing? Where could I go to find out? Any books written about the subject matter. I would surely appreciate any help on this matter. Gracias!
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redtriskell
Registered User
(9/26/04 1:35 am)
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reading lists
When you say "epic", what exactly do you mean? Are we talking the Icelandic sagas? Gilgamesh? Arthurian romance? All of the above? If you're interested in the origins and uses of world myths, I strongly suggest the incomparable Joseph Campbell. "The Hero of a Thousand Faces" is a great place to read about the epic hero in his many guises around the world. If you just want to read the stories for pleasure, any large chain bookstore has a section of world myth and folklore, which frequently includes translations of the more commonly requested sagas and epics. Of course, the selection is widely variable in the big stores. I find college bookstores at the middle or end of a semester to be a good source for these kinds of books. Most schools have at least one or two classes on comparative mythology, so they usually have annotated texts. And don't forget your local library- reference librarians are, in my experience, incredibly knowledgable if you take the time to tell them what you're after. They are also pretty good sources for further reading; you know, similar materials or books you've never heard of by people who died a century ago. Anyway, hope this is helpful and that you enjoy your exploration.
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Conteurlisa
Registered User
(9/26/04 5:58 am)
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Epic Literature
Hi Allen,
Sounds like a wonderful reading experience!
www.legends.dm.net
This site has a Legends Resource list that may be helpful to you.
Cheers, Lisa
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midori snyder
Registered User
(9/26/04 7:45 am)
ezSupporter
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Re: Epic Literature
Here's two from Africa:
Sunjata: Three Mandika Versions (translated by Gordon Innes, published by SOAS)
The Mwindo Epic (from the Banyanga of the Congo) translated by Daniel Biebuyck and Kahombo Mateene
Both books are probably not in print any more but should be available in a good university library. They are fabulous!
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allen
Unregistered User
(9/26/04 10:33 pm)
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epic literature
Thank you much, all, for the advice. I should clarify my use of the term "epic". I use that word generically, to include many forms of literature including (as was mentioned) Gilgamesh, the great icelandic sagas, the Arthurian mythos. I'm only interested in epics beyond the pale of the West which was why I mentioned the Mahabharata (Sanskrit) and the Journey To The West (Chinese). I would be curious to know if any of you are aware of good books on this general topic - I'll have to look into Joseph Campbell's piece - especially of an historical nature.
How about meso-America? I am well aware of the Popul Vuh but I would love to know of other primary works.
Gracias, Allen.
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redtriskell
Registered User
(9/27/04 12:48 am)
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Joseph Cambell
As a matter of fact, JC does indeed have an extensive series on Oriental lore. In "The Masks of God" group, there's one called Oriental Mythology. He also has another group loosely called Asian Journals. I only have the one on Japan, but I've seen ones for India and China. It wouldn't surprise me that there are others I'm unaware of. And, if you're interested, he also did a big fat book on meso-american and other aboriginol peoples, but-sorry- I can't recall the title and I don't own that one. If you investigate his work, which was extensive, I'm positive you'll find other volumes. One caveat- he can get a little dry. And he allowed his footnotes to breed unchecked. Of course, you don't even have to read all his stuff- his bibliographies are very thorough. I've found other cool books by chasing down some of the material he references. Have fun.:D
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allen
Unregistered User
(9/27/04 11:37 pm)
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epic literature
What do you mean I should read Mr. Campbell's long scholarly tome to research the subject matter? You want me to WORK? :D Oh no no no! I don't WORK!
Seriously though, I thank you for the clue. I happen to know where I can get Campbell's Oriental section from the Masks of God. Lordy! It has been many years since I have had much to do with Campbell.
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ashkevron13
Registered User
(9/28/04 8:25 pm)
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a possible direction
I stumbled across an interesting site while googling for Popul Vuh,
www.sacred-texts.com/index.htm.
It was a collection of books or papers in the public domain, so
some of the sources were old, but it seemed well indexed and might
be a good place to find, well, sacred texts, and the myths and epic
associated with them. By the way Allen, I would never have found
that site if you hadn't mentioned Popul Vuh and made me curious
as to what it was, so thanks! Happy hunting.
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jhlong
Registered User
(10/7/04 11:58 am)
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epic literature
You might want to look up the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant.
Aloha from Honolulu.
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