Publisher's Synopsis
This is a mythical bestiary and pantheon drawn from all cultures, past and present.;Alphabetically ordered, over 4000 entries describe the origins and significance of mythological beings and legendary figures and events. The dictionary includes gods and goddesses from all major world faiths and cultures, together with sprites, spirits and beliefs from the folklore of ancient civilizations in Eastern and Western Europe, America and Australasia. Included are fabulous beasts, birds, insects and fish as well as legendary characters and fabled events from the literary traditions of many nations, and from anonymous sources in folk tales, nursery rhymes and ghost stories.