Mythical Journeys Legendary Quests

Mythical Journeys, Legendary Quests by Moyra Caldecott is a fascinating non-fiction exploration of the universal theme of the "journey" or "quest" found in myths across the world. Drawing from ancient Egypt, Sumeria, aboriginal Australia, pre-Columbian America, Vietnam, India, Africa, and Europe, Caldecott presents these powerful stories. She then provides detailed background on their origins and insightful analysis of their deeper meaning, connecting them to the human soul's perennial search for enlightenment and reassurance in the face of mortality, as explored by thinkers like Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell. This book is ideal for parents seeking to introduce older elementary and middle school children to world mythology and encourage deeper philosophical thought about human existence and cultural diversity.

One of the most persistent themes in myth and legend from the world's many cultures is the story of the journey--the quest. In Mythical Journeys, Legendary Quests, Moyra Caldecott shows the connection between the sacred, mythic journeys as found in legend and story and the real journey of the individual soul towards enlightenment. This perennial quest for reassurance in the face of human mortality is spread as wide as our existence on the planet and throughout history. Indeed Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell have shown us that myth and legend are not just fantasy tales for children. They are powerful expressions, in code, of a deep yearning towards an understanding of human existence. Moyra Caldecott has selected material from many cultures to illustrate this: from ancient Egypt and Sumeria to aboriginal Australia, pre-Columbian America, Vietnam, India, Africa and Europe. For each legend she provides background on its origin and detailed analysis of its meaning and significance.