Includes index

"Many legendary tales are told about the gods and goddesses, from kind ones who help humans with their problems, to fierce ones who just want power and revenge. Open this compendium of 23 illustrated tales from across the world to read their stories and learn more about the cultures they came from, with over 100 illustrations and photos."--

How the world began.

Heart of Ptah -- Egyptian gods -- Out of chaos -- World that came from a shell -- Survivor gods -- Chameleon and the Lizard -- Ymir and Odin -- World that came from a gourd -- Taíno people -- Lord of the dance -- Divine dancers and celestial music --

Gods helping humans.

Chahk opens up the maize mountain -- Maya people -- Enki and Atraphasis save the world -- Between the rivers -- Simorgh rescues Zaal -- Many gods or one? -- Marwe in the land of the ghosts -- Guanyin and the invention of kindness -- Tabulech tricks the chief -- Mother goddesses --

Rulers of nature.

Olokun controls the ocean's waves -- Kingdom of Benin -- Zorya and the snake god -- Sun and the Moon -- Hoori's gems of the sea -- Gods and animals -- Mountain spirit and the dragon -- Persephone and Demeter -- Gods of the seasons --

Keeping humans in line.

Anansi and the wisdom of the world -- Hi'iaka teaches Papulehu a lesson -- Athena loses her temper -- Sekhmet's revenge -- Vengeful gods and evil spirits -- Thre prince and the Moon -- Superhumans -- A world of gods