Japanese Mythology A to Z (Mythology a to Z)

With more than 600 entries on topics of interest to young readers, this is a comprehensive reference to the major figures, places, stories, objects and themes in the most popular legends and folktales from Japan. Myths offer answers to existential questions such as where we come from and what happens after we die. In a world thought to have been created--and nearly destroyed--by the primordial gods Izanagi and Izanami, mythic heroes battled ferocious dragons and giant spiders, while ordinary bamboo cutters and farmers made unexpected contact with the supernatural. Japanese Mythology A to Z, Second Edition is a valuable, colorful reference for anyone with an interest in mythology or Japanese culture Alphabetically listed entries discuss and explain the characters, events, and key places of Japanese mythology.