Latin American Folktales: Stories from Hispanic and Indian Traditions (The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)

Over one hundred stories showcasing the wisdom and artistry of one the world’s richest folktale traditions—the first panoramic anthology of Hispano-American folk narratives in any language. Gathered from twenty countries and combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America, the stories brought together here represent a core collection of classic Latin American folktales. Among the essential characters are the quiet man's wife who knew the Devil's secrets, the three daughters who robbed their father's grave, and the wife in disguise who married her own husband—not to mention the Bear's son, the tricksters Fox and Monkey, the two compadres, and the classic rogue Pedro de Urdemalas. Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library edition is unprecedented in size and scope, including riddles, folk prayers, and fables never before translated into English. The first panoramic anthology of Hispano-American folk narratives, this core collection gathers one hundred tales arranged in the form of a "velorio," or wake. The tales are preceded by a selection of early Colonial legends foreshadowing the themes of Latino folklore, followed by modern Indian myths, riddles, chain riddles, and folk prayers