Popular Asian Mythology Books
Find mythology books written by authors from Asia for the next part of the Read Around The World Challenge. (17)
1.
Butterfly Mother: Miao (Hmong) Creation Epics from Guizhou, China by Mark Bender EN
ChinaDescription:
A collection of epics from the Miao (Hmong) ethnic group of southwest China. The poetic narratives, traditionally performed by two groups of singers, relate the creation of the world and the peoples and creatures in it. One of the major figures in one series of the songs is Butterfly Mother (Mai Bang), a personified butterfly who lays the eggs that eventually lead to the creation of the local peoples. Rich in cultural lore, these mythic narratives are virtual encyclopedias of traditional myths, legends, and folk customs of the Miao people.
2.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan EN
MalaysiaDescription:
A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e , in which a young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm and sets her on a dangerous path--where choices come with deadly consequences, and she risks losing more than her heart. Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the powerful Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin's magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her h... continue
3.
Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf EN
Description:
A Malaysian spin on Little Red Riding Hood from the critically acclaimed author of The Girl and the Ghost, Hanna Alkaf.
Courage is the strongest magic there is.
On Hamra's thirteenth birthday, she receives nothing but endless nagging and yet another errand to run in the Langkawi jungle that looms behind her home.
No one has remembered her special day.
And so, stifled and angry, Hamra ignores something she shouldn't: the rules of the jungle.
Always ask permission before you enter. Hamra walks boldly in.
Never take what isn't yours. Hamra finds the most perfect j... continue
4.
I Am Not Your Eve by Devika Ponnambalam EN
BruneiDescription:
A polyphonic novel of Teha'amana, Tahitian muse and child-bride to Paul Gaugin, from her point of view conveyed through the myths and legends of the islands.
5.
Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi EN
IndiaDescription:
This is the first book in a trilogy on Shiva, the simple man whose karma re-cast his as our Mahadev, the God of Gods.
6.
Just So Stories for Little Children by Rudyard Kipling EN
Description:
An illustrated collection of twelve humorous tales, including stories of how the rhinoceros got its skin and the leopard got its spots.
7.
Kaikeyi : A Novel by Vaishnavi Patel EN
Description:
"Mythic retelling at its best." ―R. F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War "Easily earns its place on shelves alongside Madeline Miller's Circe." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana. It is a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak--and an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come. I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions--much good it did me. So beg... continue
8.
Krishnavatara 1: The Magic Flute by Dr. K.M. Munshi EN
Description:
Part 1 of a retelling of the Krishnavatara in English.
9.
Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling EN
Description:
"While performing a scene from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Una and Dan accidentally summon Puck who enables them to witness tales of English history."--From source other than the Library of Congress
10.
The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years by Chingiz Aitmatov EN
Country: Asia / 
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Description:
" . . . a rewarding book." —Times Literary Supplement Set in the vast windswept Central Asian steppes and the infinite reaches of galactic space, this powerful novel offers a vivid view of the culture and values of the Soviet Union's Central Asian peoples.