"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."-- Page 4 of cover.

Includes index.

How the world began.The heart of Ptah -- Egyptian gods -- Out of chaos -- The world that came from a shell -- Survivor gods -- The Chameleon and the Lizard -- Ymir and Odin -- The world that came from a gourd -- The Taíno people -- Lord of the dance -- Divine dancers and celestial music -- Gods helping humans. Chahk opens up the maize mountain -- The Maya people -- Enki and Atraphasis save the world -- Between the rivers -- The 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 -- The Kingdom of Benin -- Zorya and the snake god -- The Sun and the Moon -- Hoori's gems of the sea -- Gods and animals -- The 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 -- The prince and the Moon -- Superhumans -- A world of gods.