The Fourth World of the Hopis: The Epic Story of the Hopi Indians as Preserved in Their Legends and Traditions
by Harold Courlander
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Description
Here the noted folklorist brings together traditional accounts of epic events and adventures in the life of Hopi clans and villages, from legendary to historical times. The setting of these various adventures and events is not the Southwest as we know it today, but a vast and largely unpeopled wilderness in which clans and families wandered in search of a final living place, and in search of their collective identity. Notes, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary enhance the reader's show more appreciation of the text. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
All of the books in print about the Hopis have their benefits and flaws. This one is more reliable than Waters' *Book of the Hopi*, but its version of the Hopi creation story is not representative of most villages. Still, it is the single best source for Hopi history since the arrival of the Conquistadors. It was one of my primary sources for the chapter I wrote on the Hopis in *Water: Its Spiritual Significance* (Fons Vitae, 2010).
Very interesting collection of mythology. Understanding the allegorical significance to the folklore really gives you some wonderful insights. Especially enjoyed their eshewing of comfort.
Great book to read about the common legends and history of the Hopi Indians
Courlander 1908-1996. American novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist, an expert in the study of Haitian life. The author of 35 books and plays and numerous scholarly articles, Courlander specialized in the study of African, Caribbean, Afro-American (U.S.), and American Indian cultures. He took a special interest in oral literature, cults, and Afro-American cultural connections with Africa.
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Author Information
42+ Works 1,619 Members
Harold Courlander (1914-1996) wrote many well-regarded books about the traditions, lore, and oral literature of various peoples in Africa. His works include The Fourth World of the Hopis, Tales of the Yoruba Gods and Heroes, The African, and The Son of the Leopard
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1971
- Epigraph
- When a stranger comes to the village, feed him. Do not injure one another, because all beings deserve to live together without injury being doone to them. When people are old and cannot work any more, do not turn them out t... (show all)o shift for themselves, but take care of them. Defend yourselves when an enemy comes to your village, but do not go out seeking war. The Hopis shall take this counselling and make it the Hopi Way
--from the Palatkwapi story - First words
- In the beginning there was only Tokpella, Endless Space.
Introduction: According to their own mythology, the Hopis came into being when the people emerged from the Lower World through an opening in the earth. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)But the time passed and the Bahana has not come, and there are some who say it is already too late and he will not come at all.
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Anthropology, General Nonfiction, History, Religion & Spirituality
- DDC/MDS
- 398.2 — Society, government, & culture Customs, etiquette & folklore Folklore & Folktales Folk literature
- LCC
- E99 .H7 .C64 — History of the United States America Indians of North America Indian tribes and cultures
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 241
- Popularity
- 135,288
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (4.13)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 2
- ASINs
- 7
