Provides children with an illustrated guide to ancient religions, gods, and stories about humans' relationship with gods. Features a locator map of the civilizations mentioned in the book, along with discussions of their beliefs about how the world began, ways gods helped humans, gods as rulers of nature, and how gods disciplined humans. Includes twenty-three tales and over 100 images.

Includes index.

Why do humans tell stories? -- Map of world mythology -- 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 Atrahasis 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 ; 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.