Latin American Folktales: Stories from Hispanic and Indian Traditions [Paperback]

The wisdom and artistry of storytellers from Hispanic and Indian traditions preserve one of the world's richest folktale traditions—combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America. Gathered from twenty countries, including the United States, the stories are brought together here in a core collection of one hundred tales arranged in the form of avelorio,or wake, the most frequent occasion for public storytelling. This is the first panoramic anthology of Hispano-American folk narratives in any language.

Part of the Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore LibraryPreface xi
Introduction 3
 
PROLOGUE: EARLY COLONIAL LEGENDS19
1. Montezuma /Mexico (Nahua)22
        I. The Talking Stone 22
        II. Montezuma’s Wound 25
        III. Eight Omens 26
        IV. The Return of Quetzalcoatl 28
        V. Is It You? 32
2. Legends of the Inca Kings /Peru(Quechua)34
        I. Mayta Capac 34
        II. The Storm 36
        III. The Vanishing Bride 38
        IV. A Messenger in Black 40
        V. The Oracle at Huamachuco 41
3. Bringing Out the Holy Word /Mexico (Nahua)42
 
FOLKTALES: A TWENTIETH-CENTURY WAKE45
Part One49
4. In the City of Benjamin /Ecuador49
5. Antuco’s Luck /Chile51
6. Don Dinero and Doña Fortuna /Dominican Republic56
7. Mistress Lucía /Mexico57
8. St. Peter’s Wishes /Cuba63
9. The Coyote Teodora /Honduras64
10. Buried Alive /Call³.