The Eagle on the Cactus: Traditional Stories from Mexico [Hardcover]

Angel Vigil (Author)

Book Description

Series: World Folklore Series

This beautiful tapestry of traditional tales, history, folk arts, and dance offers you a glimpse into the living legacy of Mexican folklore. After an overview of Mexico's history from the Mesoamerican indigenous era to modern times, Vigil explores the fascinating traditions of Oaxacan wood carving, Huichol bead and yarn art, folk masks, folklorico dance costumes, and Mexican folklore. A collection of tales follows, including classic tales, pourquoi creation tales from native people of pre-Hispanic Mexico, and tales from the Spanish colonial era of Mexican history-trickster tales, adventure and wonder stories, and animal fables. Lively reading for older students and adults, the tales may also be used for read-alouds with younger students. With 15 of the 44 tales presented in Spanish as well as in English, this is an excellent resource for Spanish classes and for Spanish-speaking readers. The fascinating background material also makes the book an excellent source for reports and research. Color plates

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

The myths and legends gathered here exhibit the country's rich historical and cultural heritage. The book opens with legends essential to the Mexican oral tradition, such as "The Legend of the Poinsettia" and "The Eagle on the Cactus" (the symbol on the Mexican flag). They are followed by Creation stories that tell the Aztec as well as other versions of how the earth, sun, moon, etc., came to be. Vigil concludes with stories from Spanish colonial Mexico, including trickster tales; tales of transformation, magic, and adventure; dos compadres stories; and animal fables. The modern adaptations are written to be shared aloud and the broad range of tales, some of which appear in both English and Spanish, will appeal to elementary through secondary-school audiences. The text is easy to read. The pronunciation guide for Aztec and Mayan names is very helpful, but the lack of pronunciation hints in the glossary of Spanish words limits its value. Still, a solid addition to multicultural, literary, and storytelling collections.
Judy Sokoll, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

ANGEL VIGIL is Chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, Colorado Academy, Denver, Colorado, and an award-winning educator, author, and storyteller.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 223 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563087030
• ISBN-13: 978-1563087035
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,862,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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