Why did Zeus carry a thunderbolt? Which instrument did Pan play? Where did the jackal-headed god Anubis stand guard? When did Baba Yaga use a mortar and pestle? Why did the god Maui catch the Sun in a noose? All these questions and more are answered in Mythology an outstanding and original Eyewitness Guide. For as long as humans have inhabited the world they have tried to explain its many mysteries from how the world was created to what happens after death. Every society from Greek and Roman to Aztec and African has its own collection of myths - special stories that attempt to make sense of the world around us. Although their cultures may differ many societies tell curiously similar stories of gods heroes giants and beasts with amazing powers. Such myths may be thousands of years old passed down by word of mouth through the generations or recorded in words or pictures. Outstanding and original photography provides a unique glimpse of hundreds of magical myths from around the world. The author Neil Philip has a PhD in mythology and folklore and has written many mythology titles for both children and adults including The Illustrated Book of Myths and Annotated Myths and Legends for Dorling Kindersley.