Mythen en sagen uit West-Indië

This anthology gathers the oral heritage of the peoples who once thrived across the coastal jungles and river valleys of Guyana, from the indigenous communities to the descendants of West African slaves. The tales range from creation myths and heroic sagas to animal fables in which creatures speak and act like humans. Each story is presented in its original spirit, preserving the cadence of the spoken word while offering a clear translation for modern ears.

The collection highlights striking parallels between two cultures that, though historically separate, share a common imagination about nature, ancestry, and the supernatural. Illustrations by Willem Backer bring vivid life to scenes where spirits mingle with the forest and where a twenty‑legged spider spins lessons for listeners. By juxtaposing these narratives, the volume invites listeners to see how myths act as mirrors of daily life and as bridges across cultural divides.