Eye of newt and toe of frog, adder's fork and lizard's leg : the lore and mythology of amphibians and reptiles / Marty Crump ; in collaboration with Danté B. Fenolio.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Crump, Marty, 1946- author.

Fenolio, Danté B. (Danté Bruce), author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Amphibians--Folklore.

Amphibians.

Amphibians--Mythology.

Reptiles--Folklore.

Reptiles.

Reptiles--Mythology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (329 p.)

Place of Publication:

Chicago ; London : University of Chicago Press, [2015]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Frogs are worshipped for bringing nourishing rains, but blamed for devastating floods. Turtles are admired for their wisdom and longevity, but ridiculed for their sluggish and cowardly behavior. Snakes are respected for their ability to heal and restore life, but despised as symbols of evil. Lizards are revered as beneficent guardian spirits, but feared as the Devil himself. In this ode to toads and snakes, newts and tuatara, crocodiles and tortoises, herpetologist and science writer Marty Crump explores folklore across the world and throughout time. From creation myths to trickster tales; from associations with fertility and rebirth to fire and rain; and from the use of herps in folk medicines and magic, as food, pets, and gods, to their roles in literature, visual art, music, and dance, Crump reveals both our love and hatred of amphibians and reptiles—and their perceived power. In a world where we keep home terrariums at the same time that we battle invasive cane toads, and where public attitudes often dictate that the cute and cuddly receive conservation priority over the slimy and venomous, she shows how our complex and conflicting perceptions threaten the conservation of these ecologically vital animals. Sumptuously illustrated, Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder’s Fork and Lizard’s Leg is a beautiful and enthralling brew of natural history and folklore, sobering science and humor, that leaves us with one irrefutable lesson: love herps. Warts, scales, and all.

Contents:

Talk to the animals

In the beginning : creation myths

Snakes : "good" or "evil"?

Songs and thunderbolts : frogs, snakes, and rain

A second chance : frogs, snakes, and rebirth

Of love, morals, and death : amphibians and reptiles in folktales

The lighter side : trickster tales and "how" and "why" stories

Tailless wonders, naked serpents, and fire lizards : perception of amphibians

Through folk beliefs

Marshmallow-eaters, methuselahs, spiny-backs, were-lizards, and protectors : perception of reptiles through folk beliefs

Move aside, Viagra : reptile sexual power

Pick your poison-blood, venom, skin, or bones : folk medicines

Like a hell-broth, boil and bubble : witchcraft and magic

"How 'bout them toad suckers" : other ways we use amphibians and reptiles

Singing tuatara from their holes.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-300) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780226116143

022611614X

OCLC:

1233041092