INDIAN GODS HEROES AND MYTHOLOGY BY TAMMY GAGNE CONTENT CONSULTANT Andrew Nicholson Associate Professor of Asian Asian American Studies Stony Brook University Cover image Ganesha is an Indian deity often shown with the head of an elephant Core Library An Imprint of Abdo Publishing abdobooks com GODS HEROES AND MYTHOLOGY
CHAPTER ONE 4
THE ORIGINS OF INDIAN MYTHOLOGY M ore than 2,000 years ago a sage the Tamasa River in India when named Valmiki was walking along he came upon a pair of birds As the male bird sang to the female Valmiki stopped to take in the heartwarming moment But it was interrupted when an arrow burst through the air The weapon struck the male bird’s chest In an instant he fell to the ground The female was heartbroken as her mate lay dying before her Valmiki turned to see a hunter approaching with his bow in hand He was outraged and cursed the hunter Hindus continue to honor Valmiki today 5
