Following the remarkable success of Maltese Mythology: Volume I, Merlin Publishers are delighted to announce the publication of Maltese Mythology: Volume 2, the latest English-language work by Stephan D. Mifsud, which continues to explore the mythological world shaped by Maltese folklore.
Published in 2023, Maltese Mythology: Volume I became a cultural phenomenon, achieving unprecedented success both locally and beyond our shores. The book presented a fresh perspective on Maltese mythology, drawing from Mifsud's extensive research into Maltese folklore and legends, many of which were originally collected by Patri Manwel Magri over a century ago.
In this second volume, Mifsud builds upon the foundations established in the first book, taking a deeper look into the mythical beings, spirits and legendary figures that form an integral part of Malta's cultural heritage. The book explores various themes, including wind gods and storm demons, household custodians and treasure guardians, as well as nature spirits and monsters, among many others.
This project is truly unique, as Mifsud masterfully creates a mosaic of ancient myths from fragments of folklore that survived into the late 20th century. The mythical entities and creatures featured in the book, such as l-irjieħ, il-ħares, l-għul and il-babaw, all have deep roots in Maltese popular culture. However, Mifsud has now placed them within a cohesive mythological system that reflects the broader mythologies of the Mediterranean region.
Mifsud embarked on his literary journey in 2014 with The Maltese Bestiary (Merlin Publishers), an illustrated guide to the mythical flora and fauna of the Maltese Islands. The book, which has been reprinted twice, received the National Book Prize for Best Book Design. A biologist with a keen interest in unusual plants and extinct animals, Mifsud is equally passionate about monsters and fantastical creatures that emerge from human imagination in myths and legends. It was precisely this blend of interests that led him to embark on this monumental project on Maltese mythology.
In the book's preface, Mifsud explains that mythology is more than just a collection of tales but a belief system that held profound significance for our ancestors. He adds, "the present is built on the past; mythology, like history and archaeology, gives us a better understanding of the world we live in". He goes on to describe how, in studying Maltese folklore, he looked for characters and episodes that fit the roles of subconscious archetypes - universal patterns found in mythologies across the world, uniquely interpreted by each culture.
Merlin Publishers believe that this second volume will continue enriching Maltese literature with a work that not only preserves an important aspect of our cultural heritage but also provides a fresh perspective on our identity as a people.
Like its predecessor, Maltese Mythology: Volume 2 is accompanied by detailed and striking illustrations, all created by the author himself. These drawings bring Malta's mythical creatures to life, many of which have never been visually represented before.
Maltese Mythology: Volume 2 is published as a luxurious hardcover edition, with rich production features that perfectly complement the first volume. The elegant design and superior quality of the publication make it an ideal gift for collectors of Maltese literature, as well as enthusiasts of history and mythology. Together, the two volumes form a cultural treasure that deserves a prominent place in every Maltese library.
Maltese Mythology: Volume 2 is now available for purchase from leading bookshops across Malta and Gozo, as well as online at www.merlinpublishers.com.
While this second volume stands as a complete book on its own, readers interested in Maltese cultural heritage will gain a richer and more comprehensive experience by exploring both volumes together.