Down From The Sky World
By David Neel
Published 2026
Down From the Sky World is an engaging collection of traditional stories and a thoughtful study of their enduring significance. Written by a Kwakiutl artist, author, and descendant of a distinguished family of cultural leaders, it will appeal to readers interested in mythology, anthropology, Indigenous studies, religion, and history. His previous book, The Way Home, was a finalist for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction.
David Neel presents a remarkable collection of Kwakiutl myths, accompanied by an exploration of their deeper meanings and their place within the wider landscape of world mythology. Drawing upon decades of research, traditional knowledge, and historical sources, he reveals the esoteric dimensions of Kwakiutl mythology, including transformation, cosmology, and the supernatural. Through stories about Raven, Thunderbird, and the Great Transformer, he reveals how these myths resonate within both Kwakiutl culture and the universal human experience.
For countless generations, the Kwakiutl people have preserved their history, beliefs, and worldview through myth. These ancient narratives embody a complex tradition of symbolism, metaphor, and archetype that remains relevant in the modern world. Neel argues that Kwakiutl mythology deserves recognition alongside the great mythological systems of the world. By bringing together ancient stories that have remained inaccessible for more than a century, he offers readers a fascinating and engaging look into a complex mythic system that forms the foundation of Northwest Coast Native traditional culture.