Greek and Roman mythology A to Z : a young reader's companion

Flix Guirand; Robert Graves; Richard Aldington; Delano Ames

Here, in all their wonder and splendor, are the Mythologies of Mankind.. from pre-biblical Egypt and pre-Homeric Greece to the farthest researches of Africa, the Orient, the Pacific and the Americas.. all gathered into one mammoth volume of unprecedented scope and beauty, and illustrated with an incomparable scope and beauty, and illustrated with an incomparable assemblage of authentic paintings, sculpture, symbols, idols, ritual and sacrificial objects, many rarely seen by modern Western eyes.This monumental work is the first complete encyclopedia of world mythology. Originally published in France by the famous house of Larousse, it contains of course all the well-loved myths of Classical Antiquity. But more than half the book is devoted to the strange and unfamiliar mythologies of civilizations...from Peru to Persia, from Tahiti to Togoland.Nearly 600 Illustrations. Lire plus…

Patricia Monaghan Ph.d.

This one-volume encyclopedia on the myths and folklore of the Celtic lands - Ireland, Scotland, Celtic Britain, Wales, Brittany and central France, Galicia and the smaller islands where the Ceits lived - offers a broad overview of the elements that constitute and characterize Celtic mythology and folklore. Concise A-to-Z entries provide brief descriptions of the subjects, emphasize the original sources of myths and traditions, and include bibliographic references. Approximately 1,000 entries cover. Mythic figures Heroic figures Narrative and epic cycles Themes and religious concepts Sacred places and objects Historical places Theories and controversies Lire plus…

Edited By Roger D. Woodard

A unique resource, 'The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology' is essential reading for understanding not only Greek myth, but also its enormous impact on art, architecture, literature, politics and philosophy across the ages. More than a compendium of isolated facts, 'The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology' is thoughtfully composed by a team of international experts who highlight important themes in three sections. The first part examines oral and written Greek mythology and the uses of these myths from the epic poetry of the eighth century BC to the mythographic catalogs of the early centuries AD. The second section looks at the relationship between ancient Greek myth and Greek culture and investigates the Roman appropriation of the Greek mythic tradition. Section three follows the reception of Greek myth from the Middle Ages to modernity, taking in such factors as feminist scholarship, cinema and literature. Important for its reach and breadth, its integrated approach and its up-to-date treatment, 'The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology' is fundamental for anyone seeking a broader understanding of the myths and their influence on western tradition. Lire plus…

Lesley Bolton

Entertaining and educational, The Everything Classical Mythology Book is a superb introduction to ancient Greek and Roman mythology. For those of us who cannot recount the twelve labours of Hercules, how Odysseus tricked the Trojans, why the phrase ''Achilles Heel' was first coined, or how Medusa was slain, this comprehensive volume will provide answers to these and hundreds more enquiries. Lire plus…

P>robert</p> <P>d.</p> <P>craig</p>

An accessible, concise reference source on Polynesia's complex mythology, product of a culture little known outside its home.Encounters with the West introduced Polynesian mythology to the world—and sealed its fate as a casualty of colonialism. But for centuries before the Europeans came, that mythology was as vast as the triangle of ocean in which it flourished, as diverse as the people it served, and as complex as the mythologies of Greece and Rome.Students, researchers, and enthusiasts can follow vivid retellings of stories of creation, death, and great voyages, tracking variations from island to island. They can use the book's reference section for information on major deities, heroes, elves, fairies, and recurring themes, as well as the mythic implications of everything from dogs and volcanoes to the hula, Easter Island, and tattooing (invented in the South Pacific and popularized by returning sailors). Lire plus…

Paul Richard Steele; Catherine Jean Allen

This book is for a general audience. It is well written with only occasional use of perhaps overly technical words, for example, chthonic for underworld. It has a very good Index and a list of essential references, at least those that have been published in English. The glossary is also quite useful. In areas in which I am somewhat knowledgeable, I find a good summary is presented but with a minimum of references. Missing is any reference to the common origin myth of the Maya (Popul Vuh) and Andeans (Huarichiri); likewise other shared myths such as the revolt of the objects are not mentioned. Further, the common substitution of body parts in Andean sculpture, such as at Chavín is not contrasted to the another region where it is well-known, China, as seen in dragons. The Maya case must represent diffusion for the degree of similarity in the quite unusual origin myth; that of China would at least apprise the reader that the Andean case is not unique. In brief, the book provides a good introduction to Inca mythology and that treatment is extended to pre-Incan peoples in some instances, such as the Moche. It is pitched to somewhere between a popular readership and one useful as a good introductory treatment in a class room at a low grade level at a university. General readers will find the alienness of the myths, less tempered by the introduction of European ones than, say, in Central America, accessible, although the hand of the ethnographer Catherine J. Allen,... Lire plus…

Dawn E. Bastian, Judy Mitchell

This revealing work introduces readers to the mythologies of Native Americans from the United States to the Arctic Circle-a rich, complex, and diverse body of lore, which remains less widely known than mythologies of other peoples and places. In thematic chapters and encyclopedia-style entries, Handbook of Native American Mythology examines the characters and deities, rituals, sacred locations and objects, concepts, and stories that define mythological cultures of various indigenous peoples. By tracing the traditions as far back as possible and following their evolution from generation to generation, Handbook of Native American Mythology offers a unique perspective on Native American history, culture, and values. It also shows how central these traditions are to contemporary Native American life, including the continuing struggle for land rights, economic parity, and repatriation of cultural property. With more than 40 photographs, illustrations, and maps, here is the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of Native North Americans available in one volume. Lire plus…

Pat Remler

Egypt's myths are among the earliest in the ancient world. "Egyptian Mythology A to Z, Revised Edition" brings to life the fascinating world of Egyptian mythology and religious beliefs for young readers. This new edition has been revised and updated to reflect the latest discoveries. New information covered in this thorough reference guide includes entries on such topics as pyramids and mythology, the cult of the king, human sacrifice, and many new gods and legendary figures. A bibliography at the end of the book encourages students to investigate topics that spark their interest. With its focus on Egyptian gods and goddesses and the relationship between Egyptian myths and the later Greek and Roman mythology, this volume is a useful reference and teaching aid for students with an interest in mythological studies Lire plus…

Roman, Assistant Professor Of Classics Luke, Roman, Monica

and the interactions of men, gods, heroes, and monsters. Ultimately, the Romans come to integrate their own legendary history with the myths of the Greek city-states. Bridging figures, such as Aeneas, Heracles, Diomedes, Hippolytus, Evander, and Orestes, who, in some myths, travel from the Greek or Trojan world to Italy, and in some cases found cities, are particularly salient examples of such integration. The resultant fusion is called "classical mythology" by modern textbooks. Acis (Akis) See Galatea; Polyphemus. ## Acontius and Cydippe A young man from Chios. Classical sources are Callimachus's Aetia (3.1.26) and Ovid's Heroides (20, 21). Acontius fell in love with Cydippe and followed her to the temple of Artemis. He wrote on an apple the words "I swear by Artemis that I will marry ## Acontius and Cydippe Acontius." Cydippe picked up the apple and read the inscription aloud, inadvertently swearing an oath by Artemis to marry Acontius. Cydippe's parents, however, arranged for her to be engaged to another man, and she became ill as the time for the marriage neared. Cydippe's father discovered from the Delphic oracle that Cydippe's illness was caused by the potential betrayal of the oath she had sworn to Artemis. Acontius was then accepted as a husband for Cydippe. ## Actaeon A Boeotian hunter. Son of Aristaeus and Autonoe. Grandson of Cadmus. Classical sources are Apollodorus's Library (3.4.4), Diodorus Siculus's Library of History (4.81.4), Hyginus's Fabulae (180,... Lire plus…

Kathleen N. Daly; Revised By Marian Rengel

Norse Mythology A to Z, Third Edition examines the characters, objects, and places whose stories make up the folklore of the Norse people, who lived in the region known today as Scandinavia. Passed down through the generations by word of mouth and finally written down in the 13th century and later, these myths include tales of gods and goddesses; heroes, giants, and dwarfs; and serpents and dragons that inhabit enchanted realms. This colorful volume brings to life many of these Nordic myths. Entries of this title include: the most famous gods and goddesses, such as Odin, Thor, and Freya; plants and animals important to Norse mythology, such as the oak tree and the eagle; stories and poems, such as "Treasures of the Dwarfs" and the "Poetic Edda"; and, much more Lire plus…

Ann Bingham; Patricia Ann Lynch; Kathleen N Daly; Jeremy Roberts; Pat Remler; Gienna Matson

Features over four hundred entries that explore such topics as the core beliefs of various tribes, creation accounts, and recurrent themes throughout North American native cultures. The beliefs of many Native American peoples emphasize a close relationship between people and the natural world, including geographical features such as mountains and lakes, and animals such as whales and bison. Therefore, many of the myths of these peoples are stories of strange occurrences where animals or forces of nature and people interact. These stories are full of vitality and have captured the attention of young people, in many cases, for centuries. Native American Mythology A to Z presents detailed coverage of the deities, legendary heroes and heroines, important animals, objects, and places that make up the mythic lore of the many peoples of North America from northern Mexico into the Arctic Circle. A comprehensive reference written for young people and illustrated throughout, this volume brings to life many Native American myths, traditions, and beliefs. Offering an in depth look at various aspects of Native American myths that are often left unexplained in other books on the subject, this book is a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning more about various Native American cultures. Coverage includes creation accounts from many Native American cultures; influences on and development of Native American mythology; the effects of geographic region, environment, and climate on... Lire plus…

Jeremy Roberts

Китайская Мифология: библиография , культура , легенды, мифы, исследования In ancient Chinese civilization, emperors were revered as the direct descendants of the gods, who ruled all of nature and the heavens. Animal bones were consulted as oracles to answer the great questions of life and death, and ancestral spirits were thought to roam the earth, negotiating with the gods on behalf of the living. From the legends of the Eight Immortals to the teachings of Confucius, Chinese Mythology A to Z, Second Edition provides a refreshing, insightful look at the stories and myths that open a window onto this civilization. Coverage of this title includes: Buddhist deities and legendary characters; animal stories, such as the fox legends; important locations, such as shrines and sacred places; allegorical figures, such as the Jade Emperor, the Rain Master, and the Lord of the Granary; and, more. Lire plus…

Robert Edward Francillon

One of the best introductions to Greek mythology for children. Includes the stories of all the prominent gods and heroes, woven together into a continuous narrative, ending with a full treatment of the twelve labors of Hercules. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Lire plus…

Kathleen N. Daly; Revised By Marian Rengel

Presents the gods, goddesses, heroes, places, and other aspects of Greek and Roman mythology in alphabetically arranged entries. Lire plus…

Roberts, Jeremy; Matson, Gienna

This is a clearly written, illustrated guide to the characters, objects, and places that make up the mythic lore of the Celtic peoples. It has more than 450 entries providing readable definitions, explanations, and descriptions of the major stories, gods and goddesses, places, and beliefs. Lire plus…

Patricia Ann Lynch; Revised By Jeremy Roberts

The African continent is home to a fascinating and strong tradition of myth, due in part to the long history of human habitation in Africa; the diversity of its geography, flora, and fauna; and the variety of its cultural beliefs. African Mythology A to Z is a readable reference to the deities, places, events, animals, beliefs, and other subjects that appear in the myths of various African peoples. For the first time, this edition features full-color photographs and illustrations.Coverage includes. Lire plus…

Lihui Yang And Deming An, With Jessica Anderson Turner

An informative work of historical and contemporary Chinese myths, including a useful collection of historical documents, detailing myths as they live and change in China today.Compiled from ancient and scattered texts and based on revelatory new research, Handbook of Chinese Mythology is the most comprehensive English-language work on the subject ever written from an exclusively Chinese perspective.This work focuses on the Han Chinese people but ranges across the full ethnic spectrum of ancient and modern China, showing how key myths endured and evolved over time. A quick reference section covers all major deities, spirits, and demigods, as well as important places (Kunlun Mountain), mythical animals and plants (the crow with three feet; Fusang tree), and appurtenances (Xirang—a kind of mythical soil; Bu Si Yao—mythical medicine for long life). No other work captures so well what Chinese mythology means to the people who lived and continue to live their lives by it. Lire plus…