An Introduction To Mythology

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of myths with "An Introduction to Mythology" by Lewis Spence. This comprehensive guide offers readers a deep dive into the myths, religions, and rationalism of various cultures. Spence's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this classic a treasure trove for mythology enthusiasts and scholars alike.

From Zeus and Europa, to Diana, Pan, and Prometheus, the myths of ancient Greece and Rome seem to exert a timeless power over us. But what do those myths represent, and why are they so enduringly fascinating? Why do they seem to be such a potent way of talking about our selves, our origins, and our desires? This imaginative and stimulating Very Short Introduction goes beyond a simple retelling of the stories to explore the rich history and diverse interpretations of classical myths. It is a wide-ranging account, examining how classical myths are used and understood in both high art and popular culture, taking the reader from the temples of Crete to skyscrapers in New York, and finding classical myths in a variety of unexpected places: from arabic poetry and Hollywood films, to psychoanalysis, the bible, and New Age spiritualism. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Myth and Knowing is by far the most comprehensive world mythology textbook.

Learn about compelling worlds and characters depicted in myths and legends in The Mythology Book. Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about Mythology in this overview guide to the subject, brilliant for novices looking to find out more and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! The Mythology Book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in. This captivating book will broaden your understanding of Mythology, with: - More than 80 classics retold and explained in mythology - Packed with facts, charts, timelines and graphs to help explain core concepts - A visual approach to big subjects with striking illustrations and graphics throughout - Easy to follow text makes topics accessible for people at any level of understanding The Mythology Book allows you delve into each myth, discover the meanings behind them, and understand their significance to different cultures worldwide - aimed at adults with an interest in the subject and wanting to gain more of an overview. Here you'll find global coverage of world myths, profiling everything from the well-known tales of the Greeks, Norsemen, and Egyptians to the legends of the Caribbean, the Americas, Oceania, and East Asia. Your Mythological Questions, Simply Explained Learn about myths in this essential guide, from early creation beliefs to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife. Delve into each myth and discover the meanings behind these stories, getting to the heart of their significance to different cultures worldwide. If you thought it was difficult to learn about the many classic stories, The Mythology Book presents key information in a clear layout. Discover Zeus, god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods, Loki, the cunning trickster with a knack for causing havoc, Thor with his mighty hammer, and Hades, ruler of the underworld - and much more. The Big Ideas Series With millions of copies sold worldwide, The Mythology Book is part of the award-winning Big Ideas series from DK. The series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand.

Discover the exciting and fascinating world of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroes, from Zeus and Athena to Hercules, Medusa, and more! Take a journey through Mount Olympus, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome with this collection of the greatest tales found in Greek and Roman mythology. From origin stories to family drama, you’ll learn about the most powerful Olympic gods including Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hades, and more. But this book has more than just gods and goddesses! You’ll also discover the dangerous and intriguing world of ancient monsters, fantastical creatures, and mortal heroes that populate some of the most awesome stories from the time, including: Atlas, who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders Kronos, a Titan who swallows his newborn children Persephone, a kidnapped goddess who becomes queen of the Underworld Minotaur, a half-bull, half-man imprisoned in a labyrinth Hydra, a poisonous serpent who grows two heads when one is severed Sirens, sea nymphs whose irresistible singing lures sailors to their doom All of these tales and more are written in a fun, kid-friendly manner, perfect for children interested in history or for fans of the Percy Jackson series.