Introduction To Mythology

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.

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.

Where do myths come from? What is their function and what do they mean? In this Very Short Introduction Robert Segal introduces the array of approaches used to understand the study of myth. These approaches hail from disciplines as varied as anthropology, sociology, psychology, literary criticism, philosophy, science, and religious studies. Including ideas from theorists as varied as Sigmund Freud, Claude Levi-Strauss, Albert Camus, and Roland Barthes, Segal uses the famous ancient myth of Adonis to analyse their individual approaches and theories. In this new edition, he not only considers the future study of myth, but also considers the interactions of myth theory with cognitive science, the implications of the myth of Gaia, and the differences between story-telling and myth. 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.

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.

Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths introduces students to a wide range of myths from various critical perspectives. Featuring original texts from sources around the world, it includes readings from Greek and Roman classics (by Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, and other writers); Nordic mythology (by Snorri Sturluson); Hindu culture (The Ramayana); Chinese mythology (Nu Kwa); and from such ancient works as The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Bible, and, new to this edition, the Enuma Elish. Selections from Native-American sources and fairy tales and stories from Africa, Germany, and the United States are also included. In addition, the authors draw comparisons between classical myths and such contemporary cultural phenomena as Daniel Boone, The Wizard of Oz, and, new to this edition, Firefly and Harry Potter. They also incorporate readings by Carl Jung, Levi-Strauss, Victor Turner, and other theorists who consider mythic material from different analytical perspectives. Finally, works by Milton, Keats, Updike, and Joyce are presented as examples of modern literary texts with mythological roots. The selections are organized into seven topical sections: myths of creation and destruction; hero and trickster myths; ritual and myth; myths and dreams; folktale and myth; contemporary myths; and myths and literature.

Presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the roles of gods and goddesses, as well as the adventures of heroes and mythical beings.