Myth And Knowing An Introduction To World Mythology

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

"This book treats myths from all parts of the word, first from a cultural and then from a more comparative perspective. How do myths of the ancient Egyptians or Greeks, for instance, reflect the realities of the Egyptian and Greek cultures? When compared, how do they reveal certain universal themes or motifs that point to larger transcultural issues, such as the place of the human species in creation or the nature of deity as a concept? This book is organized around the universal or near universal motifs: deities, creation, the flood, the trickster, and the hero. Myths from Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Native American, African, Polynesian, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and other cultures are retold and treated as reflections of the cultures that "dreamed" them and then are compared and discussed in such a way as to expose universal significance, creating a world mythology"--

Conveniently sized yet large in scope, National Geographic Essential Visual History of World Mythology an irresistible treasure to own and to give."--BOOK JACKET.

Myths are the timeless expression of the imagination born out of the need to make sense of the universe. Moving across the centuries, they resonate with our deepest feelings about the fragility and grandeur of existence. Mythology is a comprehensive, richly illustrated survey of the mythic imagination in all its forms around the world, from the odysseys, quests and battles of ancient Greece and Rome to the living beliefs of indigenous cultures in the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Looking at each major myth-making culture in turn, this book retells some of the most significant and captivating stories in a lively, contemporary style. Generously illustrated with more than 700 color photographs, Mythology brings you the vibrant stories that echo time and again in our lives.

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.

This new edition of World Mythology offers 59 of the world's great myths from Greece and Rome, the Middle East, Northern Europe, the British Isles, the Far East and Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Americas.