The Nemean Lion (Monsters of Mythology)

Evslin, Bernard

ISBN 10: 1555462553 ISBN 13: 9781555462550

Publisher: Chelsea House Pub, 1990

Synopsis

Recounts the myth of the Nemean Lion, created by Gaia for Zeus in order to destroy Heraclea

About this title

From School Library Journal

Another superior elaboration of Greek mythology, one of a remarkable series by Evslin. Palaemona is an abandoned waif who is blessed with the gift of understanding the language of animals and is destined, when grown, to shake Zeus' kingdom and threaten his rule. She finds a friend and mentor in the healer Melampus who reveres human life, but Hades lusts after her and seeks to put Melampus out of the picture. Through the plotting of the gods, the heroine is inexorably drawn to her fate, and Palaemona's only hope of being reunited with Melampus is through the undertaking of certain tasks or ordeals, such as killing the seemingly invincible lion that roams the Nemean mountains. As always, Evslin offers believable characterization of his human and nonhuman subjects. Palaemona is no mere super-doer of wonders; she is a naive child and also, in her relationship with Melampus, an awakening woman. Readers will be enticed into a world of capricious gods, nubile dryads, Amazon-sized mountain nymphs, fiery harpies, assorted muses, and oracular sacred pythons. To be sure, this is a violent and bloody tale, and the atmospherics are heightened by reproductions of works of modern abstract and representational painters and photos of ancient marble reliefs, bronzes, and frescos. A "Who's Who" of characters at the beginning of the book is a great help. --Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 1555462553
• ISBN 13: 9781555462550
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 92