Classical Myth (3rd Edition)

This lively and easy-to-read book emphasizes the historical development of myth, and applies a wide range of theoretical approaches in attempting to understand it. Original translations of ancient mythical texts helps place them in their anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic contexts. Chapter topics explore classical myth; myths of creation, Olympian Gods, fertility, death; and Greek legends. The book also contains numerous art works that show how the ancients visualized their own myths. For anyone who knows nothing about this subject matter and wants to learn how to recognize mythological motifs in art, literature, science—and providing you know the right people—in everyday conversation.

This best-selling text presents the myths and legends of the ancient Greeks and Romans in the contexts — political, social, religious, and economic — from which they first emerged. It features modern translations from the works of Homer, Hesiod, Sophocles, Euripides, Vergil, Ovid, and other ancient writers, together with analyses and interpretations of the myths preserved in these works. Information on ancient Near Eastern parallels and sources is also provided. Numerous illustrations allow readers to see how the Greek and Roman artists visualized mythic figures and events. Short sidebar essays throughout the book show how specific classical myths were appropriated and transformed by later writers, artists, filmmakers, and philosophers. The third edition includes a new chapter on the mythic hero, a revised and expanded chapter on the cultural context of Greek myth, and a new presentation of the Olympian deities.