A Short Introduction to Classical Myth

Helping students gain a more meaningful understanding of the origin of the concept “myth” in the ancient world, this practical guide provides information on the social and historical background of classical myth, as well as commentary on the primary literary texts most often read in courses on Greek myth―including Homer, Hesiod, the tragedians, the historians, Ovid, and Vergil. Written by an internationally acclaimed scholar, the book is an ideal supplement in courses using primary sources. (Penguin paperbacks of these texts are available shrink-wrapped with this book.)

In this brief book, Barry B. Powell provides the historical and theoretical background necessary to understand classical myth as it is found in its primary sources: the works of Homer, Hesiod, the Greek tragedians and historians, Ovid, and Vergil. Part One examines the origin of the concept of "myth" and the many approaches to interpreting myth that were put forward by ancient theorists and their more recent successors. Part Two describes the cultural context in which classical myth developed. Part Three examines a number of prominent themes in classical myth, exploring its relationship to the art, politics, society, and history of the ancient world. The book is designed as companion reading for students or others who are studying myth through original sources.