The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends is focused on connecting a wide array of cultural myths to modern pop culture and media references influenced by them.
From lightning-wielding Zeus, the supreme Greek god, to protective Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love - heroes, gods, and monsters are brought to life in these retellings of myths from around the world. Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories is a children's book that invites you to explore all the well-known stories from Greek and Norse mythology, and a range of other cultures across more than 100 tales. Discover the fascinating myths of Anansi, the West African trickster god who takes the form of a spider; the story of the Wawilak Sisters of Arnhem Land in northern Australia, who form the land as they walk across it; or the Slavic tale of Ivan as he chases the mischievous Firebird. Read about ferocious, man-eating monsters such as the Minotaur and Fafnir the dragon, and the legendary heroes that fought them, like Theseus and Sigurd. Also included are the legends of Robin Hood, and of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, epics from Asia, such as the Mahabharata and Gilgamesh, and a host of tales from Aztec mythology and a range of other cultures. As well as offering the retellings themselves, Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories: a children's encyclopedia investigates the meanings of these primal stories, examining why these tales have stood the test of time over thousands of years. Themed features draw together elements that are common to myths from all over the world, such as shapeshifters, mythical beasts, and magical weapons. Panels on modern retellings, such as Percy Jackson and The Little Mermaid, help to show why these myths are still relevant to our lives today.
Myths and Legends is a children's book that invites you to explore all the well-known stories from Greek and Norse mythology, and a range of other cultures across more than 100 tales. Discover the fascinating myths of Anansi, the West African trickster god who takes the form of a spider; Changing Woman, the Navajo nature goddess who changes her dress with the seasons; or Tane, the Maori forest god who first brought death to the world. Read about ferocious, man-eating monsters such as the Minotaur and Fafnir the dragon, and the legendary heroes that fought them, like Theseus and Sigurd. Also included are the legends of Robin Hood, and of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, epics such as the Mahabharata and Gilgamesh, and a host of tales from Aztec mythology and a range of other cultures. As well as offering the re-tellings themselves, Myths and Legends- A Children's Encyclopedia investigates the meanings of these primal stories, examining why these tales have stood the test of time over thousands of years. Themed features draw together elements that are common to myths from all over the world, such as shape-changers, mythical beasts, and magical weapons. Panels on modern re-tellings, such as China's The Monkey King and Marvel's Thor, help to show why these myths are still relevant to our lives today.
"The myths and legends of the ancient worlds, from Greece, Rome and Egypt to the Norse and Celtic lands, through Persia and India to China and the Far East. A comprehensive A to Z of the classic stories of gods and goddesses, heroes and mythical beasts, wizards and warriors"--Page 1 of cover.
The authoritative A-Z of the mythical figures of three ancient cultures: Classical, Celtic and Norse. Over 500 alphabetical entries describing the central mythical figures of each culture, with copious cross references. Superb pictorial spreads on the mythical themes and symbols central to each culture. Beautifully illustrated with over 550 images spanning fifteen centuries of fine art from the ancient world to the present day, including both classic masterpieces and specially commissioned artwork. Lively narrative commentary by one of the world's authorities on myths and mythology. Timeless in scope and appeal, a classic of its kind -- a complete and comprehensive reference to the ancient tales.
Amazon's No. 1 Children's Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2019 is an illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology like no other. Mythologica features startlingly beautiful and exquisitely otherworldly portraits of mythological characters in eye-popping color from artist Victoria Topping and authoritative text from Classics scholar and Greek mythology expert Dr. Stephen Kershaw. Uncover the colorful lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, earth-dwelling mortals, and terrifying monsters as you journey back in time to ancient Greece. From the fearless Athena and her meddlesome ways to the brave and bold Odysseus and his remarkable journey home, discover why these incredible stories are still a part of our culture today. Listed alphabetically, each boldly designed spread presents a figure from the myths, including their name in Greek, their defining attributes, and a summary of their story, along with multiple sidelights that provide additional facts. Interspersed with the profiles are summaries of famous mythological tales and historical events, like the Odyssey, the Trojan War, and the story of the Argonauts. An electrifying visual portrayal of each figure transports you directly into their wild world. Victoria Topping’s artwork is a fusion of technological and traditional techniques that combines photography, painting, and cut-paper collage to perfectly express the blending of human and fantastic traits from which mythical beings are made. The thrilling images and digestible text provide the perfect introduction to the lively world of Greek mythology and a beautiful display reference for the whole family. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the epic, heroic, and sometimes terrible lives of mortals, monsters, and gods.
Epic, complex, contradictory, and utterly beguiling, myths come from every society throughout the world, and never lose their power to stir the imagination. Deeply ingrained in our culture, and forever exploring the mysteries of life and death, love and hatred, they are the backbone of writing, painting, even modern cinema. Illustrated with a wealth of artwork and photography of archeological treasures--masks from the Iroquois, a Spartan theater, depictions of Celtic deities--this visual encyclopedia introduces you to hundreds of timeless characters and transports you into the magical legends of the classical Mediterranean countries, as well as those from Scandinavia, India, China, the Americas, and others. In addition to surveying mythology's symbolic depths, and giving an overview of the diversity and similarities of these tales, individual geographical sections cover the major world cultures and detail alphabetically their gods and goddesses; heroes and heroines; monsters and villains; achievements and adventures, and trials and travels.