Presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the history of ancient Greece, its gods and goddesses, the myths associated with the natural world, and the legacy of Greek culture on the modern world.
A unique retelling of Greek mythological tales featuring love, betrayal, murder and ruthless ambitions—for fans of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. Discover six classic Greek myths in this exciting retelling that paints both famous and lesser-known characters in a whole new light. Follow the likes of Odysseus, Lamia, Bellerophon, Icarus, Medusa and Artemis as their fates are revealed through bloody trials, gut-wrenching betrayals, sinister motives and broken hearts. With an accessible writing style that delves into the thoughts, feelings, desires, and motivations of every character, these mythical figures and their compelling stories will resonate with readers as they are guided through perilous and tragic adventures. Greek Mythology Explained provides an in-depth analysis of each story told as it unravels the greater themes and valuable lessons hidden within each chapter. Inside these pages, you’ll . . . Sail with Odysseus as he navigates through the straits of Messina with a terrifying monster on each side, intent only on killing him and his crew. Witness Lamia’s world turned upside down as she loses her kingdom, her children and her humanity. Journey with Bellerophon as he battles the Chimera and becomes the hero that he was destined to be. Take flight with Icarus and Daedalus as they escape their confinement and the Cretan navy. Follow Medusa as she loses faith in the gods and becomes the monster she so adamantly wished to protect her people from. Experience the love between Artemis and Orion, as well as the bitter jealousy it spawns at the core of her brother Apollo.
A full, authoritative, and wholly engaging account of these endlessly fascinating tales and of the ancient society in which they were created. Greek myths are among the most complex and influential stories ever told. From the first millennium BC until today, the myths have been repeated in an inexhaustible series of variations and reinterpretations. They can be found in the latest movies and television shows and in software for interactive computer games. This book combines a retelling of Greek myths with a comprehensive account of the world in which they developed—their themes, their relevance to Greek religion and society, and their relationship to the landscape. "Contexts, Sources, Meanings" describes the main literary and artistic sources for Greek myths, and their contexts, such as ritual and theater. "Myths of Origin" includes stories about the beginning of the cosmos, the origins of the gods, the first humans, and the founding of communities. "The Olympians: Power, Honor, Sexuality" examines the activities of all the main divinities. "Heroic exploits" concentrates on the adventures of Perseus, Jason, Herakles, and other heroes. "Family sagas" explores the dramas and catastrophes that befall heroes and heroines. "A Landscape of Myths" sets the stories within the context of the mountains, caves, seas, and rivers of Greece, Crete, Troy, and the Underworld. "Greek Myths after the Greeks" describes the rich tradition of retelling, from the Romans, through the Renaissance, to the twenty-first century. Complemented by lavish illustrations, genealogical tables, box features, and specially commissioned drawings, this will be an essential book for anyone interested in these classic tales and in the world of the ancient Greeks.
"I doubt I would have grown up to be the writer and artist I became had I not fallen in love with D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths at the age of seven."—R. J. Palacio, author of Wonder Kids can lose themselves in a world of myth and magic while learning important cultural history in this beloved classic collection of Greek mythology. Now updated with a new cover and an afterword featuring never-before-published drawings from the sketchbook of Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire, plus an essay about their life and work and photos from the family achive. In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.
The sky-god Zeus, the hero Heracles, and the fearsome Minotaur are well-known subjects of Greek mythology. Greek Gods, Heroes, and Mythology explores the gods, heroes, creatures, and stories of Greek mythology, in addition to examining their influence today. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
The book leads the reader through these vibrant stories, from the origins of the gods through to the homecomings of the Trojan heroes. All the familiar narratives are here, along with some less familiar characters and motifs. In addition to the tales, the book explains key issues arising from the narratives, and discusses the myths and their wider relevance. This long-overdue book crystallises three key areas of interest: the nature of the tales; the stories themselves; and how they have and might be interpreted. For the first time, it brings together aspects of Greek mythology only usually available in disparate forms - namely children's books and academic works. There will be much here that is interesting, surprising, and strange as well as familiar. Experts and non-experts, adults, students and schoolchildren alike will gain entertainment and insight from this fascinating and important volume.
Greek myths make up the very pillar of Western culture. But they are more than classic stories every child should know. They are rousing tales—rich in character, drama, and high adventure—that have captured readers through the ages. In The Random House Book of Greek Myths, Hugo Award-winning author Joan D. Vinge introduces the Greek gods and goddesses and retells fourteen favorite myths with wit, style, and compassion. This sophisticated but accessible collection is stunningly illustrated with paintings by Oren Sherman that evoke the mystery and majesty of ancient Greece. Perfect for readers of all ages.
A beautifully-illustrated book filled with over 30 Ancient Greek Myths for children aged 7-9. Journey into a world of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, extraordinary creatures and fantastic monsters with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Ancient Greek mythology. Perfect for children aged 7 to 9, this collection contains more than 30 enthralling new retellings of favourite Greek myths as well as some you might not have heard before. Including ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’, ‘The 12 Labours of Herakles’, and the escapades of ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, each myth is told in engaging modern language, which is easy for children to understand yet still retains the humour and intrigue of the original tales. Encourage your children to explore: - Over 30 fascinating Greek myths, covering famous classics and lesser known stories - Striking illustrations by multi-award winning artist Katie Ponder - Stunning gold foil on the cover - A handy pronunciation guide listing all difficult-to-pronounce names for the reader’s convenience - Key reference spreads combining the appeal of a story collection with key reference information A must-have volume for children aged 7-9 with an interest in Greek mythology and history, the additional feature pages delve deeper into the mythical world, providing profiles of the gods and a map detailing Odysseus’ long voyage home from the Trojan War. The reference section provides key background information, such as Ancient Greek storytelling and the incredible beasts of the myths, and a handy pronunciation guide. Greek Myths is the perfect gift, featuring stunning gold foil on the cover and beautiful illustrations throughout. Quench your child’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge, as they explore the enthralling tales, whether by themselves or to equally be enjoyed as bedtime stories alongside parents.
A brilliantly original, landmark retelling of Greek myths, recounted as if they were actual scenes being woven into textiles by the women who feature prominently in them—including Athena, Helen, Circe and Penelope “Greek myths were full of powerful witches, unpredictable gods and sword-wielding slayers. They were also extreme: about families who turn murderously on each other; impossible tasks set by cruel kings; love that goes wrong; wars and journeys and terrible loss. There was magic, there was shape-shifting, there were monsters, there were descents to the land of the dead. Humans and immortals inhabited the same world, which was sometimes perilous, sometimes exciting. “The stories were obviously fantastical. All the same, brothers really do war with each other. People tell the truth but aren’t believed. Wars destroy the innocent. Lovers are parted. Parents endure the grief of losing children. Women suffer violence at the hands of men. The cleverest of people can be blind to what is really going on. The law of the land can contradict what you know to be just. Mysterious diseases devastate cities. Floods and fire tear lives apart. “For the Greeks, the word muthos simply meant a traditional tale. In the twenty-first century, we have long left behind the political and religious framework in which these stories first circulated—but their power endures. Greek myths remain true for us because they excavate the very extremes of human experience: sudden, inexplicable catastrophe; radical reversals of fortune; and seemingly arbitrary events that transform lives. They deal, in short, in the hard, basic facts of the human condition.” —from the Introduction
Get to know the Greek gods and goddesses, from the mighty Zeus, to the temperamental Poseidon, the beautiful Aphrodite, and every character from A to Z. Who were the Olympians, and where did they come from? Why were the Titans overthrown? How did these and other mythology tales shape Greek culture and civilization? Scholars have long been fascinated by the Greeks, and even today we are entertained by the stories of their mythology and pantheon. The Greeks developed an entire religion around powerful, vengeful gods, benevolent yet fierce goddesses, and bizarre couplings that created some of the strangest creatures in the world's mythologies. Who wouldn't want to hear about Zeus and his command of lightning, Hades and how he found his bride, the wisdom of Athena, and so many other stories that capture the imagination. These stories can do more than just entertain; they can also inspire and teach us lessons that were penned by the Greeks themselves. Starting with the creation myth, this book will take you through the stories of the Titans, introduce the Olympians, bring in the demigods, and sneak a peek at the monsters that made up the mythology. You'll learn who all the gods and goddesses were in relation to one another, mythological explanations for natural events, and why any of this still matters today. In addition, you'll discover: The names, powers, and significance of all the major Greek gods and goddesses Rich stories based around the Greek pantheon Moral lessons and cultural values important to the Greeks, preserved in their mythology A brief history of Greek civilization and how they worshipped their gods and goddesses Creatures of Greek mythology that still feature in modern tales today And so much more Greek history! Up on Mount Olympus, along the shores of the Mediterranean, and deep in the Underworld, gods, goddesses, demigods, and creatures linger in the mind and stories of an ancient culture. This culture gave us science, philosophy, and a rich mythology that never stops enticing us. To appreciate the power of their stories for yourself and become absorbed in a world so like and yet unlike our own, click "add to cart."