"The stories of the Greek mortals and immortals and their legendary exploits tower as tall now as they have for thousands of years. Join the twelve gods at the top of Mount Olympus, and learn the tales of Greek heroines and heroes, who performed extraordinary feats of strength, bravery, and intelligence. This sumptuously illustrated collection of classic myths will reveal all their secrets, even the most incredibles ones."--Publisher's description
Jean-Pierre Vernant has profoundly transformed our perceptions of ancient Greece. Published in 1991, this collection of nineteen essays probes deeply into themes of enduring interest--death, the body, the soul, the individual, and relations between mortals and immortals; the mask, the mirror, the image, and the imagination; the self and the other, and, more broadly, the concept of otherness itself, or "alterity."
Insightful and fun, this new guide to an ancient mythology explains why the Greek gods and goddesses are still so captivating to us, revisiting the work of Homer, Ovid, Virgil, and Shakespeare in search of the essence of these stories. (Mythology & Folklore)
An entrancing new telling of ancient Greek myths “This book is a triumph! . . . [A] magnificent retelling of the Greek myths.”—Alexander McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series “Move over, Edith Hamilton! Sarah Iles Johnston has hit the magical refresh button on Greek myths.”—Maria Tatar, author of The Heroine with 1001 Faces Gripping tales that abound with fantastic characters and astonishing twists and turns, Greek myths confront what it means to be mortal in a world of powerful forces beyond human control. Little wonder that they continue to fascinate readers thousands of years after they were first told. Gods and Mortals is a major new telling of ancient Greek myths by one of the world’s preeminent experts. In a fresh, vibrant, and compelling style that draws readers into the lives of the characters, Sarah Iles Johnston offers new narrations of all the best-known tales as well as others that are seldom told, taking readers on an enthralling journey from the origin of the cosmos to the aftermath of the Trojan War. Some of the mortals in these stories are cursed by the gods, while luckier ones are blessed with resourcefulness and resilience. Gods transform themselves into animals, humans, and shimmering gold to visit the earth in disguise—where they sometimes transform offending mortals into new forms, too: a wolf, a spider, a craggy rock. Other mortals—both women and men—use their wits and strength to conquer the monsters created by the gods—gorgons, dragons, harpies, fire-breathing bulls. Featuring captivating original illustrations by Tristan Johnston, Gods and Mortals highlights the rich connections between the different characters and stories, draws attention to the often-overlooked perspectives of female characters, and stays true both to the tales and to the world in which ancient people lived. The result is an engaging and entertaining new take on the Greek myths.
"The Greek and Roman myths and legends are an indispensable part of our cultural heritage -- drawn upon by painters adn writers through the centuries, told and retold all over the world. Together they add up to one of the greatest imaginative achievements in the history of civilization; and yet the narratives of the myths themselves, today, are often only half-remembered. This scholarly and comprehensive book presents, in alphabetical order, clear and concise accounts of all the characters around whom the myths of Greece and Rome were woven." --from publisher's notes.
"This volume investigates the integral role of heroes in ancient Greek art and culture. More than a hundred statues, reliefs, vases, bronzes, coins, and gems drawn from European and American collections, illustrate the ways in which heroes were represented, why they were important in Greek culture, and what encouraged individuals to seek them out." --Book Jacket.
Giving Western literature and art many of its most enduring themes and archetypes, Greek mythology and the gods and goddesses at its core are a fundamental part of the popular imagination. At the heart of Greek mythology are exciting stories of drama, action, and adventure featuring gods and goddesses, who, while physically superior to humans, share many of their weaknesses. Readers will be introduced to the many figures once believed to populate Mount Olympus as well as related concepts and facts about the Greek mythological tradition.
GREEK MYTHOLOGY Dive into the enchanting world of "Greek Mythology: A Timeless Collection of Greek Myths and Legends" where the gods of Olympus reign supreme, heroes defy the impossible, and mythical creatures lurk in the shadows of ancient tales. Discover the Pantheon of Gods: Explore the majestic Mount Olympus in Chapter 1, where the Olympians weave their intrigues and wield their powers over mortals and immortals alike. Unveil the Titans and Demi-Gods: Journey into the past with Chapter 2, revealing the sagas of the mighty Titans and the heroic feats of Demi-Gods, whose stories have shaped the foundations of Greek mythology. Encounter Mythical Creatures: Brace yourself in Chapter 3 for encounters with an array of mythical creatures, each more fascinating and terrifying than the last. Experience Ancient Greek Life: Step into the daily lives of the Ancient Greeks in Chapter 4. Understand their customs, beliefs, and how they worshipped the very gods and heroes you will read about. Legendary Myths and Tales: From the Titanomachy's colossal battles to the intimate narrative of Echo and Narcissus, the subsequent chapters are a treasure trove of the most beloved Greek myths and legends. Special Features of this Book: A comprehensive guide to the characters of Greek mythology Richly detailed narratives bringing each myth to life Insightful context on the culture and beliefs of Ancient Greece Beautifully crafted for easy reference and immersive reading This meticulously crafted collection is more than a book; it's a passage through time. Each chapter is a doorway to a story that has shaped our understanding of heroism, love, and fate. Whether you are a long-time aficionado of Greek mythology or a curious newcomer, this book promises a journey filled with wonder, excitement, and timeless wisdom. Embark on this mesmerizing odyssey today and experience the power of myths that have echoed through the ages!
Greek Mythology: Of Gods, Mortals, Monsters & Other Legends of Ancient Greece Ready for the adventures of Greek mythology? Of all the myths and legends of the ancient world, it is Greek mythology that is most celebrated and richest with its characters, themes and stories. Modern adaptations of the myths, like those told through movies and TV series, pale in comparison to the real myths as told by the Greek storytellers. This book will share you with stories about the greatest figures of Greek mythology, from the petty gods, to the heroic mortals, to the monsters defeated and other legends of the ancient world. Inside you will know stories about:* Creation * The Titans * The Olympians * Demigods * Mortals * Monsters * World of Greek Mythology Once you have read the stories in this book, your imagination will run wild with the adventures of these timeless myths. Don't wait another minute! The sooner you read these stories, the sooner you can start an adventure that has piqued the curiosity of ancient Greeks to modern readers.
