The Gods of Ancient Greece: Identities and Transformations
Greek mythology still grabs the modern consciousness. Apollo and Dionysos, Artemis and Aphrodite, Zeus and Hermes;but what exactly did these divinities stand for? A team of international scholars offer fresh insight into the making and meaning of Greek mythology. They recount the stories and significance of individual gods and ask to what extent cult, myth, and literary genre determine the nature of divinity.
From the earliest days of oral history to the present, the vampire myth persists among mankind's deeply-rooted fears. This encyclopedia, with entries ranging from "Abchanchu" to "Zmeus," includes nearly 600 different species of historical and mythological vampires, fully described and detailed.
Greek and Roman Mythology A to Z, 3rd Edition (2009)According to many scholars, ancient Greece and Rome provided the foundations of Western culture. More than two millennia later, myths of both civilizations are still being studied for their rich storytelling and insight into the cultures that spawned them. Their continued retelling speaks to their universal appeal. "Greek and Roman Mythology A to Z" illuminates the mythology at the core of those civilizations' beliefs. Entries of this title include: the most famous Greek and Roman gods and goddesses; the most memorable heroes and heroines;
Webster's Third New International Dictionary gives the following definition of myth: "a story that is usually of unknown origin and at least partially traditional, that ostensibly relates historical events usually of such character as to serve to explain some practice, belief, institution, or natural phenomenon, and that is especially associated with religious rites and beliefs." This comprehensive and accessible introduction to classical mythology incorporates a dynamic combination of poetic narratives and enlightening commentary to make classical myths come alive for students.
The African continent is home to a fascinating and strong tradition of myth, due in part to the long history of human habitation in Africa; the diversity of its geography, flora, and fauna; and the variety of its cultural beliefs. African Mythology A to Z, Second Edition is a readable reference to the deities, places, events, animals, beliefs, and other subjects that appear in the myths of various African peoples. For the first time, this edition features full-color photographs and illustrations.
