Greek Mythology
From Creation to First Humans
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:19th May '25
Should be back in stock very soon
This volume provides an introduction to ancient Greek mythology through the theme of cosmogonies and theogonies —myths of origins that told the creation of the world and the birth and succession of the gods. Greek Mythology additionally features important foundational myths related to the early stages of humankind, such as the sequence of the Five Races, the first sacrifice, the creation of woman, and the Flood, all part of the core Greek myths about the beginnings of the world. The centerpiece of the volume is Hesiod's Theogony as well as parts of Works and Days which are, along with the Iliad and Odyssey, the earliest Greek literary texts preserved. The volume includes freshly translated excerpts from these canonical sources along with discussions of alternative cosmogonies and theogonies in the Greek tradition, in a rare feature for myth overviews. Beyond providing an overview of the central stories, Greek Mythology reveals myriad aspects of the myths, such as their literary form and performative contexts, their relationship to Near Eastern myths, their religious relevance and ritual function, and their reception, both in later antiquity and in modern times.
This book gives a good overview and is particularly valuable for bringing the Greek myths into conversation with those from the ancient Near East.... Recommended. * Choice *
This book gives a good overview and is particularly valuable for bringing the Greek myths into conversation with those from the ancient Near East.... Recommended. * Choice *
This little book has much to recommend it. The inclusion of Greek cosmogonies other than Hesiod's is worth the price of admission. And many instructors will value the clear and comprehensive presentation of the Near Eastern myths. * Thomas D. Kohn, Classical Journal *
Hard to put down!' 'Exciting interpretations of cosmogonic texts from Chaos to Russell Crowe!' 'Don't wait for the movie!' These are some of the blurbs I might have offered OUP for this insightful and elegantly written book, had I been asked.... [Makes a] substantial contribution...in support of our appreciation of the critical role that ANE mythology played in the evolution of Greco-Roman wonderment about the origins of the cosmos and the presence of humanity within. My recommendation: don't wait for the movie! * James J. Clauss, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Insightful and elegantly written book. * James J. Clauss, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
This book provides a valuable synthesis of Greek origin myths within a broad comparative and diachronic framework. Its interdisciplinary approach and expansive scope make it a noteworthy contribution to the study of mythology, reception studies and cultural history. * Di Yan, The Classical Review *
ISBN: 9780190944803
Dimensions: 209mm x 140mm x 15mm
Weight: 299g
254 pages