Myths of the Ancient Greeks [Paperback]

From one of today’s foremost scholars, a lively retelling of the timeless tales…

Here are the myths that have influenced so much of our cultural heritage. Such age-old stories as the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice or Demeter’s loss of her daughter, Persephone, resonate strongly with readers even today. In this book the rousing adventures of the heroes Herakles, Theseus, and Perseus are intertwined with the tragedies of immortal Prometheus and mortal Oedipus, the amorous escapades of Zeus, the trickery of Hermes, and the ecstasy of Dionysus. In-depth introductions to each section deepen your understanding of the myths—and heighten your reading pleasure.

Presented in simple yet elegant prose, these tales emerge in brilliant new life. From the creation battle of the gods and Titans to Odysseus’ return home from the Trojan War, this indispensable volume contains fifty-six legendary stories—handed down from generations past—that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.

 

Myths of the Ancient Greeks - Richard P. Martin The Beginnings: Gods and Creatures
Offspring of Iapetos the Titan
Descendants of Atlas, Greek and Trojan
Warriors, Kings, and Heroines from Zeus
The Ancient Greek World
Mainland Greece
Introduction
Book 1. The Beginnings
1. The World Begins
2. Night and Sea
3. The Coming of Zeus
4. Battles of the Gods
5. The Final Struggles of Zeus
6. The Marriages of Zeus
7. The Birth of Apollo and Artemis
8. Prometheus and the Human World
9. Prometheus Punished
10. The Great Flood
Book 2. Singers, Players, and Rivals
11. The Muses and Their Offspring
12. The Song of Orpheus
13. The Muses Victorious
14. Apollo's Rival
15. Hermes Tricks Apollo
16. Pan the Goat-God
Book 3. Lovers Mortal and Divine
17. The Loves of Apollo
18. Fiery Births: Asklepios and Dionysus
19. The GodlS0