Classical Myth

by Powell, Barry B.

• ISBN13: 9780131962941
• ISBN10: 0131962949
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

Comprehensive and scholarly, this well-designed and class-tested text presents Greek and Roman myths in a lively and easy-to-read manner. It features fresh translations, numerous illustrations (ancient and modern) of classical myths and legends, and commentary that emphasizes the anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic contexts in which the myths were told.This book covers myths of creation, myths of fertility, myths of the Olympians, Heracles, Oedipus, Trojan War, Roman Myth, Odysseus, and more. It also introduces students to classic literary works by Homer, Hesiod, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Ovid.For anyone interested in learning more about the creation and modern interpretation of classical myths.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
PART I Definitions and Background
The Nature of Myth	1	(17)
The Cultural Context of Classical Myth	18	(34)
The Development of Classical Myth	52	(26)
PART II Divine Myth
Myths of Creation: The Rise of Zeus	78	(34)
Myths of Creation: The Origins of Mortals	112	(29)
Myths of the Olympians: Zeus and Hera	141	(18)
Myths of the Olympians: The Male Deities	159	(44)
Myths of the Olympians: The Female Deities	203	(25)
Myths of Fertility: Demeter	228	(35)
Myths of Fertility: Dionysus	263	(34)
Myths of Death: Encounters with the Underworld	297	(32)
PART III Legends
Introduction to Heroic Myth	329	(17)
Perseus and Myths of the Argive Plain	346	(23)
Heracles	369	(39)
Theseus and the Myths of Athens	408	(33)
The Myths of Crete	441	(26)
Oedipus and the Myths of Thebes	467	(27)
Jason and the Myths of Iolcus and Calydon	494	(36)
The Trojan War	530	(36)
The Fall of Troy	566	(27)
The Return of Odysseus	593	(29)
PART IV Roman Myth
Legends of Aeneas	622	(27)
Legends of Early Rome	649	(25)
PART V Interpretation
Theories of Myth Interpretation	674