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Classical Mythology: The BasicsStock informationGeneral Fields
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DescriptionThis is an engaging introduction which explores the latest thinking about Classical mythology, the history of interpreting myths and the role of myths in cultural tradition, from painting to opera, philosophy, politics, drama, and religion in the modern day. It answers such questions as
Featuring further reading and case studies from antiquity to the modern day, this is an essential introduction to the myths which have been a fundamental part of Western culture throughout history. Reviews"An engaging and insightful introduction that explains the character and significance of Classical mythology in the ancient world and outlines how and why it continues to matter today." - Dr Fiona Hobden, University of Liverpool, UK "Classical Mythology: The Basics is a good first approach to the vast field of mythology ... the clear and complete nature of the book makes it accessible to a wide audience whose knowledge of the subject [may not be] extensive." - Sarah Lagrou, Universite Grenoble Alpes (France), the Bryn Mawr Classical Review Author descriptionRichard Martin is Professor in Classics at Stanford University and has twenty-five years' experience in teaching an introduction to Classical Mythology to undergraduate students. He is widely published on Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Aristophanes,Theognis, and other ancient authors and genres in which mythic narration figures prominently. Table of contentsList of Illustrations Preface Chapter 1: Stories that stay Myth as Speech Myth and community traditions Myth and belief The range of tradition Rejecting myth Rationalizing myth Allegorizing myth How we get myth The sources--a brief chronological list Further reading Chapter 2: Talking of Gods Origin stories Hesiod's Theogony Other origin myths Where gods come from What are gods good for? Further reading Chapter 3: Heroic dimensions Hero: the ancient idea Heroes in Homer and Hesiod Heroines Heroic quests and their meaning Hero patterns Heracles Hero as politician Heroine as athlete Further reading Chapter 4: Interpreting myths--symbols and societies Myths as symbols: Greeks to Romantics Myths as symbols: Freud, Jung, and others Myths and society: early forerunners Myths and society: the role of ritual Myths and society: functionalists and structuralists Further reading Chapter 5: Myths, media, memories Roman reception of myth Mythic media, from ancient to modern Prose Poetry Drama Music Dance Visual art Film Comics, graphic novels, video games Further reading Index |