A Guide to Greek Myths
From the Set The Global Guide to Mythology
The timeless tales and divine sagas of ancient Greece--the mighty gods of Mount Olympus, the courageous heroes who walked among mortals, and the mythical creatures that lurked in the shadows-- have captivated listeners and readers for centuries. From the birth of Athena to the heroic exploits of Hercules, each story included in this volume offers young readers a glimpse into the heart of a civilization that has shaped the foundations of Western culture. The engaging main text, augmented with informative fact boxes, fosters a deep appreciation for the enduring impact of these myths on literature, art, and philosophy.
SLJ Review of The Global Guide to Mythology
Gr 6–9—Over millennia, people shared similar values, fears, concerns, and cultural attitudes, and the stories they told and passed down conveyed these ideas within their societies. Each book in this series opens with an introduction the nation of origin and/or culture that produced a set of myths. Students learn that myths share some cross-cultural thematic similarities in trope (creation myths, hero tales, flood tales, tricksters, myths explaining natural phenomena), in function (myths also entertain and teach lessons), and in characterization. While some of these concepts are heady and thought-provoking, the myths included here are entertaining, wistful, exciting, and humorous. Each volume summarizes the culture’s belief and traditions, and students will learn some history along the way. The series is clearly written, although pronunciation guides would have helped. A blend of photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations of artworks representative of individual cultures lend strong visual appeal. Sidebars and captions offer additional information, and each chapter ends with some critical thinking questions. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a bibliography. VERDICT Highly recommended for school and public library collections.
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