Mythology for Dummies - 2nd Edition by Amy Hackney Blackwell & Christopher W Blackwell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Discover (or rediscover!) history's greatest myths and legends

From Grendel and Beowulf to Poseidon, Medusa, and Hercules, the gods, monsters, and heroes of mythology are endlessly weird and fascinating. And if you're looking for a helpful companion to this wild collection of creatures, humans, and deities, you've found it! Mythology For Dummies delivers the straight goods on history's most popular myths, helping you make sense of even the most complicated ancient stories.

You'll learn about the origins of your favorite myths, their cultural impact, and more. Discover:

• The coolest mythological characters, including intrepid Odysseus, the volatile gods of Mount Olympus, and Thor and Loki
• How ancient mythology intersects with our daily lives in pop culture, high culture, and everything in between
• Mythological destinations, like Atlantis, and famous sites from Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology

An engrossing guide to some of the most enduring and interesting tales from throughout history, Mythology For Dummies serves up the inside scoop on almost every myth or legend you'd care to learn more about.

From the Back Cover

The kind of myths you don't want to bust

Humans have been creating myths and legends as long as we've been around. Mythology For Dummies takes you on a tour around the world of ancient storytelling, introducing you to the Egyptian gods, inspiring you with North American tales of coyotes and bears, and giving you a seat at the Round Table with King Arthur. You'll discover the values and belief at the heart of Earth's most vibrant cultures as you journey across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. There are a lot of stories to read here. The only question is--where will you start?

Inside...

• Mythology and civilization
• How myths shape our culture
• Greek and Roman gods and heroes
• Norse and Celtic mythology
• African and Persian tales
• Ancient legends from the Near East
• Myths from across Asia
• Tales from South and North America

About the Author

Amy Hackney Blackwell, PhD, has spent her career producing educational content on science, history, and the law.

Christopher W. Blackwell, PhD, is the Louis G. Forgione University Professor of Classics at Furman University.