A Dictionary Of World Mythology

Who was Artemis and what part did she play in the battle of the Giants? Who was the whale-monster Qaqwaii and how did he hunt his prey? This dictionary of mythology is a wonderful and invaluable reference guide to the various myths and legends from across the globe. Dip into this A-Z guide to discover the names of devious gods, enchanted objects and ancient cities, as well as the cultures that these tales originate from. These myths are taken not only from the familiar Greek, Roman and Norse traditions but also Mesopotamian, Haitian, Tibetan, Native American and many more. Painstakingly researched over 25 years, this incredible resource provides more than just scholarly information but also showcases the staggering creativity and imagination of our ancient belief systems. This beautiful hardback edition is presented in a handsome slipcase, making a perfect collectable or gift for any mythology enthusiasts.

Organized by geographic region and with characters from the same stories and episodes grouped together, this comprehensive book is an excellent reference tool. Legendary heroes appear with their adversaries to set each myth in context, as do gods and goddesses of the underworld and mythical beasts.

Comprehensive and cross-referenced, this informative volume is a rich introduction to the world of nature as experienced by ancient peoples around the globe. 51 halftones.

The Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion offers a fully rounded and highly authoritative point of access to all aspects of ancient religious life and thought. Dr Simon Price and Dr Emily Kearns, area advisers for the third edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary, have come together to select, revise, edit, and in some cases wholly recast, a large number of key entries from OCD to create this handy, accessible reference work on mythology and religion in the Graeco-Roman world. Bringing to the attention of a wider audience the authority and scholarly rigour of OCD, the Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion provides students, teachers, and general readers with an affordable comprehensive, and wide-ranging A-Z reference source. The Dictionary is unique in that in addition to Greek myths and Roman festivals it covers Greek and Roman religious places, monuments, religious personnel, divination, astrology, and magic, and also contains many entries on Judaism and Christianity in Greek and Roman times.

The powerful gods of Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia, the more mystical deities of Buddhist and Hindu India, and the stern spirits of the African and American continents all reflect very different civilizations, yet they also demonstrate the unity of mankind in its fundamental need for explanations of the unknown. Arthur Cotterell sets out clearly the chief myths of the world and explains why different mythologies arose in different lands. * Comprehensive coverage in seven main sections of West Asia, South and Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania * Clear and informative section introductions highlight the history and lifestyle of ancient peoples and the landscape in which they lived * Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and maps of each key area `An excellent reference book, as well as a good book for dipping into at leisure.' Greek Review

This is an A-Z dictionary of mythologies of the Asian continent. Major characters, places and events of Asian mythology, as well as certain relevant themes and cultural traditions are included.

Presents brief entries describing the gods and goddesses from the mythology and religion of a wide variety of cultures throughout history.

The figures and events of classical myths underpin our culture and the constellations named after them fill the night sky. Whether it�s the raging Minotaur trapped in the Cretan labyrinth or the twelve labours of Hercules, Aphrodite�s birth from the waves or Zeus visiting Danae as a shower of gold, the mythology of Greece and Rome is full of unforgettable stories. All the stories of the Greek tragedies � Oedipus, Medea, Antigone � are there; all the events of the Trojan wars and of Odysseus and Aeneas� epic journeys; the founding of Athens and of Rome� These are the strangest tales of love, war, betrayal and heroism ever told and, while brilliantly retelling them, this book shows how they echo through the works of much later writers from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Camus and Ted Hughes. Full of attractive illustrations and laid out in eighteen clear chapters (the titles include �Dangerous Women� and �Heroes�), Dr Jennifer March has written a fascinating guide to the myths of classical civilization that is as readable as a novel.