Mythology For Dummies

Every culture and time has its myths. You might say that myths helpus to understand people, since just like people they can beinspirational and beautiful, as well as cruel and violent. The mainplayers in mythology are the original drama kings and queens-- they hang themselves in shame, poke out their own eyes,rule cities, and marry their relatives -- and the fundoesn't stop there! If you want all the scoop on gods andgoddesses, fates and furies, monsters and heroes from around theworld, Mythology for Dummies is the Who's Who ofmythological figures that you can't do without. It's no secret that mythology can be confusing for anyone.From cultural hero Johnny Appleseed, to manly Odysseus, to femmefatale Aphrodite, and those pesky Cyclops running amuck on thatfaraway island, Mythology for Dummies covers all the bases,including information on: * Greek mythology * Homer's Iliad and Odyssey * Roman mythology * Virgil's Aeneid * Beowulf * Non-European mythology Also, this book will get you up to speed on the heavystuff--like how mythology intersects with our lives, andexplores the meaning of existence. Organized into chapters onspecific topics, it breaks down the common types of myths andmythological figures, and offers plain-English explanations of howmyths have appeared in cultures throughout the ages. You'llfind what you need to know on these topics and many more: * What makes myths different from legends and fairy tales * Greek creation myths and those really ancient Greek Gods * The Olympian Gods (taller, younger, and better looking thanyou) * The Greek goddesses (the fairest and the meanest of themall) * Heroes -- made, born, and re-born * Mythological places from Elysium Fields, to Atlantis, andXanadu * Roman religion -- how it was begged, borrowed, andstolen You'll also enjoy helpful features like charts comparingmajor figures, and a tear-out tip-sheet with a timeline of worldcivilizations. Whether you want to dabble in the wonders ofmythology or get serious, Mythology for Dummies willdemystify the subject, and show you how important myths can be to aculture. You'll never say, "It's only amyth" again!