Author: Claude Calame
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691114587
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 199
Book Description
Surely the ancient Greeks would have been baffled to see what we consider their "mythology." Here, Claude Calame mounts a powerful critique of modern-day misconceptions on this front and the lax methodology that has allowed them to prevail. He argues that the Greeks viewed their abundance of narratives not as a single mythology but as an "archaeology." They speculated symbolically on key historical events so that a community of believing citizens could access them efficiently, through ritual means. Central to the book is Calame's rigorous and fruitful analysis of various accounts of the foundation of that most "mythical" of the Greek colonies--Cyrene, in eastern Libya. Calame opens with a magisterial historical survey demonstrating today's misapplication of the terms "myth" and "mythology." Next, he examines the Greeks' symbolic discourse to show that these modern concepts arose much later than commonly believed. Having established this interpretive framework, Calame undertakes a comparative analysis of six accounts of Cyrene's foundation: three by Pindar and one each by Herodotus (in two different versions), Callimachus, and Apollonius of Rhodes. We see how the underlying narrative was shaped in each into a poetically sophisticated, distinctive form by the respective medium, a particular poetical genre, and the specific socio-historical circumstances. Calame concludes by arguing in favor of the Greeks' symbolic approach to the past and by examining the relation of mythos to poetry and music.
Myth and History in Ancient Greece
Author: Claude Calame
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691114587
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 199
Book Description
Surely the ancient Greeks would have been baffled to see what we consider their "mythology." Here, Claude Calame mounts a powerful critique of modern-day misconceptions on this front and the lax methodology that has allowed them to prevail. He argues that the Greeks viewed their abundance of narratives not as a single mythology but as an "archaeology." They speculated symbolically on key historical events so that a community of believing citizens could access them efficiently, through ritual means. Central to the book is Calame's rigorous and fruitful analysis of various accounts of the foundation of that most "mythical" of the Greek colonies--Cyrene, in eastern Libya. Calame opens with a magisterial historical survey demonstrating today's misapplication of the terms "myth" and "mythology." Next, he examines the Greeks' symbolic discourse to show that these modern concepts arose much later than commonly believed. Having established this interpretive framework, Calame undertakes a comparative analysis of six accounts of Cyrene's foundation: three by Pindar and one each by Herodotus (in two different versions), Callimachus, and Apollonius of Rhodes. We see how the underlying narrative was shaped in each into a poetically sophisticated, distinctive form by the respective medium, a particular poetical genre, and the specific socio-historical circumstances. Calame concludes by arguing in favor of the Greeks' symbolic approach to the past and by examining the relation of mythos to poetry and music.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691114587
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 199
Book Description
Surely the ancient Greeks would have been baffled to see what we consider their "mythology." Here, Claude Calame mounts a powerful critique of modern-day misconceptions on this front and the lax methodology that has allowed them to prevail. He argues that the Greeks viewed their abundance of narratives not as a single mythology but as an "archaeology." They speculated symbolically on key historical events so that a community of believing citizens could access them efficiently, through ritual means. Central to the book is Calame's rigorous and fruitful analysis of various accounts of the foundation of that most "mythical" of the Greek colonies--Cyrene, in eastern Libya. Calame opens with a magisterial historical survey demonstrating today's misapplication of the terms "myth" and "mythology." Next, he examines the Greeks' symbolic discourse to show that these modern concepts arose much later than commonly believed. Having established this interpretive framework, Calame undertakes a comparative analysis of six accounts of Cyrene's foundation: three by Pindar and one each by Herodotus (in two different versions), Callimachus, and Apollonius of Rhodes. We see how the underlying narrative was shaped in each into a poetically sophisticated, distinctive form by the respective medium, a particular poetical genre, and the specific socio-historical circumstances. Calame concludes by arguing in favor of the Greeks' symbolic approach to the past and by examining the relation of mythos to poetry and music.
Kinship Myth in Ancient Greece
Author: Lee E. Patterson
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292722753
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 273
Book Description
This study enriches the dialogue on how societies often use myth to construct political, social, and cultural identity---hardly unique to the ancient Greeks, it is rather a human phenomenon for a culture to embrace an identity grounded in a putative ancestry that is expressed in the traditional stories of that culture. --Book Jacket.
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292722753
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 273
Book Description
This study enriches the dialogue on how societies often use myth to construct political, social, and cultural identity---hardly unique to the ancient Greeks, it is rather a human phenomenon for a culture to embrace an identity grounded in a putative ancestry that is expressed in the traditional stories of that culture. --Book Jacket.
Myth Becomes History
Author: Carol G. Thomas
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 104
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 104
Book Description
Art and Myth in Ancient Greece (Second) (World of Art)
Author: T. H. Carpenter
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500776067
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 471
Book Description
An essential visual handbook for anyone interested in Greek myth written by T. H. Carpenter, one of the world’s leading experts on myth in ancient art. The ancient Greeks recorded their mythology on vase paintings, engraved gems, and bronze and stone sculptures, offering depictions that often predate any references to the myths in literature or recount alternative, unfamiliar versions of these tales. In some cases, visual art provides our only evidence of these myths, as there are no surviving accounts in ancient Greek literature of stories such as the Fall of Troy or Theseus and the Minotaur. Art and Myth in Ancient Greece is a comprehensive survey of myth as it appears in Greek art. This classic volume has been updated with text and full-color images of more than three hundred scenes from Greek sculptures, vases, and gems. Aiding in the identification of mythological scenes and explaining chronological developments in style and subject matter, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in the art, drama, poetry, or religion of ancient Greece.
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500776067
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 471
Book Description
An essential visual handbook for anyone interested in Greek myth written by T. H. Carpenter, one of the world’s leading experts on myth in ancient art. The ancient Greeks recorded their mythology on vase paintings, engraved gems, and bronze and stone sculptures, offering depictions that often predate any references to the myths in literature or recount alternative, unfamiliar versions of these tales. In some cases, visual art provides our only evidence of these myths, as there are no surviving accounts in ancient Greek literature of stories such as the Fall of Troy or Theseus and the Minotaur. Art and Myth in Ancient Greece is a comprehensive survey of myth as it appears in Greek art. This classic volume has been updated with text and full-color images of more than three hundred scenes from Greek sculptures, vases, and gems. Aiding in the identification of mythological scenes and explaining chronological developments in style and subject matter, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in the art, drama, poetry, or religion of ancient Greece.
Greek Myths
Author: DK
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0744029937
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
A beautifully-illustrated book filled with over 30 Ancient Greek Myths for children aged 7-9. Journey into a world of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, extraordinary creatures and fantastic monsters with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Ancient Greek mythology. Perfect for children aged 7 to 9, this collection contains more than 30 enthralling new retellings of favourite Greek myths as well as some you might not have heard before. Including ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’, ‘The 12 Labours of Herakles’, and the escapades of ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, each myth is told in engaging modern language, which is easy for children to understand yet still retains the humour and intrigue of the original tales. Encourage your children to explore: - Over 30 fascinating Greek myths, covering famous classics and lesser known stories - Striking illustrations by multi-award winning artist Katie Ponder - Stunning gold foil on the cover - A handy pronunciation guide listing all difficult-to-pronounce names for the reader’s convenience - Key reference spreads combining the appeal of a story collection with key reference information A must-have volume for children aged 7-9 with an interest in Greek mythology and history, the additional feature pages delve deeper into the mythical world, providing profiles of the gods and a map detailing Odysseus’ long voyage home from the Trojan War. The reference section provides key background information, such as Ancient Greek storytelling and the incredible beasts of the myths, and a handy pronunciation guide. Greek Myths is the perfect gift, featuring stunning gold foil on the cover and beautiful illustrations throughout. Quench your child’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge, as they explore the enthralling tales, whether by themselves or to equally be enjoyed as bedtime stories alongside parents.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0744029937
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 162
Book Description
A beautifully-illustrated book filled with over 30 Ancient Greek Myths for children aged 7-9. Journey into a world of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, extraordinary creatures and fantastic monsters with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Ancient Greek mythology. Perfect for children aged 7 to 9, this collection contains more than 30 enthralling new retellings of favourite Greek myths as well as some you might not have heard before. Including ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’, ‘The 12 Labours of Herakles’, and the escapades of ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, each myth is told in engaging modern language, which is easy for children to understand yet still retains the humour and intrigue of the original tales. Encourage your children to explore: - Over 30 fascinating Greek myths, covering famous classics and lesser known stories - Striking illustrations by multi-award winning artist Katie Ponder - Stunning gold foil on the cover - A handy pronunciation guide listing all difficult-to-pronounce names for the reader’s convenience - Key reference spreads combining the appeal of a story collection with key reference information A must-have volume for children aged 7-9 with an interest in Greek mythology and history, the additional feature pages delve deeper into the mythical world, providing profiles of the gods and a map detailing Odysseus’ long voyage home from the Trojan War. The reference section provides key background information, such as Ancient Greek storytelling and the incredible beasts of the myths, and a handy pronunciation guide. Greek Myths is the perfect gift, featuring stunning gold foil on the cover and beautiful illustrations throughout. Quench your child’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge, as they explore the enthralling tales, whether by themselves or to equally be enjoyed as bedtime stories alongside parents.
A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths
Author: Stephen P. Kershaw
Publisher: Robinson
ISBN: 1472107543
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
The book leads the reader through these vibrant stories, from the origins of the gods through to the homecomings of the Trojan heroes. All the familiar narratives are here, along with some less familiar characters and motifs. In addition to the tales, the book explains key issues arising from the narratives, and discusses the myths and their wider relevance. This long-overdue book crystallises three key areas of interest: the nature of the tales; the stories themselves; and how they have and might be interpreted. For the first time, it brings together aspects of Greek mythology only usually available in disparate forms - namely children's books and academic works. There will be much here that is interesting, surprising, and strange as well as familiar. Experts and non-experts, adults, students and schoolchildren alike will gain entertainment and insight from this fascinating and important volume.
Publisher: Robinson
ISBN: 1472107543
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
The book leads the reader through these vibrant stories, from the origins of the gods through to the homecomings of the Trojan heroes. All the familiar narratives are here, along with some less familiar characters and motifs. In addition to the tales, the book explains key issues arising from the narratives, and discusses the myths and their wider relevance. This long-overdue book crystallises three key areas of interest: the nature of the tales; the stories themselves; and how they have and might be interpreted. For the first time, it brings together aspects of Greek mythology only usually available in disparate forms - namely children's books and academic works. There will be much here that is interesting, surprising, and strange as well as familiar. Experts and non-experts, adults, students and schoolchildren alike will gain entertainment and insight from this fascinating and important volume.
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece
Author: Ksenia Gandin
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 715
Book Description
Based on the bestselling book of N. A. Kun, this is an easy-to-read, comprehensive collection of Greek myths. The book consists of eight chapters, covering the majority of the Greek mythology universe: (1) Stories of the Gods - the stories of creation, the war with the Titans and the myths related to the main Olympian gods. (2) Stories of the Heroes - Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa, Theseus and the Minotaur, Prometheus, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Daedalus and Icarus, Europa, Cadmus, Niobe and many more. (3) Heracles - the Twelve Labors and other myths related to the greatest of the heroes. (4) Oedipus and the Theban Cycle - including Antigone, Seven against Thebes and the Epigoni. (5) The Argonauts and the Quest for the Golden Fleece - a detailed retelling of the famous journey, including the story of Jason and Medea. (6) Stories of Troy - mainly based on "The Iliad" by Homer, but also other myths related to the Trojan War, such as the Golden Apple, the Judgement of Paris, the Trojan Horse, the Fall of Troy, and additional stories about Achilles, Patroclus, Ajax the Great, Helen, Cassandra and more. (7) The House of Agamemnon - the stories of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Orestes and Iphigenia. (8) The Odyssey - the journey of Odysseus to his native Ithaca, retold from "The Odyssey" by Homer.The book is based on a translation of the bestseller "What The Ancient Greeks And Romans Told About Their Gods And Heroes" by Nikolay A. Kun, a famous historian and writer, written in 1914. Ever since, the book has been extremely popular in Eastern Europe, and since it came out, has received hundreds of publications in Russian, and was translated into multiple languages. This edition: * Is an easy-to-read, adapted retelling of the original book, based on its translation into simple, modern English. * Is organized in a story-like manner, combining myths from different sources into a unified tale. * Is adjusted in a manner appropriate for younger readers, while staying as loyal as possible to the original ancient texts. * Includes detailed retelling of the "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer, Ovid's "Metamorphoses", "The Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, the greatest Greek tragedies by Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus and many more. * Closely follows the ancient sources, completing and supplementing Kun's stories with new details and context. * Contains stories that have been adapted into the versions of the myths more commonly popular in the West.*Includes multiple stories not included in Kun's original book. * The order of the chapters is different from the original book to simplify chronological understanding. * Includes multiple, in-depth annotations referencing art, history, linguistics, geography and more.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 715
Book Description
Based on the bestselling book of N. A. Kun, this is an easy-to-read, comprehensive collection of Greek myths. The book consists of eight chapters, covering the majority of the Greek mythology universe: (1) Stories of the Gods - the stories of creation, the war with the Titans and the myths related to the main Olympian gods. (2) Stories of the Heroes - Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa, Theseus and the Minotaur, Prometheus, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Daedalus and Icarus, Europa, Cadmus, Niobe and many more. (3) Heracles - the Twelve Labors and other myths related to the greatest of the heroes. (4) Oedipus and the Theban Cycle - including Antigone, Seven against Thebes and the Epigoni. (5) The Argonauts and the Quest for the Golden Fleece - a detailed retelling of the famous journey, including the story of Jason and Medea. (6) Stories of Troy - mainly based on "The Iliad" by Homer, but also other myths related to the Trojan War, such as the Golden Apple, the Judgement of Paris, the Trojan Horse, the Fall of Troy, and additional stories about Achilles, Patroclus, Ajax the Great, Helen, Cassandra and more. (7) The House of Agamemnon - the stories of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Orestes and Iphigenia. (8) The Odyssey - the journey of Odysseus to his native Ithaca, retold from "The Odyssey" by Homer.The book is based on a translation of the bestseller "What The Ancient Greeks And Romans Told About Their Gods And Heroes" by Nikolay A. Kun, a famous historian and writer, written in 1914. Ever since, the book has been extremely popular in Eastern Europe, and since it came out, has received hundreds of publications in Russian, and was translated into multiple languages. This edition: * Is an easy-to-read, adapted retelling of the original book, based on its translation into simple, modern English. * Is organized in a story-like manner, combining myths from different sources into a unified tale. * Is adjusted in a manner appropriate for younger readers, while staying as loyal as possible to the original ancient texts. * Includes detailed retelling of the "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer, Ovid's "Metamorphoses", "The Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, the greatest Greek tragedies by Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus and many more. * Closely follows the ancient sources, completing and supplementing Kun's stories with new details and context. * Contains stories that have been adapted into the versions of the myths more commonly popular in the West.*Includes multiple stories not included in Kun's original book. * The order of the chapters is different from the original book to simplify chronological understanding. * Includes multiple, in-depth annotations referencing art, history, linguistics, geography and more.
The Complete World of Greek Mythology (The Complete Series)
Author: Richard Buxton
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500776407
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 603
Book Description
A full, authoritative, and wholly engaging account of these endlessly fascinating tales and of the ancient society in which they were created. Greek myths are among the most complex and influential stories ever told. From the first millennium BC until today, the myths have been repeated in an inexhaustible series of variations and reinterpretations. They can be found in the latest movies and television shows and in software for interactive computer games. This book combines a retelling of Greek myths with a comprehensive account of the world in which they developed—their themes, their relevance to Greek religion and society, and their relationship to the landscape. "Contexts, Sources, Meanings" describes the main literary and artistic sources for Greek myths, and their contexts, such as ritual and theater. "Myths of Origin" includes stories about the beginning of the cosmos, the origins of the gods, the first humans, and the founding of communities. "The Olympians: Power, Honor, Sexuality" examines the activities of all the main divinities. "Heroic exploits" concentrates on the adventures of Perseus, Jason, Herakles, and other heroes. "Family sagas" explores the dramas and catastrophes that befall heroes and heroines. "A Landscape of Myths" sets the stories within the context of the mountains, caves, seas, and rivers of Greece, Crete, Troy, and the Underworld. "Greek Myths after the Greeks" describes the rich tradition of retelling, from the Romans, through the Renaissance, to the twenty-first century. Complemented by lavish illustrations, genealogical tables, box features, and specially commissioned drawings, this will be an essential book for anyone interested in these classic tales and in the world of the ancient Greeks.
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 0500776407
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 603
Book Description
A full, authoritative, and wholly engaging account of these endlessly fascinating tales and of the ancient society in which they were created. Greek myths are among the most complex and influential stories ever told. From the first millennium BC until today, the myths have been repeated in an inexhaustible series of variations and reinterpretations. They can be found in the latest movies and television shows and in software for interactive computer games. This book combines a retelling of Greek myths with a comprehensive account of the world in which they developed—their themes, their relevance to Greek religion and society, and their relationship to the landscape. "Contexts, Sources, Meanings" describes the main literary and artistic sources for Greek myths, and their contexts, such as ritual and theater. "Myths of Origin" includes stories about the beginning of the cosmos, the origins of the gods, the first humans, and the founding of communities. "The Olympians: Power, Honor, Sexuality" examines the activities of all the main divinities. "Heroic exploits" concentrates on the adventures of Perseus, Jason, Herakles, and other heroes. "Family sagas" explores the dramas and catastrophes that befall heroes and heroines. "A Landscape of Myths" sets the stories within the context of the mountains, caves, seas, and rivers of Greece, Crete, Troy, and the Underworld. "Greek Myths after the Greeks" describes the rich tradition of retelling, from the Romans, through the Renaissance, to the twenty-first century. Complemented by lavish illustrations, genealogical tables, box features, and specially commissioned drawings, this will be an essential book for anyone interested in these classic tales and in the world of the ancient Greeks.
Myths of the Ancient Greeks
Author: Richard P. Martin
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101126981
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
From one of today’s foremost scholars, a lively retelling of the timeless tales… Here are the myths that have influenced so much of our cultural heritage. Such age-old stories as the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice or Demeter’s loss of her daughter, Persephone, resonate strongly with readers even today. In this book the rousing adventures of the heroes Herakles, Theseus, and Perseus are intertwined with the tragedies of immortal Prometheus and mortal Oedipus, the amorous escapades of Zeus, the trickery of Hermes, and the ecstasy of Dionysus. In-depth introductions to each section deepen your understanding of the myths—and heighten your reading pleasure. Presented in simple yet elegant prose, these tales emerge in brilliant new life. From the creation battle of the gods and Titans to Odysseus’ return home from the Trojan War, this indispensable volume contains fifty-six legendary stories—handed down from generations past—that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101126981
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
From one of today’s foremost scholars, a lively retelling of the timeless tales… Here are the myths that have influenced so much of our cultural heritage. Such age-old stories as the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice or Demeter’s loss of her daughter, Persephone, resonate strongly with readers even today. In this book the rousing adventures of the heroes Herakles, Theseus, and Perseus are intertwined with the tragedies of immortal Prometheus and mortal Oedipus, the amorous escapades of Zeus, the trickery of Hermes, and the ecstasy of Dionysus. In-depth introductions to each section deepen your understanding of the myths—and heighten your reading pleasure. Presented in simple yet elegant prose, these tales emerge in brilliant new life. From the creation battle of the gods and Titans to Odysseus’ return home from the Trojan War, this indispensable volume contains fifty-six legendary stories—handed down from generations past—that will continue to captivate readers for generations to come.
Greek Mythology
Author: Patrick Auerbach
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781533658623
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 74
Book Description
Greek Mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. It was a part of the religion in ancient Greece. The Greeks were polytheistic in their religious beliefs. Polytheistic means they believed in and worshiped many different gods. Modern scholars refer to and study the myths in an attempt to shed light on the religious and political institutions of Ancient Greece and its civilization, and to gain understanding of the nature of myth-making itself. In Greek Mythology, the gods often represented different forms of nature. Their religion/mythology had no formal structure with the exception of various festivals held in honor of the gods. There was no sacred book or code of conduct to live by. The most powerful Greek gods were known as the Olympians. The Greeks believed the Olympians lived on the highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus. The Olympian gods included: Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hades, Hermes, Hephaestus, Poseidon and Hestia or later she was replaced in some lists by Dionysus. Greek Mythology is explicitly embodied in a large collection of narratives, and implicitly in Greek representational arts, such as vase-paintings and votive gifts. Greek myth attempts to explain the origins of the world, and details the lives and adventures of a wide variety of gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines and mythological creatures. These accounts initially were disseminated in an oral-poetic tradition; today the Greek myths are known primarily from Greek literature. The oldest known Greek literary sources, Homer's epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, focus on the Trojan War and its aftermath. Scroll to the top of the page and click Add To Cart to read more about this extraordinary chapter of history.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781533658623
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 74
Book Description
Greek Mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. It was a part of the religion in ancient Greece. The Greeks were polytheistic in their religious beliefs. Polytheistic means they believed in and worshiped many different gods. Modern scholars refer to and study the myths in an attempt to shed light on the religious and political institutions of Ancient Greece and its civilization, and to gain understanding of the nature of myth-making itself. In Greek Mythology, the gods often represented different forms of nature. Their religion/mythology had no formal structure with the exception of various festivals held in honor of the gods. There was no sacred book or code of conduct to live by. The most powerful Greek gods were known as the Olympians. The Greeks believed the Olympians lived on the highest mountain in Greece, Mount Olympus. The Olympian gods included: Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hades, Hermes, Hephaestus, Poseidon and Hestia or later she was replaced in some lists by Dionysus. Greek Mythology is explicitly embodied in a large collection of narratives, and implicitly in Greek representational arts, such as vase-paintings and votive gifts. Greek myth attempts to explain the origins of the world, and details the lives and adventures of a wide variety of gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines and mythological creatures. These accounts initially were disseminated in an oral-poetic tradition; today the Greek myths are known primarily from Greek literature. The oldest known Greek literary sources, Homer's epic poems Iliad and Odyssey, focus on the Trojan War and its aftermath. Scroll to the top of the page and click Add To Cart to read more about this extraordinary chapter of history.