Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology

An exploration of timeless legends.

First told centuries ago, the ancient myths of the Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate and influence the world today. The expanded edition of this popular guide examines why these legends remain an integral part of human history, citing their literary value, and their presence throughout popular culture in such works as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

•Features a 50-page “who’s who” glossary of classical mythological characters—from both the Greek and Roman versions

•An updated look at recent movies and television series’ based on mythology, including Helen of Troy, HBO’s animated Odyssey, and the Disney Channel’s Hercules

1. Tell Me a Story

What a myth is, the functions myths play in a particular culture, and the sources of our knowledge about the mythology of ancient Greece and Rome.

2. O Brave New World

How the world was created, how men were created, and how and why women were created.

3. Hey, I've Heard That Before! The Roots of Classical Myth

Earlier myths from other cultures that may have influenced classical mythology—including the Babylonian genesis and the story of the first hero, Gilgamesh.

4. Author, Author

The ancient poets, playwrights, and other writers whose works have informed us about classical mythology.

Part 2: Welcome to the Pantheon: The Greek Gods

5. Tales of the Titanic

The birth of the first immortals, the ascent and brief reign of the Titans, and their fall to the Olympians.

6. The Reign of Thunder and Lightning: Olympus Under Zeus

The six original Olympians, all children of the Titans Cronus and Rhea: Zeus and Hera (and their stormy marriage), their brothers Poseidon and Hades, and their sisters Hestia and Demeter.

7. The A Team: Olympians All

The seven other major players on Mount Olympus: the goddesses Aphrodite, Athena, and Artemis, and the gods Hephaestus, Ares, Apollo, and Hermes.

8. Friends, Fairies, and Fairy Tale Monsters

The "lesser" gods and goddesses, satyrs, and nymphs, and the battles between the Olympians and both the Giants and the terrifying monster Typhon.

9. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Dionysus

The frenzied and ecstatic rites of the god of wine and his followers—as well as his persecution and ultimate ascent to Olympus.

Part 3: Everyone Needs a Hero

10. The Model Hero: Perseus

The hero who slew Medusa, rescued his wife from a sea monster, and saved his mother from a human monster.

11. What the Hell? Adventures in the Underworld

How Hades found a wife, how Orpheus pursued his wife even after death, and the eternal tortures of the damned.

12. Even the Wisest Cannot See: Oedipus the King

The blindness that caused a visionary hero to kill his father and marry his mother.

13. The Labors of Hercules

The greatest of classical heroes: his persecution by his stepmother Hera and his many thrilling adventures.

14. Crimes of Passion: Jason, Medea, and the Argonauts

The fabled quest for the Golden Fleece, Medea's crimes on Jason's behalf—and her revenge after he dumped her.

15. Lucky in War, Unlucky in Love: Theseus

The hero who defeated the Minotaur and escaped the Labyrinth—and his unfortunate choice of women.

16. All's Not Fair in Love and War: The Fall of Troy

How a crasher at a wedding party sparked a rivalry among goddesses, the abduction of Helen, and the greatest conflict in classical mythology: the Trojan War.

17. Achilles: The Angry Young Hero

The greatest of Greek war heroes: his birth, his near invincibility in combat, his withdrawal from and return to the Trojan War, and his ultimate death on the battlefield.

18. Take the Long Way Home: Odysseus

Why it took Odysseus 20 years to return to his faithful wife Penelope—and his many adventures along the way.

19. Not in Our Stars: Tragic Heroes and Their Fates

Tales that illustrate the pain of unrequited love, the treachery of in-laws, the perils of distrusting your mate, the virtue of listening to your parents, and reasons why you should never, ever lend your child the keys to the family chariot.

Part 4: Friends, Romans, Countrymen

20. When in Rome, Worship as the Romans Worship

The personal relationship that ancient Romans maintained with their gods and goddesses—and the rituals they used to keep these deities strong and vital.

21. Meet the New Boss(es), Same as the Old Boss(es): The Gods and Goddesses of Rome

The hodgepodge of Roman deities—native Latin gods, immigrant Olympians, deified Greeks, and nature spirits.

22. All Roads Lead to Rome: The Odyssey of Aeneas

How Aeneas escaped the sack of Troy and undertook his own odyssey to found the Roman race.

23. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

How Romulus and Remus battled over the founding of Rome, legends of the city's early kings, and how a rape led to the founding of a republic.

Appendixes

A. Glossary of Terms

B. Who's Who in Classical Mythology

C. What's in a Name? Greek and Roman Gods and Heroes

D. Be Careful What You Wish For: The Fates of Mortals Who Slept with Gods or Goddesses

E. Read More About It

Index