Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology: Book Summary| Free Download Book PDF

⇒ The book begins with an overview of the origins of mythology in ancient Greece and Rome. The authors explain how myths were used to explain natural phenomena, human behaviour, and the relationship between mortals and the divine. They also explore the role of mythology in literature, art, and philosophy throughout history.

⇒ The main body of the encyclopaedia is divided into two parts: Greek Mythology and Roman Mythology. Each section includes entries on the major gods and goddesses, as well as the lesser-known deities, heroes, and monsters. The entries are organised alphabetically and provide detailed information on each character’s attributes, stories, and cultural significance.

⇒ The Greek Mythology section covers a wide range of figures, from the well-known Olympian gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera, to the trickster god Hermes, the underworld ruler Hades, and the mythical beasts like the Minotaur and the Hydra. Each entry provides a detailed description of the character, including their physical appearance, powers, symbols, and myths. The authors also include information on how the character was worshipped in ancient Greece, as well as their role in literature and art.

⇒ The Roman Mythology section follows a similar structure, but focuses on the Roman pantheon and its associated myths. The authors explain how many of the Roman gods were based on the Greek gods, but had different names and attributes. For example, the Roman god of war, Mars, was the equivalent of the Greek god Ares, while the Roman goddess of love, Venus, was based on the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

⇒ In addition to the major gods and goddesses, the authors also provide entries on the minor deities, such as the Roman household gods, the Lares and Penates, and the Greek nymphs and satyrs. They also cover a wide range of heroes and heroines, including Achilles, Perseus, and Odysseus in Greek mythology, and Romulus, Remus, and Aeneas in Roman mythology.

⇒ One of the strengths of this encyclopedia is the authors’ attention to detail and accuracy. They draw on a wide range of primary sources, including ancient texts, inscriptions, and art, to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of each character. They also provide a thorough bibliography at the end of each section, which allows readers to explore the subject in more depth.

⇒ The authors also highlight the enduring cultural significance of these myths. They explain how the ancient Greeks and Romans used myths to explore universal themes such as love, power, and the nature of the human condition. They also show how these myths have influenced literature, art, and popular culture throughout history. For example, the authors describe how the character of Medusa has been reinterpreted in everything from classical art to modern films.

⇒ One potential weakness of this encyclopedia is its focus on the Greek and Roman pantheons. While the authors do include some entries on non-Greek and Roman figures, such as the Egyptian god Isis and the Celtic warrior queen Boudicca, these sections are relatively brief. As a result, readers looking for a more comprehensive guide to world mythology may need to consult additional resources.