Gods, demigods and demons : a handbook of Greek mythology

Gods, Demigods and Demons is a concise, yet wide-ranging handbook of Greek mythology that promises a vivid introduction to the great myths of ancient Greece. Here are the gods of the Olympian pantheon. Here too are the demigods, demons, heroes, and many of the best-loved (as well as lesser-known) cycles, fables and nature myths. The entries, always readable and informative, convey the significance of Greek mythology and its place at the core of Western culture. They evoke the majesty, as well as the all-too-human foibles, of the Greek deities and their acolytes. Whether they find themselves caught up by the single combat of Hector and Achilles before the looming walls of Troy; or find themselves transported, like Odysseus, by the haunting song of the Sirens; or are thrilled by the quest of Jason and his Argonauts for the fabled Golden Fleece - enthusiasts of myth and ancient history will discover many richnesses to enjoy here. Gods, Demigods and Demons is both a helpful guide and a one-stop resource that can be consulted again and again. It will prove an indispensable companion to the world of the ancient Greeks and the gods they worshipped. "Gods, Demigods and Demons" is a concise, yet wide-ranging encyclopedia of Greek mythology that promises hours of delight for the classics enthusiast. Names, places and events are described in exciting, briefly-told tales of the gods of the Olympian pantheon. Here too are the demigods, demons, heroes, and many of the great cycles, fables and nature myths. The entries are well-balanced, readable and informative. They evoke the majesty, as well as the all-too-human foibles, of the Greek deities and their acolytes. At the same time, they bring the colourful world of Greek myth to life without providing more detail than is required for maximum enjoyment of the stories. Whether they find themselves caught up by the single combat of Hector and Achilles before the looming walls of Troy; or find themselves transported, like Odysseus, by the haunting and deadly song of the Sirens; or are thrilled by the quest of Jason and his Argonauts for the fabled Golden Fleece - fans of ancient history will find countless tales here to appreciate and return to again and again. "Gods, Demigods and Demons" is both a helpful guide and a treasure-trove of pleasurable reading. It will be an indispensable companion to the ancient Greeks' religion and the gods that they worshipped."--Bloomsbury Publishing This book is a concise, yet wide-ranging encyclopedia of Greek mythology, a guide to the ancient Greeks' religion and the gods that they worshipped. Names, places and events are described in briefly-told tales of the gods of the Olympian pantheon. Here too are the demigods, demons, heroes, and many of the great cycles, fables and nature myths. The entries evoke the majesty, as well as the all-too-human foibles, of the Greek deities and their acolytes. At the same time, they bring the colourful world of Greek myth to life. Relates tales such as the single combat of Hector and Achilles before the looming walls of Troy; Odysseus and the haunting and deadly song of the Sirens; the quest of Jason and his Argonauts for the fabled Golden Fleece