Manual of Mythology
Overview
In this classic textbook, A.S. Murray, distinguished 19th century Scottish scholar and archeologist, provides a compelling summary of ancient mythologies and their key characters. Manual of Mythology gives a complete understanding of the ancient world and the stories that arose out of their cultures and beliefs. Murray describes in clear detail the major gods, goddesses, and stories of the Greek, Roman, Norse, Old German, and Eastern religions. He begins with an introduction to ancient Greek and Roman culture and how they incorporated these stories into their daily lives. Murray then narrates the history of mythology, beginning with the creation of the world and the highest deities of the Ancient Greeks. He gives great detail on the legends and characters, including accounts of the famous Trojan War, the journey of Odysseus, and the feats of Hercules.
Manual of Mythology focuses mainly on the stories and heroes of the Ancient Greeks. Murray also gives an account of the Northern and Eastern legends, summarizing the central folklore and influence of these traditions. He ends with a brief overview of ancient Egyptian mythology. This book is highly readable and perfect for students and anyone interested in learning more about ancient mythology and its continuing effect on modern culture.
Key Features
- Thorough overview of ancient myths
- Focuses on Greek lore, as well as summarizing other ancient religious traditions
- Highly accessible for students and the general reader
- Includes index and 45 plates depicting key characters in mythology
Top Highlights
“This was idolatry. At the same time, owing to the vast number of beautiful and grand statues of gods, there gradually arose a feeling of the deification of man and a struggle to become more and more like these beings of nobler human form and divine presence. For it is one of the advantages of having gods possessed of human form that mankind can look up to them with the feeling of having something in common, and the assurance of pity and favor. This was a powerful element in the Greek religion, and led more than any other to the extraordinary piety of the Greek race, in spite of all the awkward stories which we are accustomed to ridicule.” (Pages 4–5)
“‘Zeus, whoever thou art, and by whatever name it please thee to be named, I call on thee and pray.’” (Page 14)
“looked on the gods as only maintaining and preserving the existing order” (Page 5)
“Homer, which ascribes the origin of the world to Okeanos, the ocean.” (Page 22)
“Apollo, in the neighbourhood of Delphi, and occurred every fifth year, there being competition in music as well as in athletics. The prize was a wreath of laurel. At the Nemean games, which were held in honour of Zeus, the prize was a wreath of ivy. The Isthmian games were held in honour of Poseidon, on the Isthmus of Corinth, and occurred every third year; the prize was a wreath of pine.” (Page 16)
Product Details
- Title: Manual of Mythology: Greek and Roman, Norse, and Old German, Hindoo and Egyptian Mythology
- Author: A.S. Murray
- Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons
- Publication Date: 1881
- Pages: 368
