Mythology (book)

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Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

First edition
Author	Edith Hamilton
Illustrator	Steele Savage
Subject	Greek mythology, Roman mythology, and Norse mythology
Publisher	Little, Brown and Company
Publication date	1942
Pages	xiv, 497 pages

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes is a book written by Edith Hamilton, published in 1942 by Little, Brown and Company.^[1] It has been reissued since then by several publishers, including its 75th anniversary illustrated edition.^[2] It retells stories of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology drawn from a variety of sources. The introduction includes commentary on the major classical poets used as sources, and on how changing cultures have led to changing characterizations of the deities and their myths. It is frequently used in high schools and colleges as an introductory text to ancient mythology and belief.

Contents

The book contains an introduction and seven sections:^[3]

1. Greek gods of Olympus and the Greek creation myths
2. Greek and Roman myths involving love and adventure, including the tales of
   Eros and Psyche and Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece
3. Heroes before the Trojan War, such as Perseus, Theseus, Heracles and Atalanta
4. Trojan War and its heroes, including Odysseus, Aeneas and Achilles
5. Significant families in Greek mythology: the house of
   Thebes, and the royal house of Athens
6. Lesser-known stories from Greek and Roman mythology
7. Tales from Norse myths involving deities such as Odin, Thor and Loki

Most editions include drawings by American illustrator Steele Savage.

References