The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology

Guides the reader through the fascinating field of ancient Greek myth from its origins to modern interpretations in writing and film.

Roger D. Woodard (Edited by)

9780521607261, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 January 2008

552 pages
23 x 15 x 2.5 cm, 0.73 kg

'… wonderful though they are simply as narratives, the myths had - and still have - their own origins and contexts, and it is these that are explored in this fascinating companion.' Reference Reviews

Professor Roger Woodard brings together a group of the world's most authoritative scholars of classical myth to present a thorough treatment of all aspects of Greek mythology. Sixteen original articles guide the reader through all aspects of the ancient mythic tradition and its influence around the world and in later years. The articles examine the forms and uses of myth in Greek oral and written literature, from the epic poetry of 8th century BC to the mythographic catalogues of the early centuries AD. They examine the relationship between myth, art, religion and politics among the ancient Greeks and its reception and influence on later society from the Middle Ages to present day literature, feminism and cinema. This Companion volume's comprehensive coverage makes it ideal reading for students of Greek mythology and for anyone interested in the myths of the ancient Greeks and their impact on western tradition.

Introduction: Muthoi in continuity and variation Roger D. Woodard
Part I. Sources and Interpretations: 1. Lyric and Greek myth Gregory Nagy
2. Homer and Greek myth Gregory Nagy
3. Hesiod and Greek myth Roger D. Woodard
4. Tragedy and Greek myth Richard Buxton
5. Aristophanes and Greek myth Angus Bowie
6. Plato and Greek myth Diskin Clay
7. Hellenistic mythographers Carolyn Higbie
Part II. Response, Integration, Representation: 8. Greek myth and Greek religion Claude Calame
9. Myth in Greek art and architecture Jenifer Neils
10. The landscapes of Greek myth Ada Cohen
11. Politics and Greek myth Jonathan M. Hall
12. Ovid and Greek myth A. J. Boyle
Part III. Reception: 13. Women and Greek myth Vanda Zajko
14. Greek myth in medieval and renaissance literature H. David Brumble
15. Greek myth in English and American literature Sarah Anne Brown
16. Greek myth on the screen Martin M. Winkler.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]