Questions About Mythology

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Answered Questions (9)

Is this book like the Bible or is it more story like?

Lori I just wanted to add to Emily's (excellent) answer. It's *like* the Bible in that is tells the stories of the Greco-Roman gods, much like the Christia…moreI just wanted to add to Emily's (excellent) answer. It's *like* the Bible in that is tells the stories of the Greco-Roman gods, much like the Christian Bible contains stories in both the Old and New Testaments. However, like Emily said, it opens with a break down of the gods, grouped together with similar gods. It gives their Greek and Roman names and elucidates the minor differences between the Greek stories and the Roman stories of each god.

The book then moves into stories/myths involving the gods. The stories are edited with comments to include (sometimes) where the story came from (e.g. Homer's earlier writings, etc.) and slight variances in the story that are the result of translations or just disagreements in the retellings throughout history.

I actually read the Percy Jackson series and realized just how little I knew of Greek mythology. This book is an excellent read if you want to brush up, or (like me) learn about it from the ground-up.

In short, once you read through the descriptions of the gods, it becomes more story-like (divided into chapters, etc.). Highly recommend. (less)

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Is this book appropriate for an 11 year old?

Ethan I would say yes! Some of these stories are dark and a bit mature but after a quick read through you should be able to pick out a plethora of myths to …moreI would say yes! Some of these stories are dark and a bit mature but after a quick read through you should be able to pick out a plethora of myths to share with your children. Some of them would make excellent bedtime stories.

I firmly believe that these myths are still important and relevant and many of them deal with the human condition. The adventures may present some tough lessons on morality and right and wrong but they are such wonderfully presented here that I believe that with some careful guidance someone 11 years old or even a bit younger could enjoy some of these. Odysseus defeating the cyclops Polyphemus for example is one that I was exposed to at a very young age and it's still one of my favorite stories. An 11-year-old boy particularly would find it entertaining (what young boy doesn't like a good somewhat violent tale about overcoming a seemingly insurmountable evil?)

I believe that myths are great for children and even better for adults. Still to this day these myths are recreated and played out. Disney is especially famous for this. And how can we not mention Star Wars? All the elements of classical mythology are present in those movies!

I encourage folks to share these stories with their kids!

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THIS BOOK CONSISTS OF NORSE AND GREEK MYTHOLOGY?

Alex Shrugged Mostly Greek/Roman mythology. There is a tiny part about Norse mythology at the end. Try " Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman for more. My son recommende…moreMostly Greek/Roman mythology. There is a tiny part about Norse mythology at the end. Try " Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman for more. My son recommended it to me.(less)

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Are there illustrations? Is it in black and white or color?

Arianna There are a couple of illustrations not many and they are all in black and white.

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sounds like something I could love....there was so much missng in my education. I’m trying to catch up now?

Julia This is a great starter for greek and roman mythology, but for more myths from various cultures (not just euro-centric ones), I would suggest checking…moreThis is a great starter for greek and roman mythology, but for more myths from various cultures (not just euro-centric ones), I would suggest checking out the Myths and Legends podcast by Jason and Carissa Weiser.(less)

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