Adventures of the Greek Heroes: Rollicking Greek Myths About Gods and Heroes for Kids

by Anne M. Wiseman, Mollie McLean, Witold T. Mars (Illustrator)

These timeless stories about mighty Hercules, fearless Jason, and creepy-crawly Medusa have been told for generations. The world’s secrets are revealed through magical mythological tales of amazing people, animals, and places—and these stories are sure to charm and excite readers who like fantastic and fun adventures.

Perfect for the younger reader, Adventures of the Greek Heroes is a wonderful introduction to the rousing and rollicking world of Greek myths.

This exciting collection includes the adventures of Hercules, Perseus, Theseus, Orpheaus, Meleager, and the Argonauts.

Genres: Mythology, Classics, Fiction, Literature, Childrens, Fantasy

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Dayan Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Though most of the stories I already read about them. But there were new stories that I ha never hear of. My favorite part is that the format of the book is very interesting. Each chapter is different but it keeps going right after what had happened in the past chapter. I really recommend this book to Greek lovers. Also keep in mind that this book is pretty amazing and if you don't like it then try another book.

[Nassir]

I think this book is good to read because it will help you to learn a lot of things. One of example I learn in this book to stop give up.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Adventures of the Greek Heroes
I have really enjoyed this book filled with fun adventures of bravery. My favorite tales in this book are the stories about Theseus. Theseus showed great courage, strength, and wisdom. His father, Aegeus, buried his sword and magical shoes in the ground, and he put a giant rock over them. In order for his son to take these valuables, he would have to lift the heavy rock. When Theseus was born he worked hard throughout his life, and when he was older, he was able to lift the rock, take the sword and shoes, and then he was sent to his father in Athens. On the way to Athens, he had to face many wicked men. Theseus killed all of the evil men that tried to trick him along the journey, such as the Club-bearer, the Foot-washer, and the Stretcher. After defeating all of these horrible people, Theseus approached his father's, kingdom. Inside of the palace, there was a wicked woman named Medea who had magical powers, and she put the king under her spell. Theseus made it to the palace, and he was reunited with his father, but Medea had tried to kill him, and she had now escaped the palace. Aegeus and Theseus were happy for many days, until a woman came to them in tears, because her son was to be sent to Crete where there was a horrible beast called the Minotaur. Theseus decided to sail to Crete, and rescue the child from the evil creature. Before he left, his father told him to change his sail to white if he conquered the Minotaur, and to change it black if he died. He tried to remember what his father said as he set sail for Crete. When he arrived, a beautiful woman named Ariadne gave him golden thread, and lead him to the labyrinth of the Minotaur. She also told him to always go to the right. Theseus soon reached the roaring Minotaur, and he killed the beast that had the head of a bull, and a body of a man. He followed the thread back to the entrance with the Minotaur's head in his hand. When he returned to his home, he found his father dead, because he forgot to change his sail to white. I highly recommend this book to the readers who love the mythology and Greek tales. This book is sure to grab your attention, and it is filled with many more stories of brave heroes. It can also teach you valuable lessons through the mistakes made by the heroes, and sometimes even the wicked characters.

[Kathryn Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading greek myths, so I enjoyed this book. The only thing I didn't like was that there was NO details or adjectives in this book . It was almost choppy. However, I still enjoyed this book. It had stories of Hercules and many other amazing heroes from Greek Mythology. I also believe that these stories are fun to read because of all the action in them. However, some these stories were pretty violent. But overall, I like this book and would recommend this book to people who love books about history and Greek Mythology.

[Jonathan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book it was so interesting even though I couldn't pronounce some names or cities. It was fascinating it brings back kind of a childish side of me almost like my mom reading a story to me. I loved it overall and am more interested in Greek Heroes.

This book can't be necessarily summarized because it's just a bunch of stories of different Greek Heroes in one. This book was not very challenging to read, but I did learn about more Greek Heroes because before this book I only knew Perseus, Medusa, and Hercule. Now I know about Theseus, Prometheus, and Appolo. The writing technique I would assume is fairly new except when the characters are talking in which they talk like in a more proper way if that makes sense. The book didn't really have a theme, but something that all these characters had in common was that they were brave.

I liked everything about this book it was amazing. From start to finish I stayed interested and really felt the book. This book really seeps into your imagination.

I think people who are into Greek Mythology will definitely love this book. This book compares to other books I've read because I usually read about adventures and this is all that this book is about.

[Luke Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my 7-year-old son. Good collection of some classic myths.

[A. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody fantastic!!
Women were seen as equals- unlike western stories. In these stories Women were seen as brave, wise and powerful, and were respected. They were also admired for their beauty, but unlike what the western world tells us to believe- that was never their only option to achieve admiration, respect and power. Their characters could be both beautiful and wise, both beautiful and strong, or all beautiful, wise and strong! Loved reading these stories. The divine feminine comes in many forms. I cannot give examples without using spoilers.

Also, many of these stories obviously inspired J.K Rowling which excited me to imagine someone who wrote such creative masterpieces was inspired to write this through the same stories I was reading.

Spoilers:
When Admetus was sick not one man was brave enough to sacrifice his life for that of their beloved King, Admetus. They all feared death more than they feared battle. Not even his own frail, weak, old parents would sacrifice their lives for him. However his beautiful wife sacrificed hers so that he might live. Only she was brave enough to face death.

I liked how Theseus become wise and learned the tricks of old men: he was noble and brave.

Many stories show the length women will go to protect those she loves- her sons, her lovers, or her kingdom. The women always bravely helped their men who they loved- even if they had to go against their family or loved ones. Ariadne of Theseus was one example: she helped him escape her fathers dungeons and escaped with him, leaving everything behind.

Orpheus went into hades to redeem his love Eurydice, however he turned around to look at her seconds before granting her freedom. With a sad smile She said, you should not have turned so soon! We were almost free! Goodbye!
She wasn't tearful, angry, or hateful because of his mistake he made from impatience.

Atlanta was brave and did not want any husband because she wanted to be free. She was braver than any man. She deserved a prize because she saved all the men in her group:as they hid, she killed the monster. Meleager defended her: she deserved the prize. "The men did not like the words of Meleager. They did not like to think a woman had been brave when they had been afraid. They said, this woman must not have the prize. Let's take it from her. "
Meleager was a true Man- brave, fair, and honest. He defended her. Even though those men were his uncles, He killed them. Atlanta fell in love with him.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and textual claim on the myths of six heroic Greekians, and might i say that some are the heirs to one of the most heirarchal leaders of mankind! It all starts with Zeus, a nefarious leader who robs mankind of one element he cannot sustain without; slowly the first hero starts a horde of things. one after the next (wild, exaggerated punishments). And the chain of destruction-saving through the onslaught of heroes continues. join the tales of brave and laborous Hercules, lyrical Orpheus, prideful Perseus, Theseus the Almighty, and Jason.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, this book was written for adolescents. and it's probably a really good book for those who are just beginning to learn english, but i liked it. i mean, what's not to like with greek mythology and tragedy? it was good to reread the stories of medusa. and finally understand who the argonauts were (again). this is a good book to scape the dust out of the corners of your mind for those old classes where you read mythology. i love this shit.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph is all about heroes. He identified immediately with Perseus in the first stories but then found Hercules and his strength very attractive. Hmmm...hard to decide. This was an excellent reading level for him, going into 4th grade and at a 3rd grade level. He had good retention after reading these stories, too.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on vacation. Always fun to read the mythologies even if they're simplified and severely abridged."Hercules completed other trials, but that is another story," Really, I have time. Tell me some more. We stay at the same house every year. Going to shoot for the George Washington bio next year.

[Adam Lockhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple introduction to some of the better known Greek Heroes. The storys are heavy on the high notes and light on details. It was a nice, quick read and will likely be a book that I encourage my 10 year old son to read next.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

this adventurous story starts out with all the good and the bad greek gods and goddesses including medusa and zues,hercules and perseus, theseus and orpheus, and the argonauts including meleager

[Lisa Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories were a little different from other versions. Like for example, isn't Prometheus a Titan? And he gets his liver torn out by a vulture, right? Not in this book.

[Maria Drago · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written.

[Kai Shen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many greek myths, for instance, Theseus and the Minotaur, The 12 labours of Hercules and many more. The myths are also shortened, but still gives you the important informations.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the sentences were abrupt, and the stories weren't told in the best way they could have been told... Overall it was okay.

[miaaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

those days when bravery, valor, and wisdom differ heroes from mere human

[Saccheen Laing · Rating 5 out of 5]

So magical

[AxeL Juarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of history. It talks about what greek did back in the old days. I love this book it is full adventure. I recommend this book who likes history.

[Jerry]

this book is fun

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

bruh i thought we can read it on this cite.......... faq

[Adrian182 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wiseman, Anne M. Adventures of the Greek Heroes (1961). Heroes, motif- death. Story-How Perseus Slayed the Gorgon. In my mind, I envisioned this story as the sequel to Varitan’s Medusa story in his “Illustrated Greek Myths” story. The setting is Ancient Greece, where we find the hero Perseus at the shore of a freezing sea, conversing with the Three Gray Sisters. These figures are seen in different myths, with my latest recollection of them being the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. After inquiring about the gorgon with them, he is sent to a city of lonely maidens who keep asking Perseus to stay and play with them (whoa, convenient). However, Perseus refuses and says that he must slay the gorgon. The maidens give him the hat of darkness so that he can be protected and not seen, thus not being able to be turned to stone. Once at the gorgon’s island, Perseus slays the Gorgon, in one line, which is a bit anticlimactic. He then takes the gorgon’s head with him as a trophy. The story of Perseus reminds me of other Greek heroes such as Odysseus and Achilles, being strong mortal men that overcome evil beasts or wars and become famous because of it. Also, like those other heroes, I found Perseus to be one-dimensional and a bit arrogant, which are traits that I would not really like children audiences to emulate. However, the oral tradition of these stories persist, and should, as much of these heroes are re-tooled and retold for younger generations. While I did not see much substance in this story, I did enjoy being able to analyze just how far these myths transcend and are alluded to in other works. Target audience: 4-9.

[Lucas Montano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be great for anybody wanting to learn more about greek gods and heroes. It is a great book because instead of one huge story about mainly one person it is many small stories with different characters each time. The bad thing about this however is that it makes it a little hard to take the test and remember small details of each one so I had to refer back to them many times throughout the test. One thing that did help was the author did not give too much detail or really go into depth on any of the stories. It made it a little easier to take the test and remember each story but still had to refer back to the book.

All of the characters in this book as you can imagine have amazing stories and very interesting events taking place. One thing I found about the book though is as i was going through it would mention characters from earlier stories and I had a hard time remembering who did what because throughout the book so many characters are mentioned. Something I really liked about all of the characters is that they always helped people and never showed off. Many heroes get a lot of attention from doing amazing things that it starts to get to them, but in these stories all of the heroes stayed the same as they were before they had a lot of attention. This book was overall very entertaining and gave me a better understanding of greek heroes and i am glad to have read it.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Which heroes?

Hercules, Peseus, Theseus, Orpheus, Meleager, and Jason & the Argonauts. Of course, the book does not provide all the details for any of these--just a few stories for each hero.

I bought this book a decade ago when I took my children to the National Gallery of Art. However, I just now read it because I teach a first-year seminar on Classical Athens. My students depict people from 5th C. BCE, and each of them is also assigned a patron so that they can learn about mythology along with learning about politics, geography, and warfare. Theseus and Perseus are among the patrons, so I decided to finally read this book. Also, I had never heard of Meleager, so I wanted to learn about this unsung (to me) hero.

It was a good, clear retelling of a few hero tales with a reduction of some of the more salacious details. However, I was very unsettled by the authors using a MIX of Greek and Roman names for the gods. Why Zeus and Neptune instead of Zeus and Poseidon (since the title of the book mentions these are Greek and not Roman heroes)? We also meet Plato, Minerva, Diana, and other Roman-named divinities. For this reason alone, I would suggest parents and teachers select a different retelling of these tales for young readers.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is charming collection of the heroes of Greek mythology written for younger readers. It contains the stories of Hercules, Theseus, Perseus, Jason, and others. All have been edited for a younger audience. This is the perfect book to read to kids to introduce them to Greek mythology and its heroes.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was for younger kids when I pulled it off the shelves at the library. I love Greek Mythology. It was confusing why Roman names were used for the Greek, but for children probably easier to read and pronounce. The stories were extremely simplified but somewhat fun to have as a refresher.

[Rebekah Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my Kindergartener and 1st grader. The stories are very engaging for children with short attention spans, they are simple and very short. It is a good pick for both genders, but I think boys will especially benefit from the heroic themes. Great introduction to the Greek myths for small children and beyond!

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed great for a child's introduction to Greek myths... except for randomly using Roman names at times. Pluto, Diana and Minerva, amongst others, are NOT Greek. So now I've ordered Roger Lancelyn Green's book instead, and hope the true information will overwrite the erroneous.

[Joe Lyons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the stories are decent for early readers to become familiar with Greek heroes, the language is 1960s. Men are strong, and beautiful girls want to marry heroes. This book needs updating.