Introduction to Myth

by Peter R. Stillman

This not a collection of myths but a study of mythology itself, and a literature anthology as well. It offers a thoughtful explication of the archetypal quest tale, in ways that will make students aware of its universal value in embodying human responses to the universe. Called the "monomyth," the hero tale subsumes within it virtually all the literary themes we know, and this popular text forges connections between myth and literature that any student can readily grasp.

Those who are familiar with the first edition of Introduction to Myth will note considerable changes in the text. Three new stories and several new poems have been added. In addition, the introductory chapter has been thoroughly revised and expanded to include more information about what myths are, including theories about their origins, and also about the role of the female in mythology.

233 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this first in college. This read’s goal was to see if I wanted to teach The Hero’s Quest this year. I will use parts.

[Jose Luis]

Read parts of this in high school for freshman English. I bought my own copy a few years ago to come back and refresh on some things I remembered. It has some good excerpts and analysis and is s a good tool for learning about the hero's quest.