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Uncovering Mythology #2
Uncovering Greek Mythology: A Beginner's Guide into the World of Greek Gods and Goddesses
Who were the Olympians, and where did they come from?
Why were the Titans overthrown?
How did these and other mythology tales shape Greek culture and civilization?
Scholars have long been fascinated by the Greeks, and even today we are entertained by the stories of their mythology and pantheon.
The Greeks developed an entire religion around powerful, vengeful gods, benevolent yet fierce goddesses, and bizarre couplings that created some of the strangest creatures in the world’s mythologies.
Who wouldn’t want to hear about Zeus and his command of lightning, Hades and how he found his bride, the wisdom of Athena, and so many other stories that capture the imagination.
These stories can do more than just entertain; they can also inspire and teach us lessons that were penned by the Greeks themselves.
Starting with the creation myth, this book will take you through the stories of the Titans, introduce the Olympians, bring in the demigods, and sneak a peek at the monsters that made up the mythology.
You’ll learn who all the gods and goddesses were in relation to one another, mythological explanations for natural events, and why any of this still matters today.
In addition, you’ll
And so much more Greek history!
Up on Mount Olympus, along the shores of the Mediterranean, and deep in the Underworld, gods, goddesses, demigods, and creatures linger in the mind and stories of an ancient culture.
This culture gave us science, philosophy, and a rich mythology that never stops enticing us.
To appreciate the power of their stories for yourself and become absorbed in a world so like and yet unlike our own, click “add to cart.”
Why were the Titans overthrown?
How did these and other mythology tales shape Greek culture and civilization?
Scholars have long been fascinated by the Greeks, and even today we are entertained by the stories of their mythology and pantheon.
The Greeks developed an entire religion around powerful, vengeful gods, benevolent yet fierce goddesses, and bizarre couplings that created some of the strangest creatures in the world’s mythologies.
Who wouldn’t want to hear about Zeus and his command of lightning, Hades and how he found his bride, the wisdom of Athena, and so many other stories that capture the imagination.
These stories can do more than just entertain; they can also inspire and teach us lessons that were penned by the Greeks themselves.
Starting with the creation myth, this book will take you through the stories of the Titans, introduce the Olympians, bring in the demigods, and sneak a peek at the monsters that made up the mythology.
You’ll learn who all the gods and goddesses were in relation to one another, mythological explanations for natural events, and why any of this still matters today.
In addition, you’ll
And so much more Greek history!
Up on Mount Olympus, along the shores of the Mediterranean, and deep in the Underworld, gods, goddesses, demigods, and creatures linger in the mind and stories of an ancient culture.
This culture gave us science, philosophy, and a rich mythology that never stops enticing us.
To appreciate the power of their stories for yourself and become absorbed in a world so like and yet unlike our own, click “add to cart.”
152 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2020
332 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 30, 2023
This was a Kindle Unlimited find and it's a good and thorough refresher of Greek mythology. I like some of the original approaches the author took to the material, like explaining the significance of various plants in myth. For instance, Persephone created mint when she shredded a nymph who was trying to seduce Hades; it's kind of weird Persephone would get jealous when she was only married to Hades because he had kidnapped her and dragged her to the underworld but those gods and demi-gods were a wacky emo bunch.
I also enjoyed the author giving more context (and therefore, ironically, humanity) to the Gods' actions, as in this passage about Hera:
I did find the material dry at times (although, have you tried reading Hamilton's Mythology recently? Talk about dry) and the writing was occasionally clunky. But I learned a lot and highlighted the crap out of this book to the point where I figured I might as well buy it. I'm sure the people I buttonhole in the future while I explain the origin of the mint plant will be so grateful.
The author, Lucas Russo, has a whole series about ancient mythology, including volumes on Egyptian and Norse, if you are interested in the subject.
I also enjoyed the author giving more context (and therefore, ironically, humanity) to the Gods' actions, as in this passage about Hera:
It is easy to dismiss her reactions against Zeus, his mortal lovers, and illegitimate children...but we must keep in mind that Hera above all, as a deity symbolizing marriage and family, is a representation of stability.
I did find the material dry at times (although, have you tried reading Hamilton's Mythology recently? Talk about dry) and the writing was occasionally clunky. But I learned a lot and highlighted the crap out of this book to the point where I figured I might as well buy it. I'm sure the people I buttonhole in the future while I explain the origin of the mint plant will be so grateful.
The author, Lucas Russo, has a whole series about ancient mythology, including volumes on Egyptian and Norse, if you are interested in the subject.
December 11, 2025
A fascinating deep delve into the myths of Ancient Greece and the reason behind them.
September 27, 2025
Great little introduction to Greek mythology
January 28, 2025
Does what the title says, “uncovers.” It would make a good reference source, especially in a kindle version you could search (I have audio, which is not as helpful). It is interestingly written, and the author mostly sticks to the myths without lecturing us with his interpretive slant, except for an okay introduction and a line here and there that aren’t too ridiculous.
January 19, 2023
great overview of Greek mythology
March 5, 2021
I found this book a nice refresher course on Greek mythology but I also think it would be a good introduction into learning about these gods, goddesses, myths, heroes, and monsters for someone new to the subject. The book is written as a nice, broad overview, not getting too detailed on any one subject, its tone not too academic or dry, and along the way in addition to presenting “just the facts” on say Zeus or Artemis the reader is treated to some brief discussions of overarching themes in Greek mythology, be it aspects of cosmology, behavior of the gods, or worship of these deities.
The book has an introduction, nine named and numbered chapters, a conclusion, and a section on references. I liked some of the quirky chapter titles (“Remember the Titans” is the name of chapter 1, discussing the origins of the universe in Greek mythology and the gods before the Olympians such as Uranus, Gaia, Cronus, and Rhea; “Girl Power” is the name of chapter four, dedicated to Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite) though overall the book, again while not dry or academic, generally keeps it pretty serious.
Most chapters have the same format, with a few paragraphs to a few pages dedicated to the god or creature and then a few paragraphs or pages discussing the myths they appear in. As noted the first chapter discusses the origins of the universe according to Greek mythology and was a nice introduction to among others Hyperion, Theia, Iapetus, Clymene, and Chaos. The second chapter had more on Cronus and Rhea, the birth of Zeus and the other Olympians, discussed the Titanomachy (the war between Cronus and his regime versus the up-and-coming Olympians), and how the Olympians divided the universe to rule once they won. Chapter three was on “The Big Three,” Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon. As noted chapter four was dedicated to Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite. Chapter five is on Apollo, Ares, and Hermes. Chapter six is gods that often didn’t have huge roles in the most famous myths but did have a major role in the daily life of Greek worshippers (Hephaestus, Demeter, Dionysus, and Hestia). Chapter seven was on Hades and a tour of the underworld, including the River Styx, Tartarus, Elysium, the other underworld rivers, Cerberus, and to my pleasant surprise two botany myths relating to the underworld (mint and jonquil). Chapter eight was dedicated to three major demigods, three heroes, specifically Achilles, Heracles, and Perseus. Chapter nine, the final chapter, discussed a number of the monsters in Greek mythology; the centaurs (including Chiron), the Minotaur, Satyrs (including Pan), Pegasus, Chimera, and the Hydra.
I liked the book and thought it did its job well. The good, it was just a good overview overall, not overly focusing on or getting into the weeds about any particular myth, god, or monster. Even when there weren’t sections dedicated to a particular subject, such as the cyclopses or Persephone, they were often given some often decent coverage in other sections. I liked the passages describing how the ancient Greeks actually worshipped these deities, the types of shrines devoted to them, and what areas of Greece (or areas outside of Greece) paid them homage in particular. Though there is no section dedicated to the Odyssey or the Iliad, the stories are given coverage in various parts of the book and if you read the whole book, you get a decent overview of both stories (along with many others). Not counting the references, the book is only 136 pages so isn’t a very long book to just read cover to cover.
The bad, there is no index. The table of contents is about the same thing, but given the coverage of say the events of the Trojan War, the abduction of Persephone, Medusa, or the punishment of Sisyphus aren’t mentioned per se in the table of contents (for instance, to get Persephone’s tale, you need to read the section on Demeter) this might reduce the value of the book as a good general introduction (though isn’t a problem if one reads the whole book).
I understand it is a general introduction, but I found a few omissions curious. There is not bad coverage of the Iliad and the Odyssey but I don’t recall much of anything on the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Nymphs are mentioned in a number of sections but never get even a paragraph describing what they are. I don’t recall Tantalus mentioned but Sisyphus gets some coverage (this is hard to check on as there is no index). Other things not mentioned or barely mentioned include the harpies, sirens, Atalanta, Ladon, Epimetheus, Charon (not mentioned at all as far I recall or can see), or dryads. I admit some of these maybe a bit peripheral to understanding the most important aspects of Greek mythology and not discussing Ladon hardly impacts one understanding Ares or the story of the Minotaur, both aspects of Greek mythology far more likely to come up in one’s readings or studies. Still, the book is pretty short and I think more could have been added. Given how many times nymphs or their relations were mentioned I would have at least added them.
No pictures, no maps, though I don’t think either were needed. Some maybe to my eyes strange stern warnings at the start of the book against quoting or paraphrasing any part of the book without the consent of the author or the publisher, a strange thing perhaps on a book on subject such as Greek mythology and especially when the very next paragraph talks about how the book is also for educational purposes. Normally I quote passages of books that I review but this time I haven’t. I have never had a problem before and it is covered under fair use laws regarding journalism, reviews, and scholarly use, but I will adhere to the warnings.
This is a good, accessible, clearly written overview though and I do recommend it. It could be a good springboard for further readings.
The book has an introduction, nine named and numbered chapters, a conclusion, and a section on references. I liked some of the quirky chapter titles (“Remember the Titans” is the name of chapter 1, discussing the origins of the universe in Greek mythology and the gods before the Olympians such as Uranus, Gaia, Cronus, and Rhea; “Girl Power” is the name of chapter four, dedicated to Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite) though overall the book, again while not dry or academic, generally keeps it pretty serious.
Most chapters have the same format, with a few paragraphs to a few pages dedicated to the god or creature and then a few paragraphs or pages discussing the myths they appear in. As noted the first chapter discusses the origins of the universe according to Greek mythology and was a nice introduction to among others Hyperion, Theia, Iapetus, Clymene, and Chaos. The second chapter had more on Cronus and Rhea, the birth of Zeus and the other Olympians, discussed the Titanomachy (the war between Cronus and his regime versus the up-and-coming Olympians), and how the Olympians divided the universe to rule once they won. Chapter three was on “The Big Three,” Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon. As noted chapter four was dedicated to Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite. Chapter five is on Apollo, Ares, and Hermes. Chapter six is gods that often didn’t have huge roles in the most famous myths but did have a major role in the daily life of Greek worshippers (Hephaestus, Demeter, Dionysus, and Hestia). Chapter seven was on Hades and a tour of the underworld, including the River Styx, Tartarus, Elysium, the other underworld rivers, Cerberus, and to my pleasant surprise two botany myths relating to the underworld (mint and jonquil). Chapter eight was dedicated to three major demigods, three heroes, specifically Achilles, Heracles, and Perseus. Chapter nine, the final chapter, discussed a number of the monsters in Greek mythology; the centaurs (including Chiron), the Minotaur, Satyrs (including Pan), Pegasus, Chimera, and the Hydra.
I liked the book and thought it did its job well. The good, it was just a good overview overall, not overly focusing on or getting into the weeds about any particular myth, god, or monster. Even when there weren’t sections dedicated to a particular subject, such as the cyclopses or Persephone, they were often given some often decent coverage in other sections. I liked the passages describing how the ancient Greeks actually worshipped these deities, the types of shrines devoted to them, and what areas of Greece (or areas outside of Greece) paid them homage in particular. Though there is no section dedicated to the Odyssey or the Iliad, the stories are given coverage in various parts of the book and if you read the whole book, you get a decent overview of both stories (along with many others). Not counting the references, the book is only 136 pages so isn’t a very long book to just read cover to cover.
The bad, there is no index. The table of contents is about the same thing, but given the coverage of say the events of the Trojan War, the abduction of Persephone, Medusa, or the punishment of Sisyphus aren’t mentioned per se in the table of contents (for instance, to get Persephone’s tale, you need to read the section on Demeter) this might reduce the value of the book as a good general introduction (though isn’t a problem if one reads the whole book).
I understand it is a general introduction, but I found a few omissions curious. There is not bad coverage of the Iliad and the Odyssey but I don’t recall much of anything on the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Nymphs are mentioned in a number of sections but never get even a paragraph describing what they are. I don’t recall Tantalus mentioned but Sisyphus gets some coverage (this is hard to check on as there is no index). Other things not mentioned or barely mentioned include the harpies, sirens, Atalanta, Ladon, Epimetheus, Charon (not mentioned at all as far I recall or can see), or dryads. I admit some of these maybe a bit peripheral to understanding the most important aspects of Greek mythology and not discussing Ladon hardly impacts one understanding Ares or the story of the Minotaur, both aspects of Greek mythology far more likely to come up in one’s readings or studies. Still, the book is pretty short and I think more could have been added. Given how many times nymphs or their relations were mentioned I would have at least added them.
No pictures, no maps, though I don’t think either were needed. Some maybe to my eyes strange stern warnings at the start of the book against quoting or paraphrasing any part of the book without the consent of the author or the publisher, a strange thing perhaps on a book on subject such as Greek mythology and especially when the very next paragraph talks about how the book is also for educational purposes. Normally I quote passages of books that I review but this time I haven’t. I have never had a problem before and it is covered under fair use laws regarding journalism, reviews, and scholarly use, but I will adhere to the warnings.
This is a good, accessible, clearly written overview though and I do recommend it. It could be a good springboard for further readings.
December 19, 2020
Thanks go to the author for reaching out to me to check out his book! As an avid fan of Greek Mythology, and always compelled by how it permeates Western culture and language, I was glad when Russo reached out with a gifted copy.
The book is a primer to Greek Myth, though it does assume the reader has at least heard of the major myths and characters. Written in a didactic tone, though never veering toward the academic, Russo narrates the Greek Myths in the manner of a storyteller by a hearth, which is, poetically enough, how much of mythology proliferates.
In his book, we explore not only the psychological, existential, and religious aspects of storytelling - tales that we now call myth but were once called fact, in a way - but the impact they have on a culture's sense of morality, behavioral growth, and resultant claims to divinity. In myth, as reflected in Russo's premise, we find the source, causation, and affinity of the Greek ethos toward philosophy and understanding of the world.
The author elucidates on all these topics while still indulging us with the characteristic charm of Greek Mythology. A short, succinct treat of a book.
The book is a primer to Greek Myth, though it does assume the reader has at least heard of the major myths and characters. Written in a didactic tone, though never veering toward the academic, Russo narrates the Greek Myths in the manner of a storyteller by a hearth, which is, poetically enough, how much of mythology proliferates.
In his book, we explore not only the psychological, existential, and religious aspects of storytelling - tales that we now call myth but were once called fact, in a way - but the impact they have on a culture's sense of morality, behavioral growth, and resultant claims to divinity. In myth, as reflected in Russo's premise, we find the source, causation, and affinity of the Greek ethos toward philosophy and understanding of the world.
The author elucidates on all these topics while still indulging us with the characteristic charm of Greek Mythology. A short, succinct treat of a book.
January 9, 2022
A great book for beginners to learn the basics of mythology with some interesting analysis and insights into what the myths show about Greek culture and how they influence the modern world today. May not be the best book for someone well-versed in mythology to read as is by no means an exhaustive guide (as the author states himself multiple times) and misses out some key tales and characters, while briefly recapping the most basic myths. But a good book overall that I enjoyed reading
April 11, 2022
Interesting
I have always wondered about Greek Mythology. No need to wonder anymore. This is a very comprehensive discourse that compiles all the stories we have heard and those we didn’t hear into one place. We can now read the entire story but it does make me wonder. Does the human mind have the capacity to make these stories up with so many interconnecting details or are these myths based on some truth? Food for thought.
I have always wondered about Greek Mythology. No need to wonder anymore. This is a very comprehensive discourse that compiles all the stories we have heard and those we didn’t hear into one place. We can now read the entire story but it does make me wonder. Does the human mind have the capacity to make these stories up with so many interconnecting details or are these myths based on some truth? Food for thought.
July 22, 2021
Ive always been facinated by Greek Mythology and this is a wonderful book for beginners! It is very well written and easy to understand. It has definitely given me a better understanding of the gods and godesses and their backgrounds. Im currently still reading it but I definitely recommend grabbing this book!!!
January 28, 2024
It's very interesting to see how an entire people interrupted the world, existence and natural phenomenon through mere imagination! The power of storytelling is eternal and this book starts with this premise which I think is an exception way to start to the book with such a promise and the author did deliver.
March 8, 2022
refreshing succinct guide to Greek Mythology
It offers the reader a birds eye view of Greek Myths and some of its key characters.
Fulfills it’s mission of being a beginners guide and offers interesting original comments of the Greek Gods. Well worth reading.
It offers the reader a birds eye view of Greek Myths and some of its key characters.
Fulfills it’s mission of being a beginners guide and offers interesting original comments of the Greek Gods. Well worth reading.
July 6, 2022
Interesting inside look into how the Greeks viewed the Greek Gods
I’ve read a lot about the Greek gods, but little about how the Greek people viewed them. This book provided an interesting introduction to the main players and how they were viewed by the people who worshiped them.
I’ve read a lot about the Greek gods, but little about how the Greek people viewed them. This book provided an interesting introduction to the main players and how they were viewed by the people who worshiped them.
February 6, 2025
Quick and easy read offering a succinct overview of Greek mythology. I found this book engaging but a little lighter than I would have liked. Great way to dip your toes into the subject and leave you wanting to explore more.
January 8, 2021
85/100
5 stars: 90-100
4 stars: 80-89
3 stars: 70-79
2 stars: 60-69
1 star: 50-59
5 stars: 90-100
4 stars: 80-89
3 stars: 70-79
2 stars: 60-69
1 star: 50-59
January 15, 2021
Storytelling works
This book is absolutely amazing!, as far as giving a overview of prevalent gods goddesses and heroes in such a way i think anyone would understand, plus some of the myths behind them just make you pause and revel in how much of a jerk everyone was for the smallest disrespect or none at all lol.
This book is absolutely amazing!, as far as giving a overview of prevalent gods goddesses and heroes in such a way i think anyone would understand, plus some of the myths behind them just make you pause and revel in how much of a jerk everyone was for the smallest disrespect or none at all lol.
April 29, 2022
very good!
This book is a great book for basic information about the Greek pantheon. It gives you ideas and questions to keep searching do the Myths and legends. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is a great book for basic information about the Greek pantheon. It gives you ideas and questions to keep searching do the Myths and legends. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 26, 2022
An extremely concise yet well presented basis for any new comer to Greek Mythology!
March 1, 2023
This was a good refresher on some of Greek's mythology. Basic level, so good if you are just starting this journey and refreshing yourself.
July 23, 2023
a short and easy to digest overview of greek mythology.
September 21, 2023
I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
October 6, 2023
A nice little first introduction to the world of the Greek gods!
June 7, 2024
I read this book as an introduction on greek mythology and I really liked this book. Gave me a good overview of the gods, semi gods, tales, heroes, important places, relation between gods.
November 14, 2025
I liked the narrator but it felt quite quick and think I need to read it all again to take it in properly!
November 26, 2025
Loved learning more about Greek mythology and now I just want to learn more!
December 28, 2025
Way way before the name Jesus.. what is that glowing red ball, too hot to work?
December 9, 2021
Ameno y fácil de entender, incluso para los niños
Comencé a leer este libro para una tarea escolar de mi hijo de 8 años. Sin embargo después de realizar la tarea continuamos leyéndolo hasta el final. Incluso para mi hijo fue fácil de seguir y de entender, pero es igual de interesante para los adultos. El libro tiene un orden lógico, abarca muchos aspectos de la mitología griega sin profundizar demasiado ni hacerlo complicado, pero sí especificando en que puntos se puede ampliar la información con otras fuentes. Excelente libro para tener una visión general de la mitología griega.
Comencé a leer este libro para una tarea escolar de mi hijo de 8 años. Sin embargo después de realizar la tarea continuamos leyéndolo hasta el final. Incluso para mi hijo fue fácil de seguir y de entender, pero es igual de interesante para los adultos. El libro tiene un orden lógico, abarca muchos aspectos de la mitología griega sin profundizar demasiado ni hacerlo complicado, pero sí especificando en que puntos se puede ampliar la información con otras fuentes. Excelente libro para tener una visión general de la mitología griega.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews