World of Myths, Volume 1

Marina Warner

University of Texas Press, Nov 1, 2003 - Religion - 410 pages

Here retold in all their original dramatic power are some of the most exciting and influential of all world myths, drawn from a fascinating range of ancient cultures. Epic struggles and heroic adventures, passionate jealousies and psychological deceptions, comic mistakes and tragic destinies—these fabulous tales are all part of our common legendary past.

This book is a compilation edition of five titles from the successful series The Legendary Past. Each author describes the cultural background, written sources, and continuing legacy of the major myths, illustrated throughout by archaeological and artistic evidence. The included titles are:

Egyptian Myths by George Hart, British MuseumGreek Myths by Lucilla Burn, Fitzwilliam Museum, CambridgeRoman Myths by Jane F. Gardner, University of Reading, U.K.Celtic Myths by Miranda Jane Green, University of Wales College of CardiffNorse Myths by R. I. Page, University of Cambridge

Linking these supernatural worlds is a new introduction from the award-winning writer Marina Warner. In addition, there is a specially compiled glossary giving brief definitions of the mythical characters and creatures whose traditions have contributed to our own legendary past.

Contents

• Roman Myths Jane F Gardner: 79
• Where to find Norse myths: 164
• Aesir Vanir and a few kings: 181
• Beginnings middles and ends: 210
• Egyptian Myths George Hart: 235
• Celtic Myths Miranda Green: 313
• How do we know about Celtic myths?: 317

About the author

Marina Warner, is an award-winning novelist, historian and critic. She is the author of several books on myths, legends, fairy tales and their symbolism. In 1994 she gave the prestigious annual series of BBC Reith Lectures, entitled Managing Monsters: Six Myths of Our Time Lucilla Burn, author of 'Greek Myths', was formerly an Assistant Keeper in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities in the British Museum and is now Keeper of Antiquities at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Jane F. Gardner, author of 'Roman Myths', is Emeritus Professor of Ancient History in the Department of Classics, University of Reading, and former Curator of the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology. She is the author of numerous books and articles on Roman society and law R. I. Page, author of 'Norse Myths', is Elrington and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, and a Fellow and former Librarian of Corpus Christi College. His publications on aspects of early English and Scandinavian language and society George Hart, is a staff lecturer in the Education Department and teaches courses on Ancient Egyptian art, religion and hieroglyphs at the British Museum. He has written a number of books on ancient Egypt Miranda Green, is Professor of Archaeology and Director of the SCARAB Research Centre at University of Wales College, Newport. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and is the author of several books on Celtic religion and mythology

Bibliographic information

• Title: World of Myths, Volume 1; Legendary Past Series; World of Myths
• Editor: Marina Warner
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: University of Texas Press, 2003
• ISBN: 0292702043, 9780292702042
• Length: 410 pages
• Subjects: Religion / General