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Mythology in Our Midst A Guide to Cultural References
Amy T. Peterson, David J. Dunworth
ISBN: 0-313-32192-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-32192-4
256 pages
Greenwood Press
Publication: 5/30/2004
List Price: $60.95 (UK Sterling Price: £42.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 7 x 10
Subjects:
Description: Though nearly everyone is familiar with such great mythological figures as Hercules, Icarus, and Medusa, one may wonder what relevance these ancient characters, and their stories, hold for modern readers. This unique reference book brings mythology to life for students by exploring the connections between ancient myths and contemporary culture. An introductory essay sets the tone with its overview of the myriad areas of human endeavors—including the arts, science, psychology, language and literature, consumer products, and other aspects of popular culture—that mythology has influenced. The user-friendly volume is comprised of 50 narrative essays that trace the cultural connections and offer a lively retelling of each myth. For example, readers will discover the derivation of Freudian psychoanalysis from the myth of Oedipus, and fans of popular film and fiction may be surprised to learn the mythological inspirations for works like Beauty and the Beast, The Matrix, or Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead.

This engrossing book is enhanced with 25 original illustrations. Five fact-filled appendices offer glossaries and interesting mythological etymologies of commonplace words in nature, science, and everyday consumer products like Nike shoes and Olympus cameras. Whether for research or pure enjoyment, this accessible and informative book reveals the many unrecognized references to mythology that impact our lives.
Table of Contents:
  • List of Illustrations
    Introduction
    Adam and Eve
    Aphrodite
    Artemis and Actaeon
    Balder's Death
    Bellerophon
    Beowulf
    The Birth of Hercules
    The Creation of the World
    Cronus and His Offspring
    Cuchulain
    Cupid and Psyche
    Deucalion
    Dionysus
    Echo and Narcissus
    Excalibur
    Furies
    Galahad and the Holy Grail
    Giants Trick Thor
    Gilgamesh and Enkidu
    The Greek Division of the World
    Hercules
    Icarus and Daedalus
    Jason and the Argonauts
    Lancelot
    Leprechauns
    Loki's Children
    Loki's Gift to Odin
    Man the Animal
    Medusa
    Merlin
    Midas
    Minotaur
    Muses
    Odysseus
    Oedipus
    Orpheus
    Pan
    Pandora
    Persephone and Hades
    Prometheus
    Pygmalion
    Pyramus and Thisbe
    Ragnarok
    Romulus and Remus
    Sibling Rivalry
    Sisyphus
    Tantalus
    Trickster
    Trojan War
    World Tree
    Appendix A: Mythology in Nature
    Appendix B: Mythology in Brand Names
    Appendix C: Mythology in the Solar System
    Appendix D: Mythology in the Calendar
    Appendix E: Mythology in Common Words
    Bibliography
    Index
About the Author: AMY T. PETERSON is Director of Course Development at American InterContinental University and is one of the authors of In an Influential Fashion (Greenwood, 2002).

DAVID J. DUNWORTH has taught courses in Art, Mythology, and Literature for high school, college, and online courses.
LCC Class: 201
PDF Catalogs:
Folklore and Folklife 2007.pdf
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