Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References
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.

1101860451
Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References
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.

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Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References

Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References

Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References

Mythology in Our Midst: A Guide to Cultural References

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Overview

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.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780313321924
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 05/30/2004
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.62(d)
Age Range: 14 Years

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.

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

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