Mythology (full name: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes) is a book written by Edith Hamilton compiling several myths of the ancient world, primarily Greek mythology.
Premise[]
The book consists of seven parts:
- Part 1: The Gods, the Creation, and the Earliest Heroes
- Part 2: Stories of Love and Adventure
- Part 3: The Great Heroes before the Trojan War
- Part 4: The Heroes of the Trojan War
- Part 5: The Great Families of Mythology
- Part 6: The Less Important Myths
- Part 7: The Mythology of the Norsemen
Each part is further subdivided into several distinct myths.
Myths[]
See: List of Myths
The myths consist mostly of Greek myths, but others have been included, most notably Norse mythology.
Major Gods[]
The Greek gods reside on Mt. Olympus, and the major 12 Olympians are as follows:
- Zeus (Jupiter) - The supreme ruler of the heavens. He was Lord of the Sky who wielded the mighty thunderbolt, and whose power was far more impressive than the other gods.
- Poseidon (Neptune) - God of the Sea and brother of Zeus. He wielded a mighty trident and was second in power only to Zeus. He was often called "Earth Shaker", and he could control the weather in the sea.
- Hades (Pluto) - God of the Underworld and the dead. He was Zeus's brother along with Poseidon, but he rarely came out of the underworld.
- Hestia (Vesta) - One of Zeus's sisters, and Goddess of the Hearth. She had no distinct characteristics.
- Hera (Juno) - the jealous wife of Zeus who constantly punished Zeus for his love affairs.
- Ares (Mars) - the God of War who was portrayed varyingly as a great war god or a terrifying, bloodthirsty god.
- Athena (Minerva) - Daughter of Zeus alone. She was armor-clad and often fought valiantly. She carried Zeus's shield, aegis.
- Apollo - the god of many things. He was known for his lyrical prowess, his expertise with the bow and arrow, and his power of healing.
- Aphrodite (Venus) - the Goddess of Love who could instantly infatuate other gods, even Zeus himself.
- Hermes (Mercury) - the messenger god, who wore winged sandals and was favored by Zeus as his messenger.
- Artemis (Diana) - Lady of Wild Things, who was a great huntress.
- Hephaestus (Vulcan) - God of Fire. He was a workman and smith who created the gods' armors.