Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths

by Eva M. Thury, Margaret K. Devinney

The only complete world mythology textbook available, Introduction to Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths, Second Edition, integrates original texts with explanations, interpretations, theory, and numerous pedagogical aids to introduce students to a wide range of
myths from various critical perspectives. Featuring texts from sources around the world, it includes readings from Greek and Roman classics (by Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, and other writers); Nordic mythology (by Snorri Sturluson); Hindu culture ( The Ramayana ); Chinese mythology (Nü Kwa; new to this
edition) and from such ancient works as The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Bible, and the Mesopotamian story of Enuma Elish (new to this edition). Selections from Native-American sources and folktales and stories from Africa, Germany, and the United States are also included. In addition, authors Eva Thury
and Margaret Devinney draw comparisons between classical myths and such contemporary cultural phenomena as The X Files, Star Trek, Mother Goose, and, new to this edition, Harry Potter, Stagecoach, and Firefly. They also incorporate readings by Carl Jung, Claude Levi-Strauss, Victor Turner, and other
scholars who consider mythic material from different analytical perspectives. Finally, traditional works by writers like John Milton and John Keats as well as those by contemporary authors like Anne Sexton, John Updike, Angela Carter, and James Joyce are presented as examples of literary texts with
mythological roots.

Introduction to Mythology uses an innovative pedagogical structure to help students unravel the complex web of literary allusions often found in mythological

Extensive marginal notes provide cross-references and explanations of terms and culture-specific concepts
A glossary of deities and suggested readings for each chapter offer students additional resources
An improved and refined art program features more than 200 illustrations, photographs, and maps
An illustrated timeline places the readings in relation to each other and to historical and cultural events and artifacts
A Student's Website contains chapter objectives and summaries, key terms, study questions, self-tests, and off-site links of interest
An Instructor's Manual includes key terms, pedagogical suggestions, study questions and projects, and sample objective test questions for each chapter

Genres: Mythology, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks, College

736 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Maddy Peffer]

NEVER in my life did I think I’d have a Prof who legitimately required us to read the entire textbook front to back. I was wrong. I will have nightmares about you until I’m dead Angela. Only therapy will help me forget you and your awful class ❤️

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using this as the textbook for my World Mythology class. I really like a lot of things about this book: wide array of myths, helpful chapter introductions for students, and the inclusion of analytical theories. My one real problem with the book is that it omits all Hispanic mythology. As an instructor in Colorado, this seems like a large oversight; so, I supplemented the book with several Mayan and Aztec myths. I also found it helpful to give my students a break from the dearth of commentary in the textbook's margins. While this was oftentimes helpful, it occasionally restricted students' thinking to just what they read there, instead of cultivating their own interpretation. Overall, a great textbook that we used consistently throughout the semester.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was the textbook I was using for the class I was enrolled in I really enjoyed it. I've never enjoyed a text book before so it seems worthy of a review. It's a great text with a lot of margin notes for further explanations and clarification. Although many of the myths are not written out fully all of the ones included are extensive which was a great help for the class but also exactly the reason I wanted to take a class on mythology to begin with, to read the stories themselves while learning about the why behind them.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a broad introduction to mythology, indeed -- while some of the analysis in this book was definitely academic drivel (see the chapter on vampires), on the whole it's a fun, engaging read and a good text for an Intro to Myth class.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my mythology class and I enjoyed most of it!
It was tough to read that much in such a short amount of time, but I am grateful for what I learned out of it, so it definitely was worth it.

[Autumn Uhrig · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as textbooks go, this one wasn't too bad. It presented a lot of information, and presented it fairly clearly. Of course it could get a bit boring and rambling but I blame my boredom as much on myself as I do on the actual book. I like that most of it was directly quoting the original mythological stories instead of just telling us about them.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the textbook for my World Mythology class. I did learn a decent amount from this book about various myths, which I thought I would be really excited for...turns out, I wasn't. I am glad to be done with this book and it's jumping around and will be even more glad to pass this class and be done with it as well.

[River Kirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for myth class

[Amani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This class was indescribably insane, but the Epic of Gilgamesh is soo good ❤️

[shelley :)]

chad made me read every page of this hoe