Myths of the World

by Padraic Colum

A treasure trove of stories from the ancient world, retold by one of Ireland's greatest storytellers. A treasure trove of stories from the ancient world, retold by one of Ireland's greatest storytellers. This classic collection of myths and legends includes stories from all the major ancient civilizations, and some lesser known Egypt and Greece, and Babylon and Rome, alongside Ireland and Iceland, India and Finland, China and Japan, Mexico, Peru and Polynesia. The tales range from creation stories to heroic epics, and feature Isis, Gilgamesh, Hercules and Pandora, to name but a few. This edition faithfully preserves Padraic Colum's original language. His lyrical rhythm and melody represent the very best of traditional storytelling. Includes Padraic Colum's essay, 'The Significance of Mythology'.

Genres: Mythology, Childrens, History

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Padraic Colum was an Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, biographer and collector of folklore. He was one of the leading figures of the Celtic Revival. (Source)

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presented rather academically, interesting read and a great resource.

[Lindig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a youngster. Had a major impact then and still resonates with me.

[Ololopiglet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Неплохая книга, чтобы ознакомиться с самыми разнообразными мифологиями на уровне лёгкого прикосновения, а затем выбрать, в какую же захотелось бы углубиться. Всей глубины каждой мифологической системы, да даже хотя бы каждого, из приведённых в книге мифов, ожидать не стоит. В книге вы найдёте довольно простые адаптированные краткие пересказы отдельно взятых мифов - самых ярких, по мнению автора.

Перевод на русский язык от Игоревского, Л. А. (Центрполиграф) просто кошмарный.

[Amanda Carver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very rare for me to give up on a book, but I really struggled. I know it is all written of an age, but I did struggle. after first few stories I then chose the Greek stories as it was those i knew better so that I could understand what was going on more

[Servaas]

I only partially read this book, but it provides some interesting insights in origin myths of different cultures.

[Dione Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have several books on mythology and folklore. This one however gives a variety of different myths from different ancient cultures. The book opens up with a brief history of mythology which I also enjoyed. If someone is interested in a great intro to mythology, this would be an excellent book. One of the better books about myths.

[Lisa Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read for younger kids, but very comprehensive.