Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths

by Eva M. Thury, Margaret K. Devinney

Introduction to Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths introduces students to a wide range of myths from various critical perspectives. Featuring original 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 ); and from such ancient works as The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible. Selections from Native-American sources and fairy tales 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 , and Mother Goose. They also incorporate readings by Carl Jung, Levi-Strauss, Victor Turner, and other scholars who consider mythic material
from different analytical perspectives. Finally, works by Milton, Keats, Updike, and Joyce are presented as examples of modern literary texts with mythological roots. The selections are organized into seven topical myths of creation and destruction; hero and trickster myths; ritual and
myth; myths and dreams; folktale and myth; modern American myths; and myths and literature.
Introduction to Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths employs an innovative pedagogical structure to help students unravel the complex web of literary allusions often found in mythological texts. Extensive marginal notes provide cross-references and explanations of
terms and culture-specific concepts, while a glossary of deities, suggested readings for each chapter, and more than 200 illustrations, photographs, and maps further enhance the volume. Ideal for courses in classical and world mythology, this text can also be used in world culture, world literature,
and comparative religion courses. An Instructor's Manual and a Student's Website featuring chapter objectives and summaries, key terms, study questions, self-tests, and off-site links of interest will accompany the book.

Genres: Mythology, School, Nonfiction, Textbooks, College

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