Edith Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes is widely praised for its engaging storytelling and comprehensive coverage of Greek, Roman, and Norse myths. Reviewers commend its accessibility and educational value, though some note it may oversimplify complex myths. Overall, it remains a beloved and influential introduction to classical mythology.

Mythology enthusiasts and classic literature lovers will revel in Edith Hamilton’s Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. Ideal for fans of Bulfinch’s Mythology and Homer’s The Iliad, this reader appreciates comprehensive, well-researched tales, exploring ancient myths with keen interest in cultural history and storytelling.

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton retells Greek, Roman, and Norse myths, assesses their literary significance, and provides unified narratives from disparate sources. Divided into seven sections, it covers creation myths, love and adventure stories, heroes before and during the Trojan War, mythological families, less prominent myths, and Norse cosmology and gods. The book includes descriptions of sexual violence, family violence, bigoted language, suicidal ideation, incest, kidnapping, and death.

Edith Hamilton

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

Get ready to explore Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Summary and Study Guide

Background

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface and Introduction

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Preface and Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “The Gods, the Creation, and the Earliest Heroes”

Part 1, Chapter 1

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 2-4

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 1, Chapters 2-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Stories of Love and Adventure”

Part 2, Chapters 1-2

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 2, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 3-4

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 2, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Great Heroes Before the Trojan War”

Part 3 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Heroes of the Trojan War”

Part 4 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Great Families of Mythology”

Part 5 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The Less Important Myths”

Part 6 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Mythology of the Norseman”

Part 7 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Key Figures

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Themes

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Themes

Index of Terms

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Essay Topics

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

Before You Read

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