1st Edition

The Uses of Greek Mythology

By Ken Dowden Copyright 1992
    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    In an innovative sequence of topics, Ken Dowden explores the uses Greeks made of myth and the uses to which we can put myth in recovering the richness of their culture. Most aspects of Greek life and history - including war, religion and sexuality - which are discernable through myth, as well as most modern approaches, are given a context in a book which is designed to be useful, accessible and stimulating.

    Preface, Abbreviations, Part I. Attitudes to myth, 1. Myth and mythology, 2. How myths work: the theories, 3. Greeks on myth, Part II. Myth and the past, 4. Myth and prehistory, 5. Myth and identity, Part III. Myth and religion, 6. Arrival at the cult-site, 7. Myth and initiation ritual, Part IV. The world of myth, 8. The world of myth, 9. Mythic society, Conclusion: what Greek myth is, Notes, Topic bibliography, General bibliography, Index of ancient authors, Index of modern authors, Index of peoples, characters and places, Index of topics and themes

    Biography

    Ken Dowden

    ... a meticulously researched, straightforwardly argued and sympathetically presented account of the multi-faceted nature of myth ... It was a pleasure to read a book which provoked actual cries of pleasure in discovery! Highly recommended. - Joint Association of Classical Teachers Review