1st Edition

Greek Myths and Mesopotamia Parallels and Influence in the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod

By Charles Penglase Copyright 1994
    292 Pages
    by Routledge

    290 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Mesopotamian influence on Greek mythology in literary works of the epic period is considerable - yet it is a largely unexplored field. In this book Charles Penglase investigates major Mesopotamian and Greek myths. His examination concentrates on journey myths. A major breakthrough is achieved in the recognition of the extent of Mesopotamian influence and in the understanding of the colourful myths involved.
    The results are of significant interest, especially to scholars and students of ancient Greek and Near Eastern religion and mythology.

    Acknowledgements, Abbreviations, Chronological chart, Maps, 1 FOUNDATIONS, 2 INANNA, 3 NINURTA, 4 FROM EKUR TO OLYMPOS, 5 THE HOMERIC HYMN TO APOLLO, 6 THE HOMERIC HYMN TO DEMETER, 7 MYTHS OF APHRODITE AND HER ORIGINS, 8 JOURNEYS OF HERMES AND ZEUS, 9 PANDORA, PROMETHEUS AND THE MYTHS OF ENKI, 10 THE BIRTH OF ATHENA, 11 CONCLUSION, Appendix I Ereshkigal’s queenship of the netherworld, Appendix II Some sources for Mesopotamian literature, Bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Charles Penglase

    'A welcome and provoking study of a difficult subject.' – J. H. Hordern, Trinity College, Dublin

    '... contains much detailed and useful information ...'Scholia Reviews

    'Charles Penglase's Greek Myths is a scholarly piece of work, soundly based on a good knowledge of the myths of ancient Iraq.'Times Literary Supplement