Best of
Mythology

2003

Myths of Light: Eastern Metaphors of the Eternal (Collected Work)


Joseph Campbell - 2003
    It shows Campbell’s remarkable mind engaged with a favorite topic, the myths and metaphors of Asian religions. Myths of Light collects seven lectures and articles on subjects ranging from the ancient Hindu Vedas to Zen koans, Tantric yoga, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. A worthy companion to Campbell’s Asian journals, this volume conveys complex insights through warm, accessible storytelling, revealing the intricacies and secrets of his subjects with his typical enthusiasm.

Eurydice


Sarah Ruhl - 2003
    Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and breathtaking visual effects, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story.

The Runes of Elfland


Ari Berk - 2003
    Featuring 24 new full-color, rune-inspired paintings and dozens of black-and-white sketches by Froud, as well as more than 100 pages of the folklore and mythology surrounding each rune, this book if packed with notable legends, such as the Birch Mother, the Woman of the Marsh, the Ever-Living, the Green Girl of the Birches, and the Day-Child. * * * The Runes of Elfland is a perfect gift book for anyone who enjoys Celtic folklore and mythology, as well as for those interested in faeries and fantasy. Froud fanatics will treasure this offering, which is both art book and folklore collection. "A single word can be a world and every letter a land. A rune drawn upon the ground can have curious consequences, might invite adventure, may open ancient doors. Here are the Runes of Elfland. Here are the songs of the shining lands. Here are signs of crossing and threshold. Here are stories of fate and illumination. Chant the charm, tell the tale, and step across " Paul Goat Allen- From School Library Journal:"If runes are the keys to Faery, this book is an Open Sesame."

Tales of Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha)


Adurthi Subba Rao - 2003
    He ought to be the most terrible one because he presides over destruction, whereas Brahma and Vishnu are associated with creation and preservation respectively. Yet Shiva is as much loved by mortals as Vishnu is. He inspires fear in the hearts of the wicked, love and affection in the hearts and the pious. From his snowy abode on Mount Kailasa, Lord Shiva travelled for and wide, answering the prayers of his devotee. But he was often in disguise to ensure that his favours went only to the deserving. And so it was that he battled with the dauntless Pandava Arjuna, cast his net into the sea as he mingled with humble fisherfolk, and emerged from the sand to kick aside even the mighty Yama, God of death.

Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons


Ernest Drake - 2003
    Don't let it fall into the wrong hands!Do you believe in dragons? Now, for the first time, the long-lost research of renowned nineteenth century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake is presented in all its eccentric glory, happily bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. Here are just a few of DRAGONOLOGY'S fascinating features:-- Novelty item on every spread, including tactile samples of dragon wings, dragon scales, and dragon skin -- Booklet of dragon riddles (indispensable to the burgeoning dragonologist) -- Sealed envelope containing a powerful dragon-calling spell -- Embossed faux leather cover with silver foil, encrusted with three dragon gemsIn his afterword, Dr. Drake reveals that one of the crucial goals of dragonologists is to preserve the magnificent creatures of their study wherever possible - a goal this tongue-in-cheek volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere!

The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt


Richard H. Wilkinson - 2003
    From lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines, countless tributes throughout Egypt reflect the richness and complexity of their mythology. This book examines the evolution, worship, and eventual decline of the numerous gods and goddesses—from minor household figures such as Bes and Taweret to the all-powerful deities Amun and Rethat made Egypt the most completely theocratic society of the ancient world, and made Egyptians, according to Herodotus, "more religious than any other people."     • "Rise and Fall of the Gods" considers the origins of Egypt's deities, their struggles to control cosmic forces, and their eventual decline.     • "Nature of the Gods" examines the forms, appearances, and manifestations of the deities, as well as the transcendence of preeminent deities such as Amun.     • "Worship of the Gods" introduces the rituals and mysteries of formal Egyptian worship, including the importance of temples and festivals.     • "Kingship and the Gods" discusses the all-important position of the king, who served as a bridge between the gods and humanity.     • "The Many Faces of the Divine" is a unique catalogue of Egypt's gods and goddesses grouped according to their primary forms, discussing their iconography, mythology, and worship, and their influence over time.With hundreds of illustrations and specially commissioned drawings, this is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the deities that lay at the heart of Egyptian religion and society.

All Day Permanent Red: The First Battle Scenes of Homer's Iliad Rewritten


Christopher Logue - 2003
    Here in All Day Permanent Red is doomed Hector, the lion, "slam-scattering the herd" at the height of his powers. Here is the Greek army rising with a sound like a "sky-wide Venetian blind." Here is an arrow's tunnel, "the width of a lipstick," through a neck. Like Homer himself, Logue is quick to mix the ancient and the new, because his Troy exists outside time, and no translator has a more Homeric interest in the truth of battle, or in the absurdity and sublimity of war.

Shalivahana


Jagjit Uppal - 2003
    Sheltered by a potter the boy grew up with the prophecy of a wandering sage ringing in his ears that he would one day become king. The Sanskrit classic, Kathasaritasagar and Vikrama Charita, from which most of this story is taken, traces the path that makes Shalivahana so powerful that an entire era, the Shalivahana Shaka, was named after him.

The Kuru Princes


Anant Pai - 2003
    It consists of three volumes, spanning a total of 1200-odd pages.The Mahabharata is considered to be the longest epic poem in the world. The creation of this ageless epic is traditionally attributed to the seer Vyasa. His disciple Vaishampayana narrated it in public for the first time. King Janamejaya and numerous learned sages were present at the recital. They had gathered for a 12-year-long sacred ritual called Yajna.The first volume is titled The Kuru Princes of Hastinapura. Beginning with Shantanu, King Janamejaya’s ancestor and the ruler of Hastinapura, this volume narrates the various events that led to the establishment of the Kuru dynasty. It leads the story to the reign of Dhritarashtra over Hastinapura while his brother Pandu has retired to the forest with his two wives Kunti and Madri and five sons (The Pandavas).Upon the death of Pandu and Madri, Kunti and the Pandavas return to Hastinapura. The return of the Pandavas, and being armed with numerous skills, make the Kauravas (the 100 sons of Dhritarashtra) jealous of them. The eldest Kaurava brother, Duryodhana, plots to send the Pandavas into exile. Forewarned about his intentions, the Pandavas manage to foil his plan and escape from the trap set for them.Then they spend a year in disguise, and during this time, Arjuna wins the hand of Draupadi in marriage. Without knowing what Arjuna has won in the archery match, Kunti unwittingly asks the Pandavas to share the prize. Thus, Draupadi ends up being married to all of the Pandava brothers. After their wedding, the Pandavas are invited back to Hastinapura to resume peaceful relations.

Meeting the Other Crowd


Eddie Lenihan - 2003
    Honoured for their gifts and feared for their wrath, the fairies remind us to respect both the world we live in and forces we cannot see.In Meeting the Other Crowd, Eddie Lenihan presents a book about a hidden Ireland, a land of mysterious taboos, dangers, other worldly abductions, enchantments and much more. It is a world which most Irish people acknowledge exists, but which few of them, except the very oldest or professional folklorists, know much more about.Eddie Lenihan opens our eyes to this invisible world with the passion and bluntness of a great storyteller. In doing so he provides one of the finest collections of Irish folklore in modern times.

The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog: The Landscape of Celtic Myth and Spirit


Patricia Monaghan - 2003
    Pat Monaghan has studied and taught many integrated studies in poetry, science, mythology, feminist spirituality, environmental studies, chaos theory, and religion. All of these disciplines inform her writing, but none distract from the poetic story-telling or the mystical lore she encounters and then conveys. Her journey takes her to a churchyard with a fountain representing St. Bridget, perhaps a Christian representation of the Celtic goddess of water, fire, and transformation, called Brigit. Monaghan describes spiral petroglyphs and ancient sacred caves, bogs and woods where fairies have played their tricks on humans, and water falls that became sacred spots. The stories instruct and teach, as Monaghan points to ways that these myths still reveal the truths of human life, and the contradictions of love and hate, mother and seductress, harmony and struggle that are embodied in women’s lives — in all of human existence.

Mythology; Myths, Legends & Fantasies


Janet G. Parker - 2003
    Greek and Roman mythology --European mythology. Celtic and Irish mythology ; Germanic and Norse mythology ; Finnish mythology ; Slavic mythology ; Romance mythology ; Arthurian mythology --Egyptian and African mythology. Egyptian mythology ; African mythology --Middle East and Asian mythology. Mesopotamian mythology ; Middle Eastern mythology ; Indian mythology ; Chinese mythology ; Japanese mythology ; Tibetan mythology --Mythology of Oceania. Oceanic mythology ; Australian Aboriginal mythology ; Maori mythology --Mythology of the Americas. North American mythology ; Mesoamerican mythology ; South American mythology.

The Genealogy of Greek Mythology: An Ilustrated Family Tree of Greek Myth from the First Gods to the Founders of Rome


Vanessa James - 2003
    From the television hit Xena, to the Oscar-winning box-office smash Gladiator and to Broadway's Medea, the sagas of antiquity continue to attract avid audiences. Now the lore and legend of Ancient Greece have been distilled into one spectacularly illustrated resource. The Genealogy of Greek Mythology brings to life the complete cast of characters, mortal and mythic alike. Accompanied by more than 125 captivating full-color photographs of art and artifacts, the narratives and bloodlines mapped out in The Genealogy of Greek Mythology are wonderfully user friendly. Beginning with Chaos-the period before the Earth was born-Vanessa James traces the succession of gods and titans through to the first generations of historically verifiable people of the ancient Aegean. Packed with over 3,000 entries, this incredibly detailed resource also features a star chart, regional map, and who's who guide to the Olympian gods. Each side of the book's unique accordion-paged design can be perused section-by-section or fanned out to reveal the entire genealogy in more than seventeen elegant feet.

The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore


Patricia Monaghan - 2003
    Approximately 1000 entries cover such topics as mythic figures; heroic figures; narrative and epic cycles; sacred places and objects; and theories and controversies.

The Queen Of Freedom Trilogy: The Empire Of Darkness, The War Of The Crowns, The Flaming Sword


Christian Jacq - 2003
    C17th BC. An army of barbarians has swept through the Empire, destroying everything in its path. Known as the Hyksos, the 'leaders from foreign lands', the invaders have reduced the land of the pharaohs to slavery.Only one woman resists. Fierce, beautiful and courageous, the daughter of the last pharaoh, Ahhotep, refuses to accept defeat. Not far from Thebes, the only city which retains its independence, she establishes a secret military base, training the soldiers who will one day set her country free.Heading an increasingly powerful army, Ahhotep prepares the Egyptians for the final, fateful battle. After a hundred years of occupation and thousands of violent deaths, it looks as though, at last, the Egyptian empire will rise again from the ashes - all thanks to the courage and determination of a woman.

The Upanishads


Peter Russell - 2003
    Passed down by word of mouth for five thousand years, they teach of an absolute and unified field of intelligence that underlies and permeates all creation. This divine ground is our own nature, and to bring our lives into conscious harmony with it is the ultimate purpose of human existence.This lucid translation captures both the poetry and the precision of the original, rendering accessible an extraordinary body of spiritual wisdom as never before. Speaking from the depth of the everlasting NOW, the Upanishads make the mind soar and the heart sing, and point the soul to freedom.From the Hardcover edition.

Kali: Slayer of Illusion


Sarah Caldwell - 2003
    A wide range of vivid illustrations, both traditional and contemporary, showcases the paradoxical and often shocking imagery of Kali, whose outrageous appearance and behavior shatter all social conventions. These intense tales recount Kali's origins as the shadow self of Durga goddess who appears in the world in order to save the terrified gods from the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. Brandishing weapons of destruction and cackling madly, she annihilates an ever-increasing number of miscreants who try her patience. She comes not only to restore balance within the universe, but also to help humanity cut through the bonds of illusion and attachment.

The Sacred Magic of Ancient Egypt: The Spiritual Practice Restored


Rosemary Clark - 2003
    Included are daily rituals, annual ceremonies, and the founding of a temple tradition for either the sole practitioner or a gathering of celebrants. The dimensions of Sacred Science-esoteric architecture, cosmic resonance, and magical practice-are outlined in detail and demonstrated in a program for practical, everyday use. Authentic and richly detailed, this guidebook also: - Presents beautiful rituals patterned on ancient Egyptian texts for modern initiates - Serves as an excellent reference on many aspects of the Egyptian mysteries that have not been accessible elsewhere - Contains a complete repertoire of ancient hymns, litanies, spells, and ceremonies that allows for reading in the ancient tongue Enter the timeless realm of Egyptian sacred ritual. Experience for yourself the ultimate realization of ancient Egyptian spirituality-the assumption of divine knowledge and grace.

The Golden Vine


Jai Sen - 2003
    There, the prince confronts a conspiracy that threatens his ascension to the throne. To prevent the disintegration of Alexander's united world government, Alexander IV must travel the labyrinthine paths of memory, though his father's letters and the recollections of the emperor's beloved companion Hephaestion, to the center of mystery: What is the secret of the Golden Vine? To rule the world, the prince must know... The daring alternate history of a united world from the Xeric award-winning author of Garlands of Moonlight and The Ghost of Silver Cliff. Full color, gorgrously illustrated in three visual styles by artists Seijuro Mizu, Umeka Asayuki, and Shino Yotsumoto.

Comparing Mythologies


Tomson Highway - 2003
    Comparing Mythologies addresses the ways that Canadian culture today is shaped by the mixture of Aboriginal and Western mythologies.

Dante's Inferno


Marcus Sanders - 2003
    Birk, hailed by the Los Angeles Times as one of "realism's edgier, more visionary painters," offers extraordinarily nuanced and vivid illustrations inspired by Gustave Dore's famous engravings. This modern interpretation depicts an infernal landscape infested with mini-malls, fast food restaurants, ATMs, and other urban fixtures, and a text that cleverly incorporates urban slang and references to modern events and people (as Dante did in his own time). Previously published in a deluxe, fine-press edition to wide praise, and accompanied by national exhibitions, this striking paperback edition of Dante's Inferno is a genuinely provocative and insightful adaptation for a new generation of readers.

The Barefoot Book of Monsters!


Fran Parnell - 2003
    Collects monster tales from around the world.

The Moon: Myth and Image


Jules Cashford - 2003
    Jules Cashford explores the myths, symbols, and poetic images of the Moon throughout history, starting from early Paleolithic markings on horn and bone, up to present-day poetry. This captivating book traces our customs and secular events back to their sacred lunar source explaining how we have evolved to think in some of the ways that we do and why. Accompanied by 175 beautiful illustrations, The Moon investigates how the lunar image helped shape our mind, and more importantly, it examines what these myths and images tell us about our own consciousness. This is the most comprehensive and in-depth look at the moon and its vast influence on the structure and function of mythology, religion, and consciousness.

Inanna: From the Myths of Ancient Sumer


Kim Echlin - 2003
    The world’s oldest epic poem is the Epic of Gilgamesh, the tale of a hero who was part god, part man. But just in the past century a thrilling discovery was made – the 4,000-year-old stories of his powerful sister, the goddess Inanna.Inanna is a goddess who embodies the quest for growth. Her stories tell how she develops from childish inexperience and youthful exuberance into maturity and gains the powers to create, to destroy and to name. She is a goddess of spunk and wisdom who outwits and defies the powerful, falls in love with the shepherd Dumuzi and, like Gilgamesh, dares to seek immortality. The people of Sumer associated Inanna with the planet Venus.With the guidance of Sumerian scholars, Kim Echlin has provided a moving, sensitive and knowledgeable translation of the Inanna myths. They describe a goddess who was a warrior, lover, nurturer, seeker of knowledge and giver of power – a figure worthy of admiration by people of any age.

How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head


Harish Johari - 2003
    For centuries Indian children have grown up hearing Ganesh's story--how his mother, Parvati (an incarnation of the great mother goddess), created a small boy from sandalwood soap and commanded that he guard the palace against all intruders while she took her bath. How her husband, Shiva (the fearsome god of destruction), didn't take kindly to being barred from his own home. How Shiva beheaded the boy during the cosmic war that followed, but then, when he realized that the balance of the entire universe was at stake, brought the boy back to life by grafting an elephant's head onto his body and made him the people's intercessor against the powers of destruction. Ganesh's timeless story teaches children about the steadfast power of dedication to duty, the awe-inspiring power of a mother's love for her child, and the gentle power of compassion, which holds the world together. Accompanied by rich, color illustrations prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon, How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head will transport children to a magical world filled with ancient wisdom.

The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion


Simon Price - 2003
    Highly authoritative, this new book covers not only Greek mythologies and Roman festivals, but also devotes attention to topics such as Greek and Roman religious places, monuments, authors and texts, religious organization, imagery, divination, astrology, and magic. Unlike many other references on ancient Greece and Rome, the Dictionary also includes many entries on Judaism and Christianity in the classical world. The editors, area advisors for the third edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary, have selected, revised, edited, and in some instances completely recast a large number of entries from the OCD to create this handy and accessible reference. The main text is supplemented by an important introductory essay providing overviews of mythology, religious pluralism in the ancient world, and the reception of myths from antiquity to the present. In addition to a helpful thematic index and extensive cross-references, the text is further supported by three maps and six genealogies. Backed by the authority and scholarly rigor of the renowned Oxford Classical Dictionary, The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion is a valuable A-Z reference and is as ideal a tool for students and teachers of ancient history as it is for all classics lovers.

Classical Mythology


Alice Mills - 2003
    Tales of unrequited love, revenge and forgiveness, creation and death were told and retold to explain the inexplicable, excite or soothe children, reinforce social codes and cultural identity, and more. Classical Mythology delves into the world of Zeus, Heracles, Medusa and Odysseus to present words of wisdom that are just as valid today has they were thousands of years ago.

Pelzmantel and Other Tales of Magic


K.A. Laity - 2003
    Her only friend is Nanna, her family's longtime caregiver. On the plus side, she's found out that 'Nanna' is really Carae Mná, a centuries-old Irish witch. On the minus side, they're both in hiding from the witch's oldest enemy, a mage who has taken over Hallgerd's father and her land. How can Hallgerd win back her home and Nanna her human skin? And what about that wardrobe in the walnut? Pelzmantel spins a tale of medieval magic where people and things are seldom what they seem to be on the surface. Infused with genuine magical lore and history, this inspired retelling of the Grimm Brothers' "Allerleirau" uncovers the seldom-glimpsed world behind the glitz: the hard work that keeps a castle running and the secrets lives of women in the Middle Ages. This edition includes three additional magical stories (one never before published) and an essay on medieval magic.

A Genealogical Chart of Greek Mythology


Jon O. Newman - 2003
    The product of more than 35 years of research, the book includes a 72-page continuous chart that links 3,673 named figures into a single family tree spanning 20 generations and an 80-page index that provides a citation to an authoritative ancient source for each relationship.The genealogy begins with Chaos and--based on works by Hesiod, Homer, Aeschylus, Pindar, Bacchylides, Herodotus, Euripides, Apollodorus, Pausanias, Diodorus Siculus, and scores of other ancient poets, playwrights, and writers--continues down through the Titans, the gods, legendary kings, and such well-known figures of literature as Odysseus, Jason, Antigone, and Helen of Troy, as well as hundreds of obscure figures, including their spouses, paramours, children, and descendants.The chart shows all of the known relationships--parental, marital, and extramarital--of each figure. In addition to furnishing a citation for each relationship, the index provides brief descriptive information and indicates the quadrant and page of the continuous chart where the relationship is depicted. A two-page master chart illustrates the relationships among the principal figures.

Ancient Astrology Theory and Practice: Matheseos Libri VIII


Julius Firmicus Maternus - 2003
    He lived in the first half of the fourth century AD (c.280-c.360). He was also a student of Greek astrology, which forms the basis of this book. Of this book, James Herschel Holden writes, "The Mathesis is the lengthiest astrological treatise that has come down to us from the classical period. It consists of eight books, of which the first forms an introductory essay on astrology, and the rest set forth the fundamentals of Greek astrology. Several sections contain material that is found nowhere else...." (History of Horoscopic Astrology, pg. 66.) The translator writes, "Magic, philosophy, science and theology combine in strange ways in the thinking of the last centuries of the Roman empire..... Firmicus seemed worthy of note for many reasons. He is almost alone as author of works produced both before and after an apparent conversion to Christianity.... He left a lengthy handbook detailing the astrological practices of his day, the only work which has come down to us in its entirety [90% complete: Holden] out of numerous astrological treatises written in the Hellenistic and Roman periods..... This manual was important because it was the channel for astrological lore to the Middle Ages and Renaissance." (from the Preface) Jean Rhys Bram holds a degree in Latin from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Classics from New York University. She taught Latin, ancient Greek, and Mythology at Hunter College until her retirement. At 92, she continues to read widely and tutor students. She enjoys the company of twelve cats.

Tales of the Dead Ancient Egypt


Stewart Ross - 2003
    Tales of the Dead is a graphic novel featuring cross-section art.

Eight Pillars of Greek Wisdom: What You Can Learn from Classical Myth and History


Stephen Bertman - 2003
    They lived life to the fullest, loved unashamedly, listened to their heart’s desires, and created one of the most advanced, culturally sophisticated societies ever known. Is all that now dead and buried? Or only for the professors to mull over?One classics scholar, Dr. Stephen Bertman, answers this resoundingly in The Eight Pillars of Greek Wisdom. He shows how to bring passion and excellence to the center of your daily life, as the ancient Greeks intended them to be. The lessons they learned—that life is brief and fragile and time is too precious to waste; that we do not know who we are until we discover who we can be; that we cannot undertake our voyage through life alone; that there will be obstacles along the way, but the greatest obstacle is within—led them to develop what Bertman describes as eight guiding principles of wisdom: Humanism The Pursuit of Excellence The Practice of Moderation Self-Knowledge Rationalism Restless Curiosity The Love of Freedom Individualism These eight pillars are explored in the book. Each is illuminated through vivid examples drawn from the rich heritage of classical history and mythology, including tales of gods and goddess, heroes and heroines, adventure and exploration, and self-discovery and personal triumph.

Persephone


Andrea Lawlor - 2003
    A collection of writing and art retelling the story of Persephone, with work by:Miranda Mellis: Tiers of PersephoneJulia Bloch: The HoleBernadine Mellis: Diary of PersephoneXYLORJane: 21JUN03-22JUN04Andrea Lawlor: PersephoneShuna Fish Lydon: Sorbet of Pomegranate SeedsEE Miller: From Sea to Shining SeaDrawings by Lis GoldschmidtPhotographs by Dori Midnight & Signe Mae Olsen

Biblical Myth and Rabbinic Mythmaking


Michael Fishbane - 2003
    Michael Fishbane provides a close study of the texts and theologies involved and the central role of exegesis in the development and transformation of the subject. Taken up are issues of myth and monotheism, myth and tradition, and myth and language. The presence and vitality of myth in successive cultural phases is treated, emphasizing certain paradigmatic acts of God and features of the divine personality.

Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome (K12)


John Holdren - 2003
    A collection of myths from Ancient Greece and Rome.

Half Human, Half Animal: Tales of Werewolves and Related Creatures


Jamie Hall - 2003
    They're rather good examples of their genre, but still clearly amateur. Perhaps she was unwilling to lean too heavily on the work of the past, but there's no shame in borrowing from the masters, and it would have added greatly to the feel of the book. For the devoted fan of shapeshifter lore, Half Human, Half Animal is worth buying for the resource list alone. New fans to the genre could do worse than to start with this book, which covers a wider variety of myths and legends than the usual Euro-centric werewolf-exclusive fare. It's not the most elegantly written volume on the subject, as Hall seems to be finding her feet in this first literary excursion. Still, I'm looking forward to the second volume Hall claims to be assembling; with luck she'll have fully overcome her first time writer's foibles without losing her fan's enthusiasm for the subject. Half Human, Half Animal: Tales of Werewolves and Related Creatures will help round out any folklore fan's shelf.

The Principal Upanishads


Nikhilananda - 2003
    J. Chatterjee, Philosophy East and West.Generations of seekers have turned to the Upanishads as a source of timeless wisdom and inspiration. Handed down orally from teacher to disciple, they are regarded by Hindus as eternal, without beginning or human authorship, and as possessing the universal truth common to all religions and faiths. Their twofold structure encompasses advice on the conduct by which to attain material prosperity in life and happiness after death, as well as guidance along the path by which one is liberated from ignorance and enabled to realize the highest good.This volume comprises the major Upanishads, regarded as the basis of the Vedanta philosophy and the outstanding contribution of Hindu thinkers to the philosophical thought of the world. A comprehensive glossary addresses the Sanskrit terms contained in this volume: prepared as a sort of Upanishadic dictionary, it provides a variety of meanings for each word, italicizing those especially pertinent to the Upanishadic texts. This abridged edition will be particularly useful for students in universities and theological seminaries where the Upanishads are studied in connection with comparative religion or world literature.

The Actual Moon, the Actual Stars


Chris Forhan - 2003
    His poetry has also won a Pushcart Prize. Born and raised in Seattle, Forhan teaches at Auburn University.

Women of Mythology


Kay Retzlaff - 2003
    From the divine to the sensual, women have long exercised a profound influence on world cultures, and so have become integral to the stories they tell. These tales, from ancient Egypt to old Ireland, from classical Greece to China, praise the divine and human heroines who demonstrate courage, daring, wit, creativity, and loyalty. The unforgettable women portrayed in these pages include Deborah, the brilliant Biblical judge and priestess who planned a winning battle against the Canaanite general Sisera and his mighty army; the Chinese general Mulan, who brought her soldiers safely through combat and saved her country; the ferocious Amazon Myrine, who conquered Atlantis; and Medb, queen of Connacht, whose adventures in war--and love--inspired a great Irish epic.

Teen Goddess: How to Look, Love & Live Like a Goddess


Catherine Wishart - 2003
    The author, a professional stylist, shows you how to access your inner and outer beauty  with makeup tips and tricks, costume ideas, color schemes, and goddess hairstyles, and more. Myths, meditations, and magic combine in this guide to girl power.

The Myths and Mythology of Ancient Egypt


Lucia Gahlin - 2003
    Maps, chronologies, and colour artworks along with hundreds of full colour photographs, allow an in-depth examination of the crucial role that mythology played in this fascinating period of history. In addition, this book uses original text in the form of books, hymns, prayers, hieroglyphic paintings and archaeological finds, to give an authentic flavour of ancient Egypt.

Ovid at Fifteen


Christopher Bursk - 2003
    These astonishing poems explore the space between sensuality, sexuality, and love—a landscape in which flawed human beings give birth to the flawed human beings who will one day take care of them, each generation screwing up even as it adds to the universal fund of beauty and compassion. Above all,Ovid at Fifteen reminds us what it means to feel the wonder of life too keenly—to “want to throw yourself / off the cliff, plunge / into the very heart of color.” If Bursk’s ordinary yet mythic heroes hold back, they do so not out of cowardice but because they remember what happened to Icarus. And so they watch, and dream, and feel, and thus “make a living / out of aching . . .” The greatness of this book lies in its immortalizing that ache, that delicious pain.

The God Who Comes: Dionysian Mysteries Revisited


Rosemarie Taylor-Perry - 2003
    She explores the festivals, rites, and other activities of Dionysian worshipers and attempts to put them in proper chronological order. She also relates the meanings and activities to other religi

Goddesses Knowledge Cards


Michael Babcock - 2003
    In learning about these archetypes, we come to recognize them in ourselves -to gain a clearer perception of our powers and weaknesses and to achieve a common thread, a link to the collective unconscious. Susan Seddon Boulet s magnificent paintings and Michael Babcock's insightful text offer a brilliant vision of the female pantheon.With paintings on one side and brief biographies on the other, these 48 fact-filled Knowledge Cards are a great source of condensed information all in a deck the size of a pack of playing cards! You ll learn essential facts about the featured art and artists in this concise, stimulating compilation. Perfect for connoisseurs, art fiends, students, teachers, and the purely inquisitive, this deck is sure to spark your curiosity and admiration, and to encourage you to learn more on your own.

Age of Mythology - The Titans Expansion: Sybex Official Strategies and Secrets


Doug Radcliffe - 2003
    This comprehensive strategy guide, written with the full support of Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios, is packed with the strategies, tactics, and analysis you need to master the Titans! Inside you'll find: * Strategies and tips straight from Ensemble Studios' best players * Thorough analysis of the Atlantean mythology, including military units, Major and Lesser Gods, and their powers * Detailed economic and military strategies that show you how to build a thriving economy and prevail in combat * Multiplayer tactics for every game mode, including Lightning tactics from Age of Mythology expert Chris "Swinger" Rupp * In-depth stats for everything in the game * Step-by-step walkthrough of the compelling new campaign

The Encyclopedia of Classic Mythology (Practical Handbook)


Arthur Cotterell - 2003
    Organised in alphabetical order, each entry includes details of characters, locations and sites of interest.

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations


Jacqueline Mitton - 2003
    Once Upon a Starry Night explains the ten ancient figures whose legends are written large across the universe. Every page shines with Christina Balit’s vibrant art, studded with shiny stars, and provides the perfect backdrop to Jacqueline Mitton’s poetic text.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Hawaiian Family Legends


Matthew Kaopio - 2003
    His work marries the Hawaiian tradition of story-telling with the modern art form of painting. His paintings reflect his appreciation of the Hawaiian culture and the natural beauty he sees everywhere in the islands. The stories accompanying the artwork were inspired by family legends told to him when he was a young boy by his grandmother Pearl. Some of the visual images and stories are symbolic of his recovery, such as "Hi’iaka Revives Lohiau" which to him represents his struggle to survive after suffering such a traumatic experience at a young age.

British Museum Pocket Dictionary of Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses


Richard Woff - 2003
    The Romans adopted and worshipped many of the Greek pantheon and the dictionary names and describes the deities in their Roman forms. It also highlights other important supernatural beings, such as the Muses, Fates and Furies. All entries are cross-referred in alphabetical order.

Myths and Legends of the Ancient Near East


Rachel Storm - 2003
    

Myth and History in the Bible


Giovanni Garbini - 2003
    This book argues that only historical thing in the Bible is the Bible itself, a superb product of Jewish thought. What is narrated in the Bible is only myth.

Babylonian Magic and Sorcery


Leonard William King - 2003
    This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Runor: Historia, Tydning, Tolkning


Lars Magnar Enoksen - 2003
    

Niamh and the Hermit: A Fairy Tale


Emily C.A. Snyder - 2003
    Her incredible beauty proves a curse for no man can withstand even a moment in her presence without running mad. Suitor after suitor is turned away, since no one regardless of family name or credentials, is able to approach the Princess without suffering intense burning. The kingdom's only hope rests upon a most unusual bridegroom: the Hermit. With the claws and wings of an eagle, and the head and tail of a lion, the mystery of a magician, and the piety of a saint, he alone may hold her - that is, if he can find his bride before she is led to perdition by the wicked Count and his shadowy minions. Written in the evocative lyric style of Lord Dunsany, Niamh and the Hermit is an exploration and exultation of the classic fairy tale, blended seamlessly with all the imaginative complexity of a Tolkien-esque subcreated world. The author weaves fantasy and fable together in a beautifully written tale of love and deception, valor and weakness, hope and fury.

The Limits of History


Constantin Fasolt - 2003
    It does not root us in the past at all. It rather flatters us with the belief in our ability to recreate the world in our image. It is a form of self-assertion that brooks no opposition or dissent and shelters us from the experience of time. So argues Constantin Fasolt in The Limits of History, an ambitious and pathbreaking study that conquers history's power by carrying the fight into the center of its domain. Fasolt considers the work of Hermann Conring (1606-81) and Bartolus of Sassoferrato (1313/14-57), two antipodes in early modern battles over the principles of European thought and action that ended with the triumph of historical consciousness. Proceeding according to the rules of normal historical analysis—gathering evidence, putting it in context, and analyzing its meaning—Fasolt uncovers limits that no kind of history can cross. He concludes that history is a ritual designed to maintain the modern faith in the autonomy of states and individuals. God wants it, the old crusaders would have said. The truth, Fasolt insists, only begins where that illusion ends.With its probing look at the ideological underpinnings of historical practice, The Limits of History demonstrates that history presupposes highly political assumptions about free will, responsibility, and the relationship between the past and the present. A work of both intellectual history and historiography, it will prove invaluable to students of historical method, philosophy, political theory, and early modern European culture.

Electra: Tracing a Feminine Myth Through the Western Imagination


Nancy Cater - 2003
    Electra, who experiences the combined loss of the father and betrayal by the mother, is stuck in adolescence psychologically-a dark puella, unable to enter womanhood, trapped in mourning for her lost father and hatred of her mother. Cater uses the life and work of Sylvia Plath to vividly portray a woman wrestling with these issues and offers suggestions as to how contemporary women can move beyond them.

Indonesian Folktales


Margaret Read MacDonald - 2003
    Focusing on the rich heritage of the country, this latest addition to the highly acclaimed World Folklore Series presents 29 stories from across Indonesia, most of which have never been published in the English language. Build your multicultural collection or expand your repertoire with tales that provide a moving and colorful image of the diversity and richness of the people and lands of Indonesia. Six thematic groups are presented: Jealous and Envious Brothers and Sisters; Stories of Independent Princesses; Stories of Ungrateful Children; Stories about Rice; Stories of Place Legends; and Stories of How Things Come to Be.All Levels

Mythologica: A Treasury of World Myths and Legends


Janet ParkerDeanna Paniataaq Kingston - 2003
    A comprehensive guide to the world's myths and legends, Mythologica brings together these epic stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes who have contributed to the lore of our world - from Ulysses and Troy to Atlantis and the Holy Grail; from creation myths and trickster tales to the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime; and from mythical creatures and sun gods to the origins of prophetic omens.Beautifully illustrated with over 750 images, this treasured browsing and reference companion features tales from all over the world including classical Greece and Rome, ancient India, Egypt, Melanesia, China, Finland, Australia, Scandinavia, Japan, Africa, and North and South America

The Making of Fornication: Eros, Ethics, and Political Reform in Greek Philosophy and Early Christianity


Kathy L. Gaca - 2003
    While many scholars, including Michel Foucault, have found the basis of early Christian sexual restrictions in Greek ethics and political philosophy, Kathy L. Gaca demonstrates on compelling new grounds that it is misguided to regard Greek ethics and political theory—with their proposed reforms of eroticism, the family, and civic order—as the foundation of Christian sexual austerity. Rather, in this thoroughly informed and wide-ranging study, Gaca shows that early Christian goals to eradicate fornication were derived from the sexual rules and poetic norms of the Septuagint, or Greek Bible, and that early Christian writers adapted these rules and norms in ways that reveal fascinating insights into the distinctive and largely non-philosophical character of Christian sexual morality. Writing with an authoritative command of both Greek philosophy and early Christian writings, Gaca investigates Plato, the Stoics, the Pythagoreans, Philo of Alexandria, the apostle Paul, and the patristic Christians Clement of Alexandria, Tatian, and Epiphanes, freshly elucidating their ideas on sexual reform with precision, depth, and originality. Early Christian writers, she demonstrates, transformed all that they borrowed from Greek ethics and political philosophy to launch innovative programs against fornication that were inimical to Greek cultural mores, popular and philosophical alike. The Septuagint's mandate to worship the Lord alone among all gods led to a Christian program to revolutionize Gentile sexual practices, only for early Christians to find this virtually impossible to carry out without going to extremes of sexual renunciation. Knowledgeable and wide-ranging, this work of intellectual history and ethics cogently demonstrates why early Christian sexual restrictions took such repressive ascetic forms, and casts sobering light on what Christian sexual morality has meant for religious pluralism in Western culture, especially among women as its bearers.