Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology (Hardcover, 1st American ed)

From the earliest times, people have told stories of gods and goddesses, of fabulous creatures and mythical planes, and of the exploits of superhuman heroes and heroines in an effort to explain the mysteries of life. Many of the world's myths share common features, allowing fascinating parallels to be drawn. The DK illustrated Dictionary of Mythology examines some of these themes, such as the creation and ultimate destruction of the world, the struggle between good and evil, and the concept of heaven and hell, enabling the reader to explore the intriguing similarities between the mythologies of different peoples. Concise, fact-packed entries on more than 500 key characters provide essential information to show the reader who is who in world mythology. What did a harpy look like? Why did Kronos eat his own children? Who was Coyote? Which Egyptian god has the head of a jackal? What was the riddle of the sphinx? Find the answers to these questions and many more in this comprehensive and stimulating visual guide to world mythology.The DK Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology is divided into nine sections, each focusing on the mythology of a particular civilization or region. Discover the stories of characters from cultures as diverse as Greek and Polynesian, or Norse and Native American, with special feature boxes on major figures, events, and places. Designed to appeal to readers of all ages, this book is a rich source of information for interpreting and understanding mythological references in art, literature, drama and music.