The Age of Fable

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Age of Fable

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Thomas Bulfinch's classic retelling of ancient myths from Greece and Rome offers timeless tales in a vivid, accessible style. This collection introduces readers to the gods, heroes, and monsters of Olympus, providing essential context for understanding the literature and art of the Western world.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Age of Fable,' Thomas Bulfinch offers a comprehensive guide to the mythology that shaped Western literature and art. The work begins by establishing the ancient Greek cosmogony, describing a flat, circular earth surrounded by the River Ocean, with Mount Olympus serving as the divine abode. Bulfinch details the genealogies of the gods, tracing the lineage from the Titans, such as Saturn and Rhea, to the Olympians including Jupiter, Juno, and Apollo. He recounts the Titanomachy, where Jupiter overthrew Saturn to establish his reign, dividing the cosmos with Neptune and Pluto. The narrative explores the lives of legendary heroes and heroines. Bulfinch highlights the tragic romance of Orpheus and Eurydice, detailing Orpheus's descent into the underworld to retrieve his wife and his ultimate failure due to a momentary lapse in judgment. He contrasts this with the self-sacrifice of Alcestis, who died in place of her husband Admetus, and her subsequent rescue by Hercules. The text also examines the steadfast loyalty of Penelope, who delayed suitors for years while awaiting Ulysses, and the filial piety of Antigone, who defied King Creon to bury her brother Polynices. Bulfinch extends the scope of mythology beyond Greece, covering the Trojan War, the adventures of Ulysses against monsters like the Cyclops and Circe, and the journey of Aeneas to Italy. He includes sections on Northern mythology, featuring Thor and the death of Baldur, as well as Eastern beliefs and Druidic practices. Throughout the text, Bulfinch integrates references to classical poetry and art, illustrating how these myths permeate culture. The book concludes with a collection of proverbial expressions derived from these stories, providing readers with an entertaining and educational overview of the fables that have influenced the human imagination.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/thomas-bulfinch_age-of-fable.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology