1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described / Adapted to Private Schools, High Schools and Academies

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

42474

Title

1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described / Adapted to Private Schools, High Schools and Academies

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive dictionary of one thousand mythological characters, adapted for educational use in schools and academies. Edited by Edward S. Ellis, this volume offers brief, accessible entries on gods, heroes, and monsters from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and other traditions. The text includes an introduction exploring the origins of mythology through philological and anthropological lenses, making complex ancient lore understandable for young students.

Summary up to 500 words

Edward Sylvester Ellis's *1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described* serves as a comprehensive reference guide to the pantheons of antiquity, meticulously organized alphabetically for the convenience of students and scholars. The work opens with an introduction that explores the origins of mythology, distinguishing between the philological view—which posits that myths arose from linguistic evolution and the personification of natural forces—and the anthropological view, which attributes them to primitive human thought and animism. Ellis argues that early cultures created narratives to explain phenomena such as storms, seasons, and the birth of life, often personifying these forces as deities. The main body of the text provides concise biographies of approximately one thousand figures, ranging from major Olympian deities like Jupiter, Juno, and Apollo to lesser-known spirits, river gods, and specific heroes. Entries offer detailed accounts of famous narratives, such as the tragic story of Medea, who murders her brother Absyrtus to aid Jason in escaping Aeetes and later kills her own children out of jealousy. The text also details the labors of Hercules, including his wrestling match with the river god Achelous and the slaying of the Hydra at Lerna. Furthermore, it explains the geography of the underworld, describing rivers like Acheron and Lethe, and the judges Rhadamanthus, Aeacus, and Minos. Practical features include alternative spellings and cross-references that link concepts to their divine counterparts, such as connecting 'Justice' to the goddess Astrea or 'Love' to Cupid and Eros. The book preserves archaic spellings and variable forms to reflect historical texts while providing modernized search terms for ease of use. Its scope extends beyond Greek and Roman myths to include Hindu deities like Krishna and Kali, Egyptian gods like Kneph, and Scandinavian figures like Loki. Ultimately, the book functions as both a practical study aid and a literary resource, offering a snapshot of how ancient civilizations interpreted their world through the lens of divine narrative.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Mythology
• Dictionaries