Check It Out:

Myths played a large part in developing civilizations because they may have functioned as an attempt for early men to explain the world around them.

While every culture has their own set of myths, Greek mythology has endured the test of time as the epic tasks of Hercules, the challenges of Odysseus and the life and death of Achilles were constantly retold, delighting audiences for thousands of years. With larger than life characters and fantastical creatures, there is something for everyone in Greek mythology, which provides some of history’s most exciting and epic stories of danger, action, adventure and love.

?“The Odyssey” by Homer. Homer’s epic poem is one of the most famous stories to come out of Greek mythology. The poem tells the story of Odysseus, the cunning hero of the Trojan War, and his attempt to return home to Ithaca and be reunited with his wife and son. After running afoul of Poseidon, Odysseus’ journey is made difficult and challenging, as he must contend with the deadly Cyclops, the seductive Circe and the dozens of suitors who wish to claim his wife. The trials and tribulations of the Greek hero are documented in a story that is considered by many to be one of the greatest adventure stories ever told.

?“Clash of the Titans” starring Harry Hamlin and directed by Desmond Davis. “Clash of the Titans” is the film adaptation of the life of Perseus. In order to win the love of the lovely Andromeda, Perseus seeks to kill the Gorgon queen Medusa, an evil creature who has the power to turn any living thing to stone. Aided by the goddess Athena, Perseus must brave the dangers of a world where mythical beasts roam the land in an entertaining, yet dated, film featuring visual effects by Ray Harryhausen.

?“The Iliad” by Homer. “The Illiad” recounts the act of Paris of Troy spiriting away (Rescuing or kidnapping? Depends on who you ask) the beautiful Helen and the long war launched by the Achaeans in retaliation. Described in Homer’s text is the long and bloody battle between both sides, the conquests of the nearly immortal Achilles and the ingenuity of Odysseus that led to the Achaeans victory with the sacking of Troy. The siege is a particularly long one, which allows Homer the opportunity to tell many side stories such as Odysseus’ reluctance to fight, Agamemnon’s sacrifice to the gods, and the construction of the Trojan Horse.

?“Mythology” by Edith Hamilton. Hamilton’s book is a collection of famous Greek mythological stories. Hamilton summarizes famous tales such as Prometheus’ theft of fire, Jason and his Argonauts searching for the Golden Fleece, and the life and trials of Hercules. This edition also includes myths from the Roman and Norse civilizations, making this book a worthwhile text for those fascinated by stories of legend — especially those outside the sphere of Greek mythology.

?Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” edited by John Frederick Nims. Nims presents Arthur Golding’s translation of Ovid’s epic poem that charts the creation and history of the world. Ovid recounts the life and times of great Roman mythical heroes such as Apollo, Echo and Narcissus, Orpheus, Venus and Adonis. Although Roman mythology is fairly similar to Greek mythology, what makes Ovid’s work stand out is his use of beautiful prose — so beautiful that it had inspired William Shakespeare.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org . For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.