Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Take a step into the fascinating realm of gods and goddesses, mythical warriors, and legendary kings and queens. Explore the creation stories of world's great cultures, let yourself be gripped by the classic hero narratives like the legend of King Arthur or the adventures of the Monkey King, or shed a tear over heart-rending tragedies such as the devastating tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. The Mythology Book retells and explains more than 80 classic stories. They include myths that have formed the foundations of many of the world's great religions and inspired artists from Homer and Virgil to Richard Wagner and James Joyce. Delve into each story to discover the meanings behind the myths, getting to the heart of the significance to the cultures they originated in. Divided into seven major sections, The Mythology Book examines myths from every continent and every significant period in history, from ancient Egypt to the Celts, and from the Maya of Mexico and Central America to Aboriginal Australians and the Maori of New Zealand. An eye-catching visual approach includes graphics and feature boxes that summarize the sources, settings, and key characters, set out the main plot points, and place the stories in historical context."--Jacket.