Nardo, Don. Monsters in Greek Mythology. Part of the Library of Greek Mythology series. 2017. 80p. ISBN 978-1-60152-970-1. Available at 398.2 NAR on the library shelves.
Myths often use elements of reality and incorporate them into fantastic descriptions to explain a specific phenomenon or a historical occurrence. For the ancient Greeks, monsters were part and parcel of their experiences. How could they explain the skulls of prehistoric elephants with a hole in the middle where the trunk would be attached? Cyclops. How about the deadliest animals for humans, raptor birds, big cats, and venomous snakes? Flying dragons. Builders of ancient ruins that used stone blocks so tall and heavy that the technology of the day could not move them? Giants.
All of these monsters populated the myths and legends of the ancient Greeks. Some came from the birth of the world, when the gods created the Giants who eventually waged war on the Olympian deities. Others were Cyclops who preyed on men. Many monsters were condemned to the underworld. Some where ugly monsters, cursed by the gods like Medusa. Still others had unknown origins but ended up as constellations in the sky, like Orion and the Hydra.
Throughout Greek myths, recurring figures are often sinister reptilians with the face of a woman. Both themes were heavily influenced by man's perception of women as inferior and villainous, creatures who consorted with snakes to poison men's lives.
These myths continue to be popularized in movies and books, and retain a foothold in our science-based world, providing a basis of understanding that underpins most of Western Civilization. Fans of myths and history will enjoy the way in which ancient Greeks conjured monsters to triumph over.
Books in this series include:
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