Elements in Greek and Roman Mythology – serie

Disability and Healing in Greek and Roman Myth takes its readers to stories, in versions known and often unknown. Disabilities and diseases are dealt with from head to toe: from mental disorder, over impairment of vision, hearing and speaking, to mobility problems and wider issues that pertain to the whole body. This Element places the stories in context, with due attention to close reading, and pays careful attention to concepts and terminology regarding disability. It sets Graeco-Roman mythology in the wider context of the ancient world, including Christianity. One of the focuses is the people behind the stories and their 'lived' religion. It also encourages its readers to 'live' their ancient mythology.

Diachronic Narratology in Greek Myth looks at ancient Greek mythology from the viewpoint of its storytelling through time. There are hundreds of different figures and stories in Greek mythology, interconnected in a complex narrative network. While earlier research often sought to penetrate the core of the seemingly 'true' or 'original' myths, it is now better understood that the way the myths were conveyed constitutes their actual essence: how a story is told, and retold, cannot be separated from the story itself. Based on brief introductions to the basics of mythology and narratology, this Element offers a discussion of three paradigmatic characters from Greek mythology and their voyage through literary history: Odysseus, Herakles and Helen. It demonstrates how a narratological approach can enrich our perspective on, and understanding of, mythology.

Diachronic Narratology in Greek Myth looks at ancient Greek mythology from the viewpoint of its storytelling through time. There are hundreds of different figures and stories in Greek mythology, interconnected in a complex narrative network. While earlier research often sought to penetrate the core of the seemingly 'true' or 'original' myths, it is now better understood that the way the myths were conveyed constitutes their actual essence: how a story is told, and retold, cannot be separated from the story itself. Based on brief introductions to the basics of mythology and narratology, this Element offers a discussion of three paradigmatic characters from Greek mythology and their voyage through literary history: Odysseus, Herakles and Helen. It demonstrates how a narratological approach can enrich our perspective on, and understanding of, mythology.