Mythology
I just wrapped up Edith Hamilton's Mythology, a staple of high school English classrooms (well, not my English classrooms, from what I remember).
tl;dr I rate the book 5 stars.
Outline and perspectives
This book details the Greek pantheon, ending with a short chapter on the Norse religion. I had previously read Hamilton's The Greek Way, which I enjoyed, and which made for a good complement to this book. Clearly, Hamilton is passionate about the ancient Greeks and their culture - and that passion is infectious. While I've been attending a Buddhist monastery for about a year now, learning and practicing, I still find myself conflicted between the two seemingly contradictory philosphies. The heroism of the ancient Greeks - the striving, the proof of excellence in deeds, is contrasted by the heroism of the Buddhists - the self mastery in renunciation. I do find overlap, there is striving for excellence and mastery in each, but it's in the way that each affirms life. More to come I am sure!
Across the various myths and stories a few stood out to me, that I'll record for posterity.
Prometheus
So many of the stories rounded out my knowledge of common myths. Prometheus, I was aware, stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. I was not aware that he was considered in general a benefactor of mankind, that his name meant "forethought" and he was celebrated for his wisdom. I was also surprised to hear of his determination despite his suffering. When offered the opportunity to escape his torment by revealing the one who would dethrone Zeus, Prometheus said to go and convince the sea not to break, it would be easier than convincing him. That unbreakable will in adversity is powerful to consider in my own life of comfort and ease.
Heracles
I vaguely remember watching the Hercules movie as a child. Yes indeed, Heracles strangled two snakes as a babe. But he also had a darker, human side. He was the strongest man in the world, as strong as even the gods. But he was prone to mishap: whether through divine manipulation or carelessness, he caused harm to a great many people. Perhaps the greatest strength of Heracles was his conscience: wracked with guilt, he would do anything to make amends - most famously his 12 labors, after murdering his family.
Jason and the Argonauts
Per the post image, I just had to watch the classic movie. I greatly enjoyed it - the animation was honestly more impressive than most CGI. I thought the scale of the monsters was well executed: it reminded me of Dark Souls!
Beyond the movie, I liked the myth, too. How inspiring that, given an impossible quest, Jason charges out into the world, trusting in himself that he will figure it out. That upon hearing of the quest, all the heroes of Greece join. I greatly enjoy such tales of unbridled courage and optimism.
Conclusion
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few years. I am so happy to have picked it up. I read it at just the right time I am sure, when I was prepared to take away as much as I did.