Myths of Hellas

Myths of Hellas brings the great tales of ancient Greece to young readers with clarity, color, and drama, retelling them as both lively stories and an introduction to classical learning. Beginning with Chaos and the birth of the world, it follows the rise of Uranus, Gaea, the Titans, and Zeus's hard-won triumph over Cronus and the older powers, establishing the Olympian order through battles with Giants and monstrous foes. From there, it moves through the Golden Age, Prometheus's gift of fire, Pandora's release of suffering, and the flood that destroys a wicked race before Deucalion and Pyrrha restore mankind. The book also weaves in the sorrow of Demeter and Persephone, explaining the changing seasons through myth. At its heart stands Heracles, whose labors, punishments, triumphs, and tragedies reveal the cost of heroism. He frees Prometheus, drags Cerberus from the Underworld, serves Omphale, fights for Troy, and wins Deianira after defeating Acheloüs. Yet his story darkens with insult, rage, exile, and the fatal deceit of Nessus, whose poisoned gift plants the seeds of ruin. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.