Cliffs Notes on Mythology

by James Weigel Jr.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.In CliffsNotes on Mythology, you'll review the myths from seven different cultures and gain an overview of the stories that people have lived by from ancient times to the present. The gods and their stories depict life's lessons and personal relationships and present a moral code of human conduct. These stories are also a map to understanding history.

This CliffsNotes guide covers Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian, Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies, as well as the Arthurian legends. Features that help you figure out these important works include


An introduction to mythology
The main gods of various cultures
Review questions
Recommended readings
Genealogical tables of major gods
Classic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Genres: Mythology, Reference, Nonfiction, Classics, Greek Mythology, Literature, History

216 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 1973

Reviews

[Nancy Motto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided this year I was going to delve more deeply into mythology. This books is absolutely packed with information and I'm sure I won't remember a lot of it but it is a great way to get a solid introduction to the myths of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Indian/Hindu, Babylonian, Norse etc)

[Bob Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this resource. As a World History teacher, it has been my go to quick mythology resource for over twenty years for some quick stories to add into my lessons when discussing ancient religions.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had joked that the OTHER Mythology book I read recently was basically this, but this is MUCH easier to read, probably because it distills the legends even more—though that's admittedly my first impression based on the descriptions of the Egyptian deities (I just flipped through the rest to see which others are included so I could tag them; the majority of the book is Greek/Roman, but also Indian (I do mean from India), Babylonian, Norse, and Arthurian).

I did still find myself immediately tuning out whatever I read, though, since it's VERY hard to read such clinical, detached descriptions without immediate context. Like, I'm passively aware of the Egyptian deities from stuff like Yu-Gi-Oh! and The Kane Chronicles (or, even more flagrantly, Oh, Suddenly Egyptian Gods), but I just never remember anything about them since the relationships between each aren't really explored (except comedically, for OSEG). I suppose if they were to feature more prominently into mainstream media, like Thor and Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or if there were a Lore Egypt, I might remember this better.

The notes help, though, so I might hang onto this for when it becomes relevant (which is highly probable—manga/anime in particular seem to be stretching out to find inspiration in a lot of weird places).

[Covey Mcallister · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are diving into the Greek or Roman mythologies this is great as a quick reference!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of mythology as it existed in various cultures from the dawn of time: Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Norse and the Arthurian legends. The author does a superb job of recounting the details of the principal myths of each culture, then summarizes their meaning in light of the cultural traits, ideals, characteristics and motivations of the peoples of each culture. Interestingly, the myths were not usually not codified until the culture was in decline - perhaps it was a means of memorializing the culture when it was at its zenith. Most of the author's focus centered on Greek mythology which is why I placed it in classics-greek bookshelf. The author answered many questions I have had over the years concerning mythical characters. He pointed me in the direction of the original sources behind each mythical legend. An excellent read and summary.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a pretty cool book, with attention to a time-line of events, unlike most books that throe everything at you and then try to put it in a line. Also it points its attention to main god and their relations, and unlike other books it also points at facts of historical value.

[Diane Fuson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't understand the difference between Mythologies till I read this book. I always confused so many of the different Gods, but I am no longer ignorant of Mythology. Enjoyed learning something new!

[J. Aleksandr Wootton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little primer - good place to start. (But don't stop here, obviously!)

[David Withun · Rating 3 out of 5]

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