The Library of Greek Mythology

apollodorus of athens robin hard

The only work of its kind to survive from classical antiquity, the Library of Apollodorus is a unique guide to Greek mythology, from the origins of the universe to the Trojan War. Apollodorus' Library has been used as a source book by classicists from the time of its compilation in the 1st-2nd century AD to the present, influencing writers from antiquity to Robert Graves. It provides a complete history of Greek myth, telling the story of each of the great families of heroic mythology, and the various adventures associated with the main heroes and heroines, from Jason and Perseus to Heracles and Helen of Troy. As a primary source for Greek myth, as a reference work, and as an indication of how the Greeks themselves viewed their mythical traditions, the Library is indispensable to anyone who has an interest in classical mythology. Robin Hard's accessible and fluent translation is supplemented by comprehensive notes, a map and full genealogical tables. The introduction gives a detailed account of the Library's sources and situates it within the fascinating narrative traditions of Greek mythology.

Genres mythologyclassicshistorynonfictiongreeceancientreferencereligionancient historyliterature

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,0200

This edition

Format: 336 pages, Paperback
Published: February 25, 1999 by Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780192839244
ASIN: 0192839241
Language: English

Characters More characters

Ixion

In Greek mythology, Ixion (Greek: Ἰξίων) was the son the Phlegyas, descendent of Ares, and king of the Lapiths in Thessaly. He is chiefly known as the first human to shed kindred blood. Ixion invited his father-in-law, Deioneus, to come and collect the pr...

About the author

apollodorus of athens

Greek: Απολλόδωρος
Apollodorus of Athens (Greek: Ἀπολλόδωρος ὁ Ἀθηναῖος, Apollodoros ho Athenaios; c. 180 BC – after 120 BC), son of Asclepiades, was a Greek scholar, historian, and grammarian. He was a pupil of Diogenes of Babylon, Panaetius the Stoic, and the grammarian Aristarchus of Samothrace, under whom he appears to have studied together with his contemporary Dionysius Thrax. He left (perhaps fled) Alexandria around 146 BC, most likely for Pergamon, and eventually settled in Athens.