Mythology

[Sparrowhawk]

Anybody here like to read mythology? I like Greek mythology, but I'm really looking forward to reading some Norse Mythology, supposedly that is where Tolkien got a lot of his ideas. I kinda look at Mythology as fantasy novels that are really hard read. lol

[dragonshimmer]

Oh, awesome, another mythology fan. I spent about 4 years of my middle/high school career with my nose stuck in every single kind of mythology book I could find. I'm most fond of Greek mythology and Roman mythology...well, the two are very similar, so of course I'm fond of both.

What's the general idea of Norse mythology?

[kazekami]

Norse is pretty dark. The world is a dead giant. Everthing is destroyed in the end kind of thing. Intresting stuff just dark. I'm very intrested in Mythology and folklore. I've read French, norse, German, Greek, Roman, and a few others. The Norse believed that if you were a good warriar you got to go to this feast at Vallihara. But when Ragnarok comes it will end the feast and the gods will kill each other. They like the Anglo-Saxons didn't have a very happy outlook on death. The Anglo-Saxons believed that the only way to live on was through fame. Once you died that was it.

[Puguni]

^_^ I love love myth. I recommend Edith Hamilton to you all, because her book, "Mythology" is an extensive collection of Greek/Roman myth and she even covers some Norse myth towards the end.

I'm a Latin nerd, and I play quote unquote "Latin Trivia" or Certamen. I cover myth on my team.

[kazekami]

that is an awsome book. A friend of mine gave it to me.

[Technomancer]

I'm definately another mythology buff. I've certainly read a lot of the familiar myths (e.g. Greek, Roman and Norse) although I've read more extensively than that. What's really worth doing I think is to read some of the books that try to get at the "bigger" picture so to speak. By this I mean people like Joseph Campbell, Jan Puhvel, etc.

[kazekami]

Cambell is really intresting. He uses a lot of Jung. Jung is also intresting. heh

[Doubleshadow]

I also disappeared in my high school library to read Bulfinch and peruse the various mythology encyclopedias. The differences between Greek and Roman mythology are very interesting to me because it reflects how the cultures were diferent. Of course, studying regional variations in myths among the Greeks citystates is equally interesting. Not enough Norse mythology survives to really hold my interest, though I do enjoy the cycles. Siegfried and such. I also liked to go through and find where quirky, non-Biblical beliefs snuck into the periphery of Biblical interpretation through the Nordic myths. I found Native American mythology quite entertaining because it was so different.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Some greek mythology is good, norse is good also. But my favourite would have to be Egyptian mythology. I just find it more interesting and 'exotic.'

[kazekami]

I remeber once I did this project in a group and I was incharge of Mythology and Folklore. And the Professuer handed me a book by some Russian guy about the structure of folklore. It was pretty intresting. He had categorized the stories. It was something with a P. I'll have to look it up later.

[Kaori]

I tend to be fascinated by anything along the lines of mythology, folk lore, or fairly tales. Greek and Roman mythology is probably the most familiar to me, since it has had the greatest influence upon English literature, but I am particularly fond of Norse mythology.

In response to Dragonshimmer's question, it would be impossible to summarize Norse mythology in a few sentences, since it was based on a complex pantheon that is substantially different from the Greek or Roman gods. As kazekami mentioned, it has a much darker and more austere tone than the Greek myths. One note of interest, however, is that Ragnarok is not a final end in Norse mythology; legend held that after the death of the gods and general destruction of the world, the earth and sun would return in a new, purified form to be repopulated by the remnants of mankind. A few of the gods were to return as well, but not all of them: Vali and Vidar, Modi and Magni, Balder and Hodur. (Information paraphrased from Myths of the Norsemen, H. A. Guerber).

[mitsuki lover]

Norse mythology is part of my culture.I also enjoy Greek and Roman mythology.
The myth of Ragnarok states that in the final battle between good and evil all of
the Gods will be destroyed as well as the heroes who fight beside them.Not only that but Mankind in general will be destroyed with the exception of a single man
and woman who will find shelter in the World Tree Ygdrasil.From them will be born
the rejuvenated human race.(This part is much like the Flood story where the human race is renewed through Noah and his sons after everyone else is killed.)
Ragnarok is preceeded by other things by two Winters that succeed each other
without a break.
Norse mythology tends to be bleak because the land itself was harsh.

[kazekami]

Thats something I did not know. =) I've only read a little about Norse Myth. I'd like to read more. It intresting how NOrse myth and Roman History are linked. Apprently there are two guys who were ancient Roman heros from the early days of Roman history. One had one gouged out his own eye and the other cut of his hand. If I remeber correctly. Been a long time since I looked at my notes for that class. But the professur said that it was a lot like Oden and the guy who put his hand in Fenrirs mouth to trick him into the chains. There is no proff these guys existed. Its more like legendary history of early rome. I thought that was pretty intresting.

[Maledicte]

For anyone interested in any sort of mythology, might I suggest
http://www.pantheon.org

I use it a lot whenever I'm looking for some story or art inspiration. Worth a look.

As for myself, the only person who knows Greek mythos better than me is my sister.

[Kiba-kun]

*looks at name* ya i'm definatly into mythology ^^ unfortunatly i'm not quite the master of it unless you mean at my school and town

[mitsuki lover]

I believe it is Tyr the Norse God of War,Odin's brother and the Norse equivalent of
Mars who is destined according to the myths to stick his hand into the jaws of
the arch-wolf Fenris.
Note:Fenris was the basis of the character Fenric in the Dr.Who story:
The Wolves of Fenric.

[kazekami]

I think that was the one. I thought it was an intresting connection my professor pointed out. =) Is it just coincidence or is it somehow related. =)

[K. Ayato]

Did someone call me? ST2M (my sister) is right. I'm a sucker for Greek mythology. I don't know EVERY Greek myth under the sun. Funny thing is how my intructors in college would be impressed at how well I knew some of the myths they'd bring up in lecture. I'd be like "Didn't you at least hear about these when YOU were young?" Gimme a break. I don't believe in them, mind you. But they are interesting stuff to read. Norse mythology is more complicated to me. I don't know a lot. I do however know the story of Tristan and Isolde (although that's a British myth).

[kazekami]

Did someone call me? ST2M (my sister) is right. I'm a sucker for Greek mythology. I don't know EVERY Greek myth under the sun. Funny thing is how my intructors in college would be impressed at how well I knew some of the myths they'd bring up in lecture. I'd be like "Didn't you at least hear about these when YOU were young?" Gimme a break. I don't believe in them, mind you. But they are interesting stuff to read. Norse mythology is more complicated to me. I don't know a lot. I do however know the story of Tristan and Isolde (although that's a British myth).

Thats part of the King Arthur Cycle. Which is pretty intresting considering the view that most people know about King Arthur is the one created by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Who took the Welsh legends and turned them into the Medieval looking kingdom that we usually associate with King Arthur today. In The History of the Kings of Britian, which was written like most hostory books at the time, he claims like Virgils in Vergils Aenid that the Welsh, as the Roman were decended from Survivors of Troy. A small part of the book is dedicated to kings other then Arthur. THe majority of the book focuses on him. THe whole thing is absolutely fantastical and its laughable to think people thought this was history. It reads more like fairy stories. Monmouth wrote the book to promote patriotism amoung the welsh under opression from the Anglo-saxons. Its amazing how he took the tales and transformed them. I know a lot about King Arthur. It's what I know best. I did a lot of research on it in high school and some in college. Originially Arthur was a leader after the Roman Empire abandonned The British Isles and left the Romanized Celtic peoples to fend for themselves. Monmouth changed this image.

[K. Ayato]

What's your opinion on Stephen R. Lawhead's versions of the story?

[kazekami]

Which one is that? I don't think I've actaully read that one. I haven't read anything new on it for several years. And if I haven't read that one I should give it a try when I can. =) One version I despise is "the once and Fruture King" by I think his name was White. I dislike it very very much. I do like Mary Stewarts Merlin Trilogy and her book on Mordred, and A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court is fun, except the end part. I've also read Malory and a few compilations of tales. And the Faerie Queen by Edmond Spencer.

[Ashley]

I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, but I love mythology and folklore of just about any kind. My focused area of interest, though, is Greco-Roman and Arthurian. I competed in mythology in high school for the Texas State Junior Classical League meets (basically, Latin and Greek clubs :p ), but I've had an interest in King Arthur since I was in 6th grade.

Two off-the-trail books on Arthur I would recommend are Secret Camelot by John Matthews (out of print now, but in some libraries) and Proud Knight, Fair Lady: The Twelve Lais of Marie de France. Both are quite enjoyable sources of little known tales. Also, Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon series--most excellent!

[kazekami]

I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, but I love mythology and folklore of just about any kind. My focused area of interest, though, is Greco-Roman and Arthurian. I competed in mythology in high school for the Texas State Junior Classical League meets (basically, Latin and Greek clubs :p ), but I've had an interest in King Arthur since I was in 6th grade.

Two off-the-trail books on Arthur I would recommend are Secret Camelot by John Matthews (out of print now, but in some libraries) and Proud Knight, Fair Lady: The Twelve Lais of Marie de France. Both are quite enjoyable sources of little known tales. Also, Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon series--most excellent!

I'll have to try those books you recommended. I've read the Marie de France one, which was wonderful. I'm always fair game for learning more about King Arthur. =) It's very intresting. Have you read any of the Roland and Charelmange tales?

[Kaori]

Originially Arthur was a leader after the Roman Empire abandonned The British Isles and left the Romanized Celtic peoples to fend for themselves. Monmouth changed this image.

That's true]Idylls of the King[/I]? His is probably my favorite retelling of the Arthurian legends, although I will be reading some of the earlier ones (The Mabinigion, Monmouth, Chretien de Troyes) for a class this semester.

[kazekami]

That's true]Idylls of the King[/I]? His is probably my favorite retelling of the Arthurian legends, although I will be reading some of the earlier ones (The Mabinigion, Monmouth, Chretien de Troyes) for a class this semester.

Yeah thats right. He would have been a Celtic warrior, probably with Roman influence. Yip I've read all of those. Though not a full version of the Mabinigion. I haven't been able to get a copy of the whole thing only an abridged version. -_-. I do plan to get the unabridged version eventually. Because the tales that I've read from that are my favorite. =) Monmouth is hilarious. But i thought Plutarch was funny too. But I'm not the only one. heh. I think it would be intresting to write a comparative paper of his History of the Kings of Britian and the Aenied. They start out very similarly. My history Professuer THomas Mayes, said when I told him about it, that it was typical of Medieval histories to be written like that. Which is intresting.

[Kaori]

Yip I've read all of those. Though not a full version of the Mabinigion. I haven't been able to get a copy of the whole thing only an abridged version. -_-.

Try Dover Thrift--my edition is unabridged, and it only cost $2.50 new.

[kazekami]

Will do. =)Thanks. I just was unlucky when I got mine. Happened to me several times because I get excited and don't pay attention. 0_o

[Sparrowhawk]

WOW was not expecting but maybe one or two replies. My freinds all seem (at home) seem to all think mythology is boring and nobody reads it anymore. Guess not.

I myself have mostly only heard the Greco-Roman myths and have just bought Edith Hamilton's Mythology for school, we are studying the whole thing. The only problem i have with it is it seems to be a summary (at least the two tales we have studied thus far are: Hymn to Demeter and the story of Dionysis(i cant spell). I have read the full Hymn to Demeter (translated obviously) and have read many myths that are not the whole word for word translations. Those seem harder to find.

What would anyone recommend for a book on Norse Mythology?

[Rachel]

I love greek mythology, my favorite ones are probably Icarus and Sisyphus. It's been a while though, since I've read any books on the subject so as soon as I pay my library fine, I'll probably do that.

I also love anything about King Arthur. Stephen R. Lawhead's series was awesome. Have y'all read his book Avalon? It's not part of that particular series, but it's really neat.

Also, do any of y'all like T. A. Barron? The Lost Years of Merlin is an awesome series. He's also got a new series started called The Tree of Avalon or something like that. I read the first book a couple weeks ago and it fairly rocked.

[Kaori]

I myself have mostly only heard the Greco-Roman myths and have just bought Edith Hamilton's Mythology for school, we are studying the whole thing. The only problem i have with it is it seems to be a summary

That seems to be the problem with most anthologies. I personally prefer Bullfinch's Mythology over Edith Hamilton's because it seemed to be a bit meatier, but it still summarizes the myths to a large degree.

What would anyone recommend for a book on Norse Mythology?

I recently read H. A. Guerber's Myths of the Norsemen. While it is still not a direct translation of the Eddas and Sagas, it is fairly thorough in its treatment of the myths and contains quite a few details that I found interesting. The publisher is Dover.