Myths, Monsters and Mayhem in Ancient Greece

Endlessly appealing, the Greek myths are some of the best-known stories ever told. This new collection, Myths, Monsters and Mayhem in Ancient Greece, is told in comic book form, making an attractive and accessible introduction to this world of magic and monsters.

The book starts by explaining who the ancient Greeks were and how their stories spread across the world. There are interesting links made to Greek pottery, trade and culture here, useful for anyone teaching about the Greeks in school. Having read the stories, children could look at depictions - of, for example, Theseus and the Minotaur - on different vases, commenting on details from the story and how these have been included or omitted.

The first story is that of creation, introducing the first beings, the Titans, the Cyclopes and the Hecatoncheires, the rise of Kronos and then his defeat by Zeus. The stories have been carefully edited and summarised, making them easy to follow, and the illustrations keep the tone light-hearted. A spread following this story introduces the twelve main gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, with the illustrations mimicking black-figure pottery. Six Greek myths follow, interspersed with additional information.

'How the Greek Myths Explained the World' shows how myths were used to make sense of the world and the role various gods and goddesses played in this. Heroes and heroines also have a section which explores the role of characters like Jason, Penthesilea and Achilles. Chiron, the centaur renowned for mentoring many Greek heroes, is shown leading a class through a gallery of statues celebrating these figures. Typhon's Zoo shows a selection of the mythical creatures and beasts of the ancient Greek world, explaining what they were and the threats they posed. A visit to the Greek underworld helps the reader to make sense of the locations referred to in various myths and another spread looks at the role of the Fates - Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos.

The book finishes with a map of the mythic ancient Greek world, showing where many of the stories happened. There is so much to recommend this collection for any teacher preparing work on the ancient Greeks as well as any one with an interest in the Greek myths. Essential reading!

64 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+