The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends

Extraordinary and Mesmerizing Stories That Will Boggle Your Mind

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 8 Oct 2024 | Archive Date 17 Oct 2024

Talking about this book? Use #TheEncyclopediaofEpicMythsandLegends #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

In this unique exploration of world mythology, discover how ancient tales across cultures have influenced today’s pop culture, from Beyoncé to Game of Thrones. 

Fun and engaging, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends details the influences of classical stories on contemporary popular culture. Without these myths, passed down through the generations over three millennia, many of the stories we enjoy in our current media wouldn’t exist! 

Along with colorful illustrations and graphics, author Arie Kaplan makes unexpected connections in our everyday lives. Are you wearing Nike shoes? The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Big on astronomy? Most of the planets in our solar system, like Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars, are named after members of the Roman pantheon. Kaplan takes you on a deep dive into mythology from around the world and shows that Superman and Achilles are connected, Frankenstein and Prometheus were cut from the same cloth, and how an Egyptian sun god has inspired video games, the musical stage, and the silver screen.  

The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends deftly combines history and modern pop culture to enrich your experience of both worlds. This captivating book covers:
 

  • Not only the Greek Pantheon but mythology from cultures from all around the world, from West African mythology to Egyptian, Roman, Incan, Celtic, Indian, Zoroastrian, Norse, Japanese, Chinese, and British myths, to name a few.  
  • Unexpected correlations between things we see in our everyday lives and mythology, like Beyoncé's use of imagery of the Yoruba water goddess Osun, the Marvel Universe and Norse gods Loki, Thor, and Odin, and Superman's conception through Hercules, King Arthur, and Moses. 
  • Fascinating sidebars that break down legendary lore such as unicorns, the Tooth Fairy, and Stonehenge, as well as examinations of mythic masters who have expertly woven these timeless tales into pop culture like Neil Gaiman and George Lucas.  
  • A deep dive into the fascinating folklore from all around the world, and how we all are connected, no matter how far apart we might be. 


With countless Easter eggs revealed throughout, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends is an exciting way to learn about ancient mythology. You may think you know what inspired The Hunger Games or Percy Jackson, but now you can truly discover the source of these modern tales.

The Wonderpedia series offers comprehensive, display-worthy illustrated references on a range of intriguing topics, including archeological discoveries, world mythology, pop culture, global superstitions, and the fascinating stories behind signs and symbols. A cross-cultural exploration of what makes humans tick, this series magnifies the connective threads between us across time and geography and demystifies the surprising, confounding sides of life.  

In this unique exploration of world mythology, discover how ancient tales across cultures have influenced today’s pop culture, from Beyoncé to Game of Thrones. 

Fun and engaging, The Encyclopedia of...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781577154518
PRICE US$19.99 (USD)
PAGES 256

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Average rating from 22 members


Featured Reviews

Really informative, easy to follow and find the myths and lore. I love all the artistic elements as well.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an E-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I really loved this book. In general I love myths and legends so was excited about the concept. I felt like Kaplan did a good job at trying to vary the stories from different countries and cultures. Of course many were missed but I do believe that this book is a good stepping stone for people to begin their journey. I really loved how this book was presented. I thought the font style, colouring, and illustrations all worked super well together and made it an enjoyable read. I also appreciated how Kaplan went into more detail with certain stories making note of how the story has changed through different pop culture moments such as Percy Jackson, Lord of the Rings, and What We Do In The Shadows. I would wholeheartedly recommend this!

Was this review helpful?

I read this courtesy Net Galley and Wellfleet Press. Myths and legends are all around us! Arie Kaplan’s book tells us that we can find reminders of those stories from everywhere around the world, ranging from the planets named after the Roman gods (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, et al.) to Greek Nike and Achilles (of heel fame) to Hermes, whose image represents a particular floral delivery service and whose name inspired a way to make sure your seal is securely closed, to Osun, the Yoruba goddess of love, who is referenced by Beyonce in her music. And there’s more, much more, not just gods. Kaplan talks about Bigfoot (aka Sasquatch) and its origins, the differences between myths and religions (a notable distinction), why societies create myths, and even goes into smaller-detailed myths like the tooth fairy. So many myths, so many legends. This is an enjoyable read and instructional, too.
#TheEncyclopediaofEpicMythsandLegends #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

This encyclopedia is so cool. I absolutely love learning and myths and legends to begin with but the detail and ease of reading is amazing. I love the colors and illustrations. The set up is perfect and I can easily read the stories and flip through to find one to learn about. I come from Greek heritage so that God's chapter was my favorite to read, short simple stories with the perfect amount of details! I would read another book like this in a heartbeat.

Was this review helpful?

5⭐️/5
This is a book that I'd gift my children and grand-children. It's that good. The book is an inkling into the world of myths and folktales. It delves into myths from across the world from roman, greek myths to Egyptian, Japanese and South American tales. The common fabric that binds all the myths is captivating. It begins with myths about the creation of the universe and moves into stories of heroes and monsters. Every story leaves the reader wonderstruck and wanting to know more. The stories of heroes like Chi Li is awe-inspiring and teeming with bravery, courage and sinew. I'd highly recommend this book for those who love good stories and are curious about the universe.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: