Greek Myths and Mesopotamia: Parallels and Influence in the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod - Softcover

Penglase, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415157064 ISBN 13: 9780415157063

Publisher: Routledge, 1997

Synopsis

Examines the Mesopotamian influence on Greek mythology in literary works of the epic period, concentrating in particular on journey myths. A major contribution to the understanding of the colourful myths involved.

About this title

Review:

'A welcome and provoking study of a difficult subject.' – J. H. Hordern, Trinity College, Dublin

'... contains much detailed and useful information ...' – Scholia Reviews

'Charles Penglase's Greek Myths is a scholarly piece of work, soundly based on a good knowledge of the myths of ancient Iraq.' – Times Literary Supplement

Synopsis:

This book investigates the nature and extent of Mesopotamian influence in Greek religious mythological works of the early archaic period, with the aim of elucidating Greek myths and the nature of the mythology involved. Beginning with myths of the goddess Inanna and her consort Dumuzi, and the heroic warrior god Ninurta, the author examines major Greek works in the light of central Mesopotamian ideas, principally those incorporated in the journeys of the gods. Intriguing correspondences with Mesopotamian ideas and motifs shed light on the Homeric hymns to Apollo, Demeter and Persephone, Aphrodite and Athena, and on Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days . Distinctive features are the careful and precise analysis of the myths, the extensive parallels adduced and their complex and specific nature. This revelation of the extensive and comprehensive degree of Mesopotamian influence and the extraordinary specific correspondences involved announce a breakthrough in the study of Greek mythology anbd religion.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0415157064
• ISBN 13: 9780415157063
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 292