Learn about Celtic mythology and art, with recommended books and resources.
From the monthly archives:
January 2009
Although the ancient Romans were inspired by the mythology of their neighbors, the Greeks, they also had their own myths and traditions. The tale of the founding of Rome by Romulus, as well as the stories of heroism and duty to the city (such as that of the Horatii, or of the brave Cloelia), are all part of Roman legend. However, Roman myths tend to have a slightly different focus than Greek myths, for many Roman tales seem to have a more historical flavor. To be sure, the legends of Greece were often regarded as having some basis in reality (for example, the Trojan War as a real historical event), but they are somehow more endowed with lyricism, the innate imagination of the poet than the somewhat pragmatic tales of the Romans. That being noted, we invite you to read about the Roman myths, and come to your own conclusions about these compelling stories of heroes and gods.
The sources for ancient Greek myth are myriad. Indeed, references to myth range from those written by contemporary Greek historians and authors; to poems composed in honor of the gods and goddesses; to plays (comedies, tragedies, and so-called satyr plays) meant to dramatize man’s relationships with the divine (and sometimes man’s aspirations to be divine…); to works of art created to represent a particular deity, hero, or mythical creature. Truly, to compile a complete list of ancient sources is far beyond the resources of most individuals. However, the alternative is probably more useful, in that a description of the major characters of Greek myth has the distinction of being accessible.
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