Oh My Gods
A Modern Retelling of Greek and Roman Myths
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3.3 • 13 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
From acclaimed writer and scholar Philip Freeman, a contemporary retelling of classic Greek and Roman mythology.
The Greek and Roman myths have never died out; in fact they are as relevant today as ever in their sharp observations about human nature. For thousands of years they have inspired plays, operas, and paintings; today they live on in movies and video games.
Oh My Gods is a contemporary retelling of some of the most popular myths by Philip Freeman, a noted classicist. These tales of errant gods, fantastic creatures, and human heroes are brought to life in fresh and modern versions. Powerful Zeus; his perpetually aggrieved wife, Hera; talented Apollo; beautiful Aphrodite; fierce Athena; the dauntless heroes Theseus and Hercules; and the doomed lovers Orpheus and Eurydice still inspire awe, give us courage, and break our hearts.
From the astonishing tales of the Argonauts to the immortal narrative of the Battle of Troy, these ancient tales have inspired writers from Shakespeare to J. K. Rowling. In Philip Freeman’s vibrant retelling they will doubtless inspire a new generation of readers.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Did Zeus use his immense power solely for good? Was Jason really a great hero who sailed across the sea to find the Golden Fleece or a selfish lout who succeeded only with the help of a clever and resourceful woman he later betrayed? Classicist Freeman (Julius Caesar) tries to answer these questions by retelling familiar Greek and Roman myths so we can hear the challenging portions that are often glossed over. But what he accomplishes is simply the retelling of these myths for modern readers in contemporary language while remaining faithful to the original sources. Often he paraphrases a single ancient author or merges several sources. Sections are devoted to myths of creation, myths of gods and goddesses, heroes, lovers. Freeman retells such familiar tales as the spinning contest between the goddess Athena and the great weaver Arachne, which ends with Athena turning Arachne into a spider that will forever weave beautiful patterns in her webs. The book includes a helpful glossary, lists of Greek and Roman gods, and suggestions for further reading. While there is no substitute for Hesiod, Homer, Ovid, or Virgil, Freeman's lively if unoriginal retellings offer a useful introduction to these enduring stories. Maps.
