Mythical Monsters in Classical Literature

Description

This engaging, readable yet impeccably scholarly investigation of monsters in Classical literature will entertain and stimulate as well as inform. It covers all the major mythical monsters mentioned by Greek and Roman authors (Medusa, Hydra, Polyphemus, the Minotaur, Sphinx, Harpies, Sirens, Cerberus, Chimaera, Centaurs, and many more) along with Classical precursors of vampires, werewolves and the living dead. Versions of these creatures that appear in later literature and film are also discussed. Mythical Monsters is original in considering monsters squarely from a literary standpoint, introducing elements of literary analysis gradually as the work progresses, and building up to quite a sophisticated approach. This will increase readers' critical appreciation and plain enjoyment of these stories, which continue to fascinate today. To facilitate browsing, each chapter can be read independently. There is a useful bibliography, and the book is enlivened by illustrations from ancient and more recent art. Cover Contents Preface Introduction 1. Vampires, Werewolves and the Living Dead Furies, Keres, Empusa and strix Werewolves The living dead Appendix: Non-mythical monsters 2. Impact 3. Laocoon and the Sea-Snakes 4. Sirens In Homer’s Odyssey In Apollonius of Rhodes’ Voyage of Argo In other Classical authors In medieval, Renaissance and later authors 5. Other Winged Monsters The Stymphalian Birds Griffins The sphinx Harpies 6. A Monster-Slayer Theseus’ early life and conquests The Minotaur The Calydonian boar The Centaurs Theseus’ end 7. A Good Monster: Chiron 8. Metamorphosed Monsters Medusa Scylla 9. Jason and the Argonauts Talos The hydra The earthborn men 10. Fighting with Monsters (1) The Second Labour of Heracles: the Hydra of Lerna Plot analysis: functions and stages Filling out the story The Tenth Labour of Heracles: Geryon and Cacus 11. Fighting with Monsters (2) Typhos Perseus, Andromeda and the sea-monster Perseus and Medusa 12. Polyphemus Odysseus and Polyphemus Polyphemus and Galatea Appendix: Other gigantic monsters Notes Select Bibliography Index of Monsters A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P S T V W Z