Exploring Greek Myth

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Chapter One: The Knife Did It 1

Definitions and Characteristics for the Study of Myth

Chapter Two: Six Hundred Gods 15

Greek Myth and Greek Religion

Chapter Three: Homer’s Beauty Pageant 30

The Traditions of Myth

Chapter Four: Pelops’ Shoulder 43

Sources for the Study of Myth

Chapter Five: Ikaros’ Wings, Aktaion’s Dogs 54

Myth and Meaning

Chapter Six: The Bones of Orestes 68

Heroes in Myth and Society

Chapter Seven: Born from the Earth 80

Founders of Cities and Families

Chapter Eight: The Judgment of Paris 97

Comparative Myth

Chapter Nine: Boys in Dresses, Brides with Beards 111

Myth and Gender

Chapter Ten: Agamemnon’s Mask? 126

Myth and History

Chapter Eleven: Orestes on Trial 140

Myth and Thought

Chapter Twelve: Plato and the Poets 154

Philosophy and Myth

Chapter Thirteen: Conclusion 168

Notes 171

References 179

Index 187