Mythologica: An Encyclopedia of Gods, Monsters and Mortals from Ancient Greece
What’s inside...
Mythologica is an illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology that combines breathtaking portraits by Victoria Topping with expert text by Dr. Stephen Kershaw. It profiles 50 figures from Greek myth, presented with their Greek names, attributes, and stories, along with additional facts and historical events. The book uses a mix of photography, painting, and collage to visually depict these mythical figures, offering a vibrant introduction to Greek mythology. Mythologica was named Amazon's No. 1 Children's Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2019.
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which mythological character fascinated you the most, and why?
How do you think the gods and mortals in these stories are similar to or different from people today?
What lessons can we learn from the actions and decisions of these ancient characters?
If you could have a power from any of the gods, which one would you choose and what would you do with it?
Why do you think myths were so important to the people of Ancient Greece?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child which myth from the book was their favorite and explore the reasons behind their choice.
Relate the stories to modern-day scenarios or characters that your child might be familiar with to help them draw parallels.
Use the myths as a starting point to discuss the concept of right and wrong, and the consequences of actions, to develop moral reasoning.
Encourage your child to imagine their own mythological world – this can help develop their creativity and storytelling skills.
Discuss the historical and cultural significance of Greek mythology to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the ancient world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: Through the tales of heroes like Hercules and Achilles, the book highlights how they faced numerous adversities but emerged victorious due to their bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears and challenges boldly, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The value of wisdom and intelligence
Explanation: Characters like Athena and Odysseus use their intelligence to solve problems and achieve goals, emphasizing that brains are as important as brawn.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to appreciate the power of thinking and learning, and apply clever problem-solving in school or social situations.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Mythological stories often illustrate the negative outcomes of deceitful behavior, such as the repercussions faced by those who lied to or tricked others.
Real-World Application: This serves as an everyday reminder for children to be honest and straightforward in their daily interactions and understand the importance of trust.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book covers a multitude of characters from different backgrounds and stories, helping to foster an understanding of complex perspectives and motivations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in opinions and backgrounds in their classmates and learn to thrive in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Through the enduring trials of characters like Prometheus and Sisyphus, children see the value of never giving up, despite difficulties or setbacks.
Real-World Application: This can inspire resilience in children when facing their academic challenges or personal setbacks, encouraging them to persevere through difficulties.