The Nature of Greek Myths

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Professor Kirk has examined these universal theories in detail. They are all, he admits, illuminating, but none is adequate by itself, because these ' traditional tales ' are of such variety that no single theory that can embrace them all. His general analysis of the nature of myth is followed by a splendid account of the Greek myths - myths about gods, myths about heroes and, in greater detail, the myths about the unique god-hero Heracles. In the final chapter of this unusually rigorous study Professor Kirk speculates on the manner in which an age dominated by myth gave way to an age dominated by philosophy.