Author Description

The Greek gods and heroes are captivating as well as challenging objects of study. This volume brings together specialists who address some of the most important theoretical and methodological questions about them through case-studies, engage critically with the views of major past scholars and offer new suggestions. Among the questions examined are the relation between myth and ritual, how to account for the different competences of the Greek gods, how to approach the portrayal of gods and heroes in Greek literature and others. In addition, the volume investigates different cases of the modern reception and ideological appropriation of the Greek gods beyond academic scholarship, from Republican China and Germany in the 1920s and under the Nazis to late 20th century USA. By combining critical discussion of theoretical issues with specific examples, and a re-assessment of influential past approaches with new ideas, the volume contributes to the study of Greek gods and heroes both at a theoretical level and in concrete cases. The book will appeal not only to students of Greek religion and mythology, but also to people interested in ancient religions more broadly, in the history of classical scholarship and reception studies.