Jane Harrison examines the festivals of ancient Greek religion to identify the primitive "substratum" of ritual and its persistence in the realm of classical religious observance and literature. In Harrison's preface to this remarkable book, she writes that J. G. Frazer's work had become part and parcel of her "mental furniture" and that of others studying primitive religion. Today, those who write on ancient myth or ritual are bound to say the same...

Relates the exploits of Hades and his importance in Greek mythology and includes some of the stories about him.

Relates the exploits of Venus and her importance in Roman mythology, including her connection to such figures as Aeneus and Adonis, and describes the role of myths in the modern world.

An introduction to the character of Aeneas and his importance in Greek and Roman mythology.

An introduction to the character of Odysseus and his importance in Greek mythology.

An introduction to Achilles and his place in Greek mythology, including his connection with the Trojan War and such figures as Athena and Apollo.