Ancient myths & legends without men / Mara Gold.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gold, Mara, Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Women--Mythology.

Women.

Women--Folklore.

Women heroes--Mythology.

Women heroes.

Goddesses.

Folklore.

Feminist literary criticism.

Genre:

Informational works.

Illustrated works.

Physical Description:

xvii, 221 pages : illustrations, genealogical tables ; 22 cm

Edition:

First U.S. edition.

Other Title:

Ancient myths and legends without men

Place of Publication:

Philadelphia : Running Press, 2026.

Summary:

Meet the goddesses, warriors, witches, and monsters who shaped and subverted womanhood from the very beginning in this this bold, empowering illustrated collection perfect for fans of New York Times bestseller Circe. Was Circe really just a temptress?? Were the Amazons nothing more than bloodthirsty fighters?? And was Athena truly the role model ancient women needed? In Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men, expert classicist Mara Gold recenters the women at the heart of some of the world's most enduring myths. From Greek and Roman legends to tales from around the globe, this fresh, feminist take shines a new light on iconic figures like Medusa, Hera, and Persephone, revealing the power, complexity, and agency they've always had. Vibrantly illustrated and told with clarity and wit, Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men is a must-read for mythology lovers and anyone eager to revisit these stories through a new lens. These women were never just supporting characters--it's time they took the spotlight.

"Discover the characters in Greek, Roman, and world myths who were shaping and subverting womanhood from the very beginning. It's time to reclaim the narrative. Was Circe truly just a temptress and witch? Were the Amazonian women nothing more than bloodthirsty warriors? Was Athena the virginal role model women really needed? From cunning goddess to misunderstood monsters, Ancient Myths and Legends without Men centers the women so often sidelined in classical mythology. While traditional tales cast them in the shadows of male gods and heroes, this fresh, feminist exploration brings women's stories to the forefront. Author and expert classicist Mara Gold reexamines figures including Hera, Circe, and Medusa, as well as female characters from myths across the world. This illustrated book challenges long held narratives and invites readers to see these characters through a modern lens, revealing their enduring influence and relevance today. Whether you're a mythology lover, a fan of feminist retellings, or a newcomer to these tales, this book is your accessible guide to the women who've been in the story all along"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Family tree

Homemaker. Gaia ; Rhea ; Demeter and Persephone ; Penelope ; Pandora ; Pasiphaë ; Lamia

Virgin. Athena ; Artemis ; Hestia

Warrior. Amazons ; Srikandi ; Atalanta ; Joan of Arc ; Valkyries ; Sekhmet

Femme fatale. Aphrodite ; Helen of Troy ; Clytemnestra ; Calypso

Witch. Hecate ; Medea ; Circe ; Kurangaituku

Madwoman. Maenads ; Women of Lemnos ; Furies ; Cassandra ; Hera

Monster. Medusa ; Ceto ; Scylla and Charybdis ; Sirens and mermaids ; Echidna ; Chimera ; Sphinx.

Notes:

Includes index.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Jones Fund bookplate.

ISBN:

9798894142739

OCLC:

1535339661