Who was Pandora and what was in her famous box? Why is a brand of sportswear named after the goddess Nike? How did Achilles get his Achilles heel? What exactly is a Titan? And why is one computer virus known as a Trojan horse?

The myths of ancient Greece and Rome can seem bewilderingly complex and yet they are so much a part of modern life and discourse that most of us know fragments of them. This handy companion takes these fragments and weaves them into a comprehensible and enjoyable narrative, guiding you through the foundational stories of classical myth.

Philip Matyszak explains the sequences of events and introduces the major plots and characters, from the origins of the world and the labours of Hercules to the Trojan War and the voyages of Odysseus and Aeneas. He brings to life an exotic cast of heroes and monsters, wronged women and frighteningly arbitrary yet powerful Gods. He also shows how the stories have survived and greatly influenced later art and culture, from Renaissance painting and sculpture to modern opera, literature, film and everyday products.

Packed with intriguing facts and diverting stories, this carefully researched yet accessible guide is the ideal introduction to the myths and tales that lie at the heart of western culture.

With 95 illustrations.